Melvin James Rousseau

Melvin James Rousseau, 74, a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle passed away on April 21, 2021.

Mel was born in Mobridge, SD (Cheyenne River Sioux Nation), to Camille & Mildred Traversie-Rousseau on July 21, 1946. Mel was preceded in death by his parents, step dad Richard Sieler; Nephew Brian Wachtler; Sister Rochelle (Shelly) Farmer, and Brother Cyril Jerome (Jerry) Rousseau. Mel is survived by Son Travis (Jenny), Emily & Reese Rousseau and Daughter Tina (Carlos), Benicio & Mariano Sotero; his loving life partner Rosemary Gibson of 42 years; Brother Camille (Darla) Rousseau; and Brother Ronald Sieler. Mel is also survived by many relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021: Visitation at 9-10am; Service at 10am at the All Nations Assembly of God Church, 1119 Menaul Boulevard, NW, Albuquerque, NM. Interment is at Gallup State Veterans Cemetery (south side of Hasler Road (County Road 43), Gallup, NM at 2pm. French Funeral Home, 1111 University Boulevard, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 is handling arrangements.

Mel proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era and was Honorably Discharged in 1969. He was stationed in Okinawa as a transport and ammunitions specialist keeping the troops wellarmed in Vietnam. Upon his discharge, Mel resumed his college studies and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, Northern State College, Aberdeen, SD, where he began his work career with Northern State. He headed an advisory committee on Indian education which included counselors, better communications and relations with tribal governments, special orientation for new Indian college students, and summer transition courses for beginning Indian students. Through his creative endeavors, he was recruited by the federal government and began as a Personnel Officer with the Internal Revenue Service and then recruited by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). When he began with BIA, he was sent to Washington, DC and completed a year-long Departmental Management Program which enhanced his managerial skills in all facets of government.

Mel’s major accomplishments is having worked diligently at four major BIA Area Offices as an Assistant Area Director, Deputy Director (Administration) and Acting Area Director in Aberdeen, SD, Albuquerque, NM, Phoenix, AZ and Navajo in Gallup, NM. Duties at these locations was running the daily operations with full signatory authority for all programs: Personnel Management, Finance, Budget, Contracts, Procurement, Facilities, Safety, EEO, Management Information Systems, Indian Records, Individual Indian Monies/ Tribal Trust Funds, Roads, Realty, Law Enforcement, and Social Services. He had supervisory authority over Agency Superintendents and Division/Branch Chiefs. As a trustee, dealt with tribes on a government to government relationship being responsible for administering funds through Tribal Priority Allocation to tribes. The work he performed positively impacted the many tribes who had different needs at these locations.

After 28 years, Mel retired from the federal government in 1996 at age 50 and became a general partner in a computer technology service as a small business owner. After successfully managing and building up his business, he sold the business. As is Mel’s nature when called upon, he performed background investigative work for the Department of Homeland Security for 13 years and finally decided to retire for good in 2013. Golfing then became a full time job!

Mel had a love for family and friends, learning, teaching, entrepreneurial spirit, and playing sports. He excelled as an athlete in high school, in college, & in the military. Sports played included baseball, football, swimming, and racquetball, skiing, and an intense love for playing golf even scoring a hole in one when he began playing golf. His hobbies included camping, hunting, horseback riding, dancing, traveling; work crossword puzzles, and enjoy his favorite TV programs (old westerns). Mel was one of a kind: good hearted, compassionate, generous, and selfless and a hero to many; he took time to listen, provide sound advice and help those who sought assistance. Mel possessed a beautiful smile and a laughter that would light up a room when he entered, bringing a sense of peace, comfort and empathy to others. He shall be missed!

Pallbearers are Travis Rousseau, Carlos Sotero, Chad Farmer, Bill Woods, Jim Issues and Shanton Yazzie.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Bud Rousseau, Chuck Peone, Paul Guhin, Bill Gayton, and Jim Bill Ross.