Mel Prouty was the true epitome of a family man. Mel Prouty was a simple man. He never aspired or seemed to want all the fancy things money could buy, as he already had everything readily available that brought him happiness and true joy – the sea, opera and classical music and, most importantly, his family. He was an incredibly generous man with his time and wisdom. His time was spent working as a pharmacist to provide for his family and then any and all off-time enjoying his family.
Mel’s “Big Purchase” was the Prouty Beach Place – a small plot of land off Agate Road, sitting on the water’s edge of Hammersley Inlet. This was Mel’s piece of heaven, where every summer and long weekends were spent. This is where he had it all – the sea, opera and classical music blasting out of his transistor radio, and his family. this is where he would impart his wisdom – on sea-faring boats, fishing, digging clams, how to paddle a canoe, teaching the art of gathering and rolling logs and then listing off every name of every opera (even the singers), as well as every instrument being played during whichever piece was currently blasting out of that transistor radio.
Mel loved his kids, but his true joy came from his grandkids, and then, his great-grandkids. Gramps would attend as many sports, musical or theatrical events as possible. He was always there cheering them on, and very proud.
As his time with us was nearing, he looked up from his hospital bed at all of us whom were gathered and said, “Wow, my whole family. I was loved so much.” Yes, Mel, you were and are loved and we will miss you so.
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