Obituary of Melvin Lacy Renfro

PORTLAND – Melvin Lacy Renfro, Jr., 55, died unexpectedly of a heart attack at home on January 7, 2020. He was born on January 25, 1964, in Portland, OR the son of C. Patricia Renfro and Melvin Lacy Elisha Renfro, Sr. Melvin, also known as Cool Breeze and Chef BoyarBreeze, went to school in the Portland area, including Fairview Elementary School, Colview Middle School, and Reynolds High School (class of 1982). He attended the University of Oregon and graduated from The Art Institute of Houston. Melvin was a gifted athlete, breaking several running records throughout high school and university. He also was an outstanding chef, breaking many eggs as he created delicious meals for family and friends. His passion was watching NFL and college football; he was a dedicated Dallas Cowboys and Oregon Ducks fan and attended games as often as possible. Melvin also enjoyed films, fine dining, R&B music, and dancing. His absolute love was when his mom made her famous Patsy’s Plain Cookies. Melvin had a remarkable 30-year professional career with Continental Airlines and United Airlines when the two airlines merged. He worked for 17 years at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX and then at Portland International Airport when he transferred back home in 2007. He was esteemed by all his colleagues. He is survived by his mother, C. Patricia Renfro of Portland, OR; his father, Melvin Lacy Elisha Renfro, Sr. (Liz) of Dallas, TX; his brother Anthony Patrick Renfro and nieces Madison and Shelby of Portland, OR; his sister Cynthia Renee Renfro (Margherita) of Seattle, WA; his brother Jason Ray Renfro (Melissa) and nephews Jai and Jaxon of Plano, TX; his sister Michelle Salas and nephew Gavin Heath, niece Shelby Slayton, niece Riley Gamble of Dallas, TX; his brother Chris White of Dallas, TX; his sister Tara Wiggins (Scott) and niece Anastasia Diskey, nephew Teddy, nephew Marshall of Mesquite, TX; his aunt Rodella Renfro of Portland, OR; his aunt Vilma Renfro of Portland, OR; his aunt Ginger Renfro of Gresham, OR; his uncle Clarence “Sonny” Burch, Jr. (Penny) of Scappoose, OR; his uncle Michael A. Burch (Karen) of Portland, OR; his aunt Fayetta Burch of Portland, OR; his cousins Dallas “Chip” Renfro, Jr. of Portland, OR; Carrie Boatwright of Portland, OR; Lynn Renfro Billingsley of Fort Mill, SC; Jimi Renfro of Cologne, Germany; Candeese Renfro of Gresham, OR; Brent Reiter of Eunice, LA; Edward Reiter of Vancouver, WA; Elise Burch Braxmeyer of Beaverton, OR; Tanisha Anderson of Portland, OR; Michelle Burch of Portland, OR; Ashley Shankle of Portland, OR; Whitney Burch of Portland, OR; and many more family and friends who love Melvin. Melvin will be profoundly missed – for his humor, intelligence, and love. Melvin was a private person and a practicing Buddhist. The family will honor his wishes and spiritual traditions regarding services. There will be a private viewing for family on Monday, January 13. On Thursday, January 16, the Rev. Eisei Ikenaga of the Nichiren Buddhist Temple of Portland will be present to lead prayer and chants with family at the crematorium. Arrangements by Crown Memorial Centers. On Saturday, February 29, leap day, there will be a community-wide service to honor Melvin. This ceremony of remembrance is referred to as the 49th day service in Buddhism. It will be held at the Nichiren Buddhist Temple of Portland, 2025 S.E. Yamhill Street, Portland, OR 97214. The service begins at 12 noon with refreshments to follow. All friends and family are invited to attend. In keeping with his Buddhist beliefs, Melvin enjoyed his life while also practicing non-attachment to things. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider a donation in honor of Melvin to the Nichiren Buddhist Temple of Portland; or invite one of his United Airlines shift crew members to dinner.