Melquiades "Mel" David Hurtado of Lompoc died Thursday, at home surrounded by loved ones, October 7, 2010, at the age of 61.

Mel was born April 30, 1949, in Fort Collins, Colorado to Manuel and Irma Hurtado. He was raised and educated in Ogden, Utah graduating from Bonneville High School in 1967. He later continued his education by attending Santa Barbara City College.

A resident of Lompoc for the last 10 years, Mel was a member of the Word of Grace Christian Centre. He was a slot machine mechanic for many years. After Mel's retirement, he chose to work at La Canada Elementary School as a noon aid to be closer to his daughters.

Mel was an avid cyclist, self-taught guitarist and songwriter. Cycling was such a passion that he encouraged it through gifts to family and friends. He shared his talent as a member of the worship team at church. He also loved collecting and watching movies and rooting for the Giants and the Utah Jazz.
Throughout Mel's illness, he enjoyed spending his extra time with his wife and children.

Mel is survived by his wife of 11 years Lezlee Hurtado (Brewton) of Lompoc, his son Daniel Jose Eduardo Hurtado of Buellton, daughter Anjele Maria and Faith Grace Hurtado of Lompoc, brother Edd Hurtado and his wife Wynn of Ogden, Utah, brother Daniel Hurtado of Los Banos, sister Ginger Hurtado of San Jose, and a very special aunt and uncle Esther and Joey Rivera of Long Beach. His parents and sister Felis Hurtado preceded him in death.

Pastor Jim Smith will direct the memorial service on Friday, October 15, at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church on the corner of North F Street and West North Avenue in Lompoc, with the reception in the Fellowship Hall after the service. Cremation will be followed by private inurnment in the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. The arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the "Benefit Donation Fund for Anjele & Faith Hurtado" at the Wells Fargo Bank, Lompoc Branch, account number, 9423631333.