Melvyn Cecil “Mel” Obedin

Phoenix, Ariz.

Melvyn C. Obedin, 81, died at home in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 24, 2024. He was born in Minot, North Dakota, to Jay Obedin and Zelda Gordon Obedin. He had an older brother Elliot Obedin. The family lived in Van Hook, North Dakota, before moving to Minot in 1949. Jay Obedin operated a successful men’s clothing store called Jay’s Men’s Store. Mel was raised in his Jewish faith without the benefit of a local rabbi. He enjoyed regional B’nai B’rith Youth Organization conferences.

Mel graduated from Minot Senior High in 1960. Later that year he moved to Phoenix, Arizona. He attended the University of Arizona. Early in his career he worked for Dunn & Bradstreet. In 1965 he enlisted for a six-year commitment in the Arizona Air National Guard, attaining the rank of Sergeant while serving as a cook. His remains will be interred in the North Dakota State Veterans Cemetery.

Mel successfully owned and operated Jalens Big and Tall men’s clothing stores in Phoenix and Scottsdale. As a member of their Big and Tall Buying Group, Mel traveled often to Asia, and he attended regular meetings in New York City. Mel enjoyed extensive personal travel to Asia, Europe, Israel, and Africa, where he had a great safari. After Jalens he worked for Avis Rent A Car before his retirement.

Having been raised in the clothing business Mel was always well dressed in high school, college, and in his working career, relaxing after he retired. For several years he owned a sailboat docked in San Diego, sailing with friends to Catalina and off the southern California coast. Mel was a generous and loyal friend, and he was a pretty good cook.

His parents and brother predeceased him. He is survived by many friends, including Lenny Katzenstein and Bob Wefald, with whom he was the best of friends since they were in the 4th grade at McKinley Grade school in Minot, North Dakota, and a special friend JoBeth Knudsen.

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 30, 2024.