Erik Melde, 47, never expected to live a long life but that never stopped him from living a full life. As a child born in 1970 with hemophilia and the many complications that accompanied, old age was never in the cards. This disadvantage was Erik's advantage throughout life. He always knew what mattered. He faced adversity with a blend of pragmatism, positivity, patience, and a cool shrug, "Whatever, man." He accepted reality and didn't waste time railing against it.

At 21, he fell in love and married Becky West, and during their marriage of 22 years, they built a beautiful life together with their three children, Nicole, Isaac and Ian. Family was everything to Erik and he worked hard to provide not just a comfortable home, but opportunity and wonder. He was an incredible father, a get-on-the-floor-and-play-with-you dad, who understood each of his kids and celebrated the best in them, and they adored him in return. The final weeks of his life included the birth of his first grandchild, Hayden, who spent many hours nestled in his arm. Erik was a devoted son to his parents, Milt and Carol, and a loyal brother to his siblings Martin, Marlisa and Lizz. He offered them each unending love and support throughout his life.

After high school and an LDS mission, Erik pursued a degree in finance from the University of Utah, then an MBA from Westminster. In 2003, he founded his own home healthcare business, Axiom Therapeutics, that served blood disorder patients in the region. He devoted countless time and resources to the Utah Hemophilia Foundation in support of his fellow Blood Brothers and their families.

Erik was a gifted thinker, creative and wise. He was hilarious. He wasn't just a fun friend, but a thoughtful one, too. He was there for good times and bad. He lived generously and fully. He had a wheezy belly laugh and a snore that could wake the dead. He ate the spiciest food. He read the whole book series. He went to the games. He booked the trips. He took the classes. He filmed the homemade movies. He ordered dessert. He said yes to life. In the final months of his life, he lost most of his vocabulary, but one word remained until the end and he uttered it over and over: "Good, good." It's a fitting legacy for such a good, good man.

Erik is survived by his ex-wife Becky (Kurt) Murdoch, daughter Nicole (Easton) Smith, sons Isaac and Ian, grandson Hayden, parents Milton and Carol Melde, siblings Martin, Marlisa (Stephanie) Robeck, and Lizz Melde.

A celebration of Erik's life will be held Friday, May 11, 2018 from 6-8 pm at the Cobble Creek Stake Center, 8150 South Grizzly Way, West Jordan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to gofundme.com/team-erik