Richard Brenton Melbye

Obituary Richard Brenton Melbye, 90, of Atherton CA passed away peacefully at his home February 21, 2024. Born in Berkeley, California, Dick was the son of Roy and Bessie Melbye. Dick was proud to hold the honor of Eagle Scout, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Dr.Wilbur Melbye. After graduating from Redondo Union HS, Dick attended UC Berkeley and was a member of the Sigma Phi Fraternity. Following his graduation from Cal in 1955, Dick attended the Boalt School of Law. In 1965 Dick joined the law firm of Owen, Melbye & Rohlff and achieved great success until his retirement in 2002. Dick was an active member of San Francisco Golf Club, Pacific Union Club and Sharon Heights Country Club. Dick married his college sweetheart, Anne Knowles Chew, in 1958. They met while Dick worked as a hasher at the Pi Phi house at Cal. Together, they raised four children. They celebrated over 66 years of marriage before his passing. Dick was a passionate supporter of Cal. Throughout his life he demonstrated his extraordinary commitment to Cal by providing numerous gifts to preserve and enhance the universities excellence. He enjoyed traveling to Cal football games near and far and hosted a notorious Big Game party before all games at the farm. Dick and Anne shared a life filled with travel and adventure. His pride of accomplishment was a six week “Grand Tour” of Europe via VW Bus with his family. In addition to traveling the world with friends and family, Dick was an avid reader, oil painter, film buff, jazz music enthusiast and master at water volley ball. Dick will be remembered by friends and family for his love and commitment to Anne during their 66 years together. His children will never forget that he remained at their mother’s side, caring for her until his last breath. Dick is survived by his four children: Brent Melbye (Cathy), Mark Melbye, Cathy Pluimer, (Kevin) and Kristin Rowell, (Deke); thirteen grandchildren- Megan & Brent Melbye, Max, Miles & Maggie Melbye, Anne (Samuel), Abby, Kit, Lucy & Charlotte Pluimer, Grace, Ellie & Will Rowell, and one great grandchild; Halcyon Hardemon. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations being made to the Cal Athletics Fund, (195 Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA 94720).

Richard Brenton Melbye

December 8, 1933 - February 21, 2024