Melvin Paul Thatcher

Birth date: Aug 8, 1944 Death date: Sep 4, 2025

Melvin Paul Thatcher, Ph.D., returned to our Heavenly Father on September 4, 2025, in the arms of his wife and surrounded by loved ones. He was born on August 8, 1944, in Chandler, AZ, to Marion Paul Thatcher and Melva Bond. The Read Obituary

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Kim Hong

11w ago

Mel was a humble, loving genius. Family Search’s collection were largely based on his personal efforts to procure these He had vision and the desire in his heart to share his vast knowledge and expertise. I remember him sharing this humble story of his introduction to Chinese culture. One day I was riding a tractor as a farm boy in Idaho. The next day I was in a plane flying to a country I knew little about (including the Chinese language) … where he served a mission for his church as a young man. Thank you for your life, your dedication to us all, and for your service you shared with no end.

Ruth Hedegaard

12w ago

I met Mel for the first time in Jerusalem in 2000 when he was chair of the IFLA section Genealogy and Local History section to become. Later I was the secretary for four years with Mel as the chair. He was the most gentle and nice man to work with. Moreover my husband Asbjørn and I visited Salt Lake City on a study tour in USA, and Mel got us to visit the vaults with all the archives, that I have always wanted to see. On that occasion we had a wonderful lunch with Mel and Tuan.
Our deepest condolences go to the family. We are happy to have had the opportunity to know Mel.
Best wishes Asbjørn Hellum and Ruth Hedegaard

Ruth Hedegaard

12w ago

I met Mel for the first time in Jerusalem in 2000 when he was chair of the IFLA section Genealogy and Local History section to become. Later I was the secretary for four years with Mel as the chair. He was the most gentle and nice man to work with. Moreover my husband Asbjørn and I visited Salt Lake City on a study tour in USA in 2005 , and Mel got us to visit the vaults with all the archives, that I have always wanted to see. On that occasion we had a wonderful lunch with Mel and Tuan.
Our deepest condolences go to the family. We are so happy to have had the opportunity to know Mel
Best wishes Asbjoern Hellum and Ruth Hedegaard

Ruth Hedegaard

12w ago

Added a new photo to the Memories Album album.

Wayne Metcalfe

12w ago

Dear Tuan and family, your husband and father was a great friend and mentor! I will always be grateful for his patience and mentoring as he taught me so much regarding our efforts in Asia and Southeast Asia! So much was accomplished in those areas of the world due to Mel's diligent efforts. He represented FamilySearch (GSU) well wherever he was assigned. His influence will continue to be felt for decades to come.

May you be blessed through all the great memories you have of him. He was a great man and a dedicated servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Derek Dobson

12w ago

To the Family of the Amazing Mel Thatcher ...

Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss. So many of us appreciate his talent and work that will bless generations to come. in Asia with the Genealogical Society of Utah (FamilySearch), he helped collect and preserve records that would otherwise have been lost to time. These records aren’t just names on paper, they are family legacies, the stories of ancestors, the roots that connect people to their heritage.

Mel’s quiet but powerful work has built bridges across generations and across cultures. His impact will continue to ripple through countless lives.

What we remember most is the man himself. Mel’s humor and wit were legendary—his sarcasm could disarm you, his quick quips could spark laughter in the most unexpected moments. Yet there was always kindness, warmth, and a genuine love for people. He had the rare gift of making everyone feel seen, valued, and respected.

Mel was an extraordinary man. We will miss him deeply, and we will carry forward the light he shared with us.

Rachel

12w ago

I had the privilege of meeting Mel only once, but in that brief meeting the love and pride he had for his family was abundantly clear. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Wayne Van As

12w ago

Mel was one of my first managers at FamilySearch and taught me everything he knew about records. When he retired, myself and a colleague, Steve Nickle came up with a tribute video for him based on the character Carl in the animation movie, UP! The movie was based on the premise that real adventure of life is the relationship we have with other people, and it's so easy to lose sight of the things we have and the people that are around us until they are gone. A gentle soul, and even better man. Rest in peace Mel.
Wayne and family

Lena Stout

12w ago

Mel, many years ago, was the first person to collect Chinese genealogical records for FamilySearch. He was a very kind, gentle, humble, and understated mentor with a profound knowledge of Chinese genealogy. I will always be grateful for your lifelong dedication to helping Chinese people discover their roots... In my memory! Rest in peace!
From Lena Stout

Nikki Cooley Fallis

12w ago

The Thatcher family may not remember me and my daughter, but when they lived in Shoreline, WA where Mel was attending the University of Washington, my daughter, Michelle, was good friends of Becky and their family were instrumental in my daughter and I finding our way back to the Church. I will always be so grateful for that beautiful family and remember fondly the many interactions with Mel. Tuan and their family! My condolences to all of their families, it's been many, many years but reading about Mel's accomplishments over their lives is truly a testament of their love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Lovingly, Nikki (Cooley) Fallis

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