To say that Mel was one of a kind would be an understatement. He was a company President that anyone could go to, talk to, and leave uplifted, encouraged, counseled; the positive adjectives are countless. Pasted from the obituary, "Often helping others in many ways with the understanding that his assistance would remain confidential," — I am a testament to this, Mel helped me once in a time of need and I can honestly tell you that it forever changed the course of my life. If every company were blessed to have a guy like Mel in the most senior position, there would be many more tremendously successful companies out there today. Mel was the best of the best he will be missed; right up until that day that we all hear the sound of Gabriel's trumpet. May God's love and mercy encapsulate the family during your time of sadness. Garry Brandenburg Former employee of Ben E. Keith Company