Letter to the Editor October 2021

To the Editor:

On behalf of the family of Mel Hafsos and Errol Carlson, I would like to thank you for the wonderful article written by Sarah Zollner Case in the September issue.

Mel and Errol owned and operated Taylor Court Grocery on SE 80th Ave. for 25 years. During those many years, they rarely took days off or time away from the store. The community and neighbors became their family. 

They took joy in all the births, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, move in days and so many other memorable events the neighborhood celebrated. They loved the children who visited the store for that “after school” treat or the cold soda or ice cream in the summer months.

As Mel’s youngest sister, I often visited and sometimes worked in the store during the years I lived in Beaverton. 

It was very evident the members of the community were woven in Mel and Errol’s lives. I loved attending the summer Block Party when hundreds turned out for the parade and festivities. The annual Halloween event was one of a kind. 

Mel passed away June 18, 2021 after a brief illness. He grew up in a family of eight children, four girls and four boys. He was probably the hardest worker of us all. He began at a young age in the orchards of our farming community near Yakima, WA. 

Up until the day Mel left us, he had that mental list of one more shelf to stock, product to search for or customer to take care of. We know now, Mel can check off all those items on his “to do” list.

Upon Mel’s death, our family witnessed a huge outpouring of support and love for Mel and Errol. We want to thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts. We understand they were loved by so many. We want you to know they loved everyone back.

Thank you for those expressions of support and love during this difficult time of losing our brother. It is appreciated more than we can say.

Errol is still living in the community, just a few blocks from what he knew as home in the community where he belongs.

Diane Dufault, sister of Mel, and the family of Mel Hafsos

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor should be less than 300 words and The SE Examiner reserves the right to edit them for length or content.

Letter to the Editor October 2021

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