Melvin Ray Garlick, a fourth generation Sacramentan, passed away peacefully at his home in Livermore, CA on April 24, 2025, at the age of 95.   Born Feb. 26, 1930 to Edward Aaron Garlick and Grace Marie (Prince) Garlick, Mel is survived by his son David, son Jim and daughter-in-law Sue, and grandchildren Keegan and Shaun.  He was preceded by his wife Dorothy, sisters Alice, Maude, Dorothy, Florence, and Clair, and brother Dick.

Mel served in the Navy and was trained as a radar and communications technician.  After completing his service aboard the U.S.S. Alan M. Sumner in 1949, he landed a job servicing equipment for Burroughs Adding Machine Co., and subsequently repairing Soundscriber dictaphones.  These jobs put him in contact with the business community, where he was recruited first to work first for Sacramento Abstract and Title Co., working his way up to escrow officer, then at Capital Federal Savings and Loan Association starting in 1955 as a loan officer.  Remarkably, by 1964 his hard work, integrity, and vision for the company led to his election to the company’s board of directors, and in 1967, he became president and CEO without any formal business education.  Under his leadership the company grew significantly, transitioned to public trading on the American Stock Exchange, and was ultimately acquired by San Francisco Federal Savings and Loan in 1988.  He retired in 1992.

Mel was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He married his high school sweetheart Dorothy Dayley in 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, UT.  Mel and Dorothy were much loved in this community, and together served in many church callings.  Mel was Bishop of the Sacramento 2nd Ward from 1973-76, and president of the Sacramento South Stake from 1976-80, and Sacramento Stake from 1980-85.  His dear friend Herb Schramm often worked alongside Mel in his church callings and recounts how their complementary personalities worked so well together: Herb pushing the envelope, Mel keeping a lid on things, and both enjoying their roles and appreciating each other.

In retirement, always ready to challenge himself, Mel enrolled in college classes in astronomy and mathematics and became a certified financial planner.  He helped many family members and people in his community with financial matters, offering his services free of charge.  Mel loved to travel and, while devoting themselves to family and community, Mel and Dorothy also traveled around the world and made many memories together.

After losing Dorothy to cancer in 2012, and beginning to lose his vision and some mobility, Mel decided to move to Livermore in 2022 to be closer to Jim and his family.  There, Jim and Sue helped Mel pursue his passion for fine dining multiple times a week, and gathered the family regularly.  Gallons of strawberry ice cream were consumed.

Memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Humanitarian Fund of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  A private graveside service will be held at East Lawn Memorial Park (4300 Folsom Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95819).  Price Funeral Chapel (916-725-2109), directors.