Dr. Anthony Michael (Tony) Melone

About Dr. Anthony Michael (Tony) Melone

Tony Melone was a dear son, brother, husband, colleague, and friend. He died peacefully on November 22, 2020 due to complications from neuroendocrine cancer.

Tony was born in 1950 and grew up in an Italian family on the north side of Chicago. He attended St. Celestine grade school and Lane Technical High school before he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics at the University of Illinois where he was a proud member of the Illinois Evans Scholar class of 1973. Tony often claimed that much of his academic and professional success was due to the opportunities that were provided to him by the Evans Scholars Foundation. He earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering at Colorado State University in 1974 and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia in 1986. Tony was based in the Pacific Northwest throughout his career as an engineering consultant, 1975 to 1987 in Greater Vancouver, then in the Seattle area. His expertise in hydrology, river engineering and watershed management gave him many opportunities for international travel.

Tony was happiest when he shared time with family and friends, whether it was on his sailboat Celerity and later Del Vento, on the golf course shooting a round, or shooting the breeze sitting around a dinner table. He was a consummate storyteller, often beginning with ‘long story short’ then proceeding with laughter.

We miss him so.

THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT

In memory of Tony, the Tony Melone Memorial Fund in Civil Engineering will be established at UBC. The memorial fund is co-funded by his friends at BGC Engineering. Gifts to this fund will pay tribute to the lasting positive impact that Tony made mentoring fellow water resource engineers by providing an award directly to one UBC student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, with the final decision on the award description and student eligibility made in consultation with the family.

Messages of Remembrance

All Messages

Tony and I were next door apartment neighbors during engineering grad school 1973-4 and became life-long friends. Lots of skiing and golf with him at CSU, great fun to head out skiing with him in his little Datsun. We couldn’t believe at the end of grad school we got, like: jobs. One thing leads to another, and Tony let my daughter know about the opportunities at BGC, where she now works. Great guy, great friend, great memories, and best wishes to Jolanta, also one of the best. Tom

Tom and Anne Brooks, Friends
Tony was a leader. Tony was a touchstone. Tony was a humorist. Tony was a giver to his Evans Scholar friends and to the Foundation. Tony is sadly missed.

Andy Marzal, Evans Scholars Classmate
TM was a man who was easy to love. He will live forever in our hearts. RIP TM. Love to all...

Gordy, One of the '72s
Brothers for over 50 years! Will never forget his smile and caring, both professionally and personally, for all we experienced over those years.

Jim "Wickett" Wilson, Evans Scholar Brother
Miss him so very much...... He was a brother to all of his Evans Scholar classmates. Tony loved to play golf and I really enjoyed playing a round with him. Tony, I hope you continue to "hit them straight" forever.

John Danek, Colleague
I too was an Evans Scholar and had the privilege of being a classmate of Tony’s. He was a born leader and his pledge brothers often found ourselves in his room to listen to music and talk. We all grew up together and those friendships have lasted our whole lives. Tony was a key man in making that happen and he will always be loved and missed. This world is a better place because of Tony Melone.

Bill Pfordresher, Classmate from the 1972/‘73 Evans Scholars
I met Tony more than 20 years ago, while we were both working for Tetra Tech. We became friends on company "team building" trips (fishing trips) in British Columbia. We shared some very enjoyable fishing moments on those trips. We stayed in touch after I retired in 2010. We (Evelyn & I) became close to both Tony & Jolanta after they retired. We shared numerous experiences (dinners, sailing & fishing) as we were snowbirds, wintering in Surprise, AZ. Yeah, Tony was a great story teller, and did start most stories with "long story short". We were always impressed by his golfing stories, especially how he could play for free, apparently a skill learned as an "Evans Scholar". And, yes, we both miss him very much! Jerry & Evelyn Minor

Jerry & Evelyn Minor, Friend & Associate
Tony we will remember you as the smiling, cheerful chatty sailor and engineer. Serious about your profession and your sailboat racing. And finding out about your Italian relatives. I will miss the lunches where we solved the world's problems together.

Tom and Christine, Friend and workmate
We can’t believe you are gone. After almost 40 years of sailing races, boating cruises, Super Bowl extravaganzas, Thanksgiving dinners, and simply just getting in the car and driving up for a visit. Not sure what we miss most, but your laughter and stories are close to the top of the list.

ROY AND BETTY MAYFIELD, Friend
Fishing with Uncle Tony. We miss you

Mateusz Bialek , Nephew
Tony, our friendship as intense as it is short.

Mario Paolucci , Cousin

Photos of Remembrance

Iain Bruce & Peri Mehling
Anonymous Donation
BGC Engineering Inc.
Jerry & Evelyn Minor
Anonymous
ROY AND BETTY MAYFIELD
The Demlows
Beata, Zbigniew, Mateusz Bialek
Mario and Anna Maria Paolucci
Jamie and Stewart
Anonymous Donation
Anonymous Donation