Melvin C. Moss, Jr., of Canby, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2025, at the age of 74.

Born on July 13, 1951, in Portland, Oregon, to Edythe and Melvin C. Moss, Sr., Mel grew up with his sister Melanie in the Irvington neighborhood of Northeast Portland. He attended attended Fernwood Elementary (now Beverly Cleary School) and U.S. Grant High School, graduating in 1969 with honors. From an early age, Mel showed a natural ability in mechanics and a strong curiosity about the way things worked. He frequently found ways to test these skills, whether it was working on the family car or assisting Mel Sr. on contracting jobs, where together they built many well-known commercial buildings around Portland.

Mel studied at Mt. Hood Community College and Oregon Technical Institute, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology in 1973. He began his career at Mosler Safe Company, installing safes and early ATM technology across the northwest. He later worked as an Engineer at Floating Point Systems, where he met his wife, Cindy, and Sequent Computer Systems before co-founding Trine Technology in 1995 and Trine Services in 1996, where he worked until his retirement.

Mel loved being outdoors and was happiest when he had time to explore. He grew up camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing throughout Oregon and quietly became an expert in all things outdoor recreation. Mel's adventurous spirit led him across the United States and around the world for opportunities to see new sights, ride a bike hundreds of miles, or scuba dive with friends he hadn’t met yet. While he was content exploring on his own, the best moments were spent sharing adventures with family and friends.

A lifelong learner, Mel had a quiet confidence that came from the knowledge he acquired. He was generous with his expertise and eager to help others when he could. Whether on the side of the road, in the woods, underwater, or at a dining room computer, he helped others without hesitation or expectation. He believed the only repayment needed was to pass that kindness on.

Mel was a steady, dependable presence and an anchor in the lives of his family, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to know him. He valued family deeply and showed his love by showing up, helping out, and making time for the people who mattered to him. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Moss; their daughter, Christine (Casey) Zumwalt ; his sister, Melanie (Randy) Serroels; three grandchildren, Luna Zumwalt, Wilder Zumwalt, and Willow Zumwalt; and many nieces and nephews.

 A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at the Hope Village Community Center in Canby, Oregon, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Mel by helping someone in need without expectation, just as he did throughout his life. For those who wish, memorial contributions may also be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a cause close to his heart.