Family and friends gathered on Wednesday to celebrate the life of Mel Morgan with toasts and tears and plenty of tales about the family man who led a life full of community service and philanthropic endeavors, and influenced politics in Idaho.

Mel Morgan died June 9 in Boise. He was 91.

Mel spent most of his life in Pocatello. He was a jeweller by trade but had plenty of other talents.

"He had a really big heart, almost to a fault, and a knack for fundraising. He was involved in lots of civic organizations, and if you wanted to raise money for a cause in Pocatello, you went to my dad," said Rick Morgan.

"We were good friends, besides him being my father. There was a slogan about him someone came up with back in the '60s and '70s: 'Mel Morgan - The one man over 30 you can trust.' He always represented the little guy."

Mel served as the state chairman of the Idaho Democratic Party in the 1980s and lent his behind-the-scenes support and political savvy to the campaigns of Idaho politicians Perry Swisher, Frank Church, Bud Davis, John Evans, Larry LaRocco, Richard Stallings and Cecil Andrus. He spent his last 20 years in Boise so he could be near where "real political action" took place, family said.

Mel was devoted to wife, Jan, for 67 years, his two children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family often enjoyed lively discussions about everything, from politics to exploring the "beauty of the potato," memories granddaughter Melinda Hovee-Harlan treasures.

"My sister and I got our sassiness from him. He was so mischievous - when I think of him, I giggle," Hovee-Harlan said. "I learned how to be silly and not take life so seriously."

Always ready to tackle a new adventure, Mel took up skiing in his 40s and served as president of the Intermountain Ski Association and board member of the U.S. Ski Association.

Grandson Jason Morgan enjoyed spending time with his granddad, who was always doing fun stuff, he said.

"I wasn't much older than 4 when he took me to the fire station. With a pipe in his mouth, he hoisted me in the fire truck, and I said, 'Boy this is a biggie, gramps.' He never forgot what I said or the look on my face when the fireman blew the horn," Jason said.

Stacey Hammond says her grandfather is one of her greatest influences.

"He never ratted me out, in fact, he instigated mischievous behavior at all times, she said. "He took me to get my ears pierced when I was 8 (she wasn't allowed until she was 12); he surprised my grandma on their anniversary with a billboard that read, 'There will never be another you'; and he never missed an opportunity to smack the back of our heads, grab us and say, 'Who do you love more - me or ?' Of course he already knew the answer."

Stephanie Eddy: 377-6481.In Remembrance is a weekly profile on a Treasure Valley resident who has recently passed away. To recommend a friend or loved one for an In Remembrance, e-mail seddy@idahostatesman.com.