Carl Melvey, a leader in developing cross-country competition in Australia, died on September 21, 2016, at age 82.
Melvey launched a successful hobby-products importing business in 1972, and soon thereafter became active in the Boonoona Ski Club at Perisher Valley, where his daughter Camille began competing in cross-country races. Melvey determined to develop a stronger team for the club, recruiting university-age racers and a coach. The immediate goal was to win for Boonoona the annual Perisher Cup, an annual inter-club skimeister event in which teams of four compete in a cross-country relay, a giant slalom, and a ski jump. Melvey also campaigned for equal treatment for women in the Perisher Cup events.
Melvey went on to serve on the cross country committee of Australian Ski Federation, and was a FIS technical delegate, running the nation’s FIS races. Preceding his annual buying trips to the Munich Toy Fair, he often managed Australia’s small teams on the World Loppet circuit.
He is survived by wife Jeannette, brothers Malcolm and Marcelle, children Peter, Camille, Jasmin and Justin, and grandchildren Stuart, Belinda, Dylan, Jade and Zara. Sons Carl and Chris predeceased him.
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