Harold Stanley Melcher, a lifelong resident of Kansas City, will be remembered as one of the most important leaders in Wayside’s history. Through his efforts, hundreds of thousands of homeless animal lives were saved, more than 30,000 children were taught life-changing lessons in compassion, empathy, and respect, and hundreds of animal welfare leaders were inspired to carry his vision and spirit forward.
Melcher was also an innovative entrepreneur and pioneering business man. He co-founded Trenton Foods (in Trenton, MO), one of the most innovative food processing companies in the country. The canning technology he developed is still in use today. He also co-founded the Marlen Research Corp., a leading international food machinery research and development company. After Marlen was sold, he was president of Melcher Investment Company, located on The Plaza in Kansas City.
Melcher was involved in much more than his career and work with Wayside Waifs. He was one of the founding members of The New Reform Temple in Kansas City. He served as Trustee of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, was a member of the board of Pitzer College in Claremont, CA, and a member of the board of Sunset Hill School before its merger with Pembroke Country Day School. Harold served on the board of Children’s Mercy Hospital and Menorah Hospital. He was a trustee of the Jacob L. and Ella C. Loose Foundation and president of the Jack and Helyn Miller Foundation.
About Wayside Waifs
As Kansas City’s largest and most comprehensive no kill pet adoption campus, Wayside Waifs prepares pets and people for the bond of their lives. Each year the organization cares for more than 6,000 abandoned, abused, and homeless animals. Wayside is a private, independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity. It receives no government funding and is supported entirely by private donations and grants. Currently, the shelter has hundreds of animals looking for loving, forever homes. To see all of the animals available for adoption or to donate, please visit www.waysidewaifs.org.
Facebook: WaysideWaifs; Twitter: @WaysideWaifs; Instagram: @WaysideWaifs
To read Melcher’s obituary see page 23.
