Claude Melvin “Mel” Hess
December 16, 1930 - November 6, 2020
Claude Melvin (Mel) Hess died peacefully with family at his side on Nov 6, 2020 of complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 89 years old. Mel will be remembered as a loving husband, uncle, and friend who had a big heart, quick wit, and forthright honesty.
Mel was born in Kellogg, Idaho on Dec 16, 1930. His family moved to Eastern Washington when he was a young boy. Growing up on the family farm during the depression years, Mel learned the value of hard work and told stories of milking the cows every morning before school and raising chickens and livestock for the family’s sustenance. Mel graduated from Washtucna High School, one of twelve in his graduating class. He kept in contact with his classmates for many years and he and his wife Keiko attended many high school reunions.
Mel enlisted in the army when he was seventeen. He was stationed in Japan where he immersed himself in the culture and came to love the country and its people. After the army, Mel attended UC Berkeley and majored in History. Among his part-time jobs at Cal was at the Doe Library where he met his future wife, Keiko Hiramoto.
After graduating from Cal, Mel began his lifelong career of 40 years with the Social Services Department of Alameda County. He started as a case worker and retired in 1993 as Deputy Director. His colleagues knew him for his strong work ethic and his guiding principle of fairness for all.
In 1971, Mel married the love of his life, Keiko Hiramoto. He would lovingly confess that he carried a torch for Keiko for many years while she served in the Peace Corps and lived overseas. Fate brought them back together and they enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 49 years. Mel and Keiko shared a love of opera and the symphony which they looked forward to attending every season. Their travels took them to Spain, Asia, South America, and to Mexico numerous times.
Mel was the consummate Anglophile and especially loved British royal history. He had an amazing eye and appreciation for fine arts and collected Japanese prints and artifacts. And he loved to shop! For years, he spent Saturday mornings grocery shopping but we knew he was really on the hunt for garage and estate sales. Mel was an accomplished gardener and single-handedly landscaped his yards. He was a total movie buff and especially enjoyed the classic black and whites.
Family meant the world to Mel. He was lovingly known as “Uncle Mel” to all, even those outside the family. He enjoyed the numerous family gatherings and hearing about everyone’s latest news. Family and friends were often the lucky recipient of his famous cookies among his other delicious baked goods.
Mel is survived by his wife, Keiko Hiramoto Hess; brother Frank Epperson (Jan); cousin Margie Carlson Hurley (Larry); sister-in-law Ruby Hiramoto; many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and one great-grand niece.
Per Mel’s wishes, no service will be held. Donations in Mel’s memory can be made to the Oakland Buddhist Temple, Institute of Buddhist Studies, or a favorite charity.