Mel Lester was someone you remembered. Born in San Leandro on January 29, 1987, he made people feel like they belonged through a deep conversation, a shared laugh, or a song recommendation that perfectly fit the moment.

Music was his language. He didn’t just listen; he lived it and shared it with everyone around him: Rock, jazz, hip-hop, country, and classical. Like a proper music historian, he could discuss everything, breaking down sounds, stories, and histories. He made you care about a song, even if you had never heard it.

Mel was self-contained, but if you engaged with him, he was well-spoken and insightful. As a Health Systems Navigator at GLIDE since 2022, he made it his mission to help people navigate complicated systems and get the care they need. He was thoughtful in his approach, ensuring those he helped had what they needed to move forward.

If you saw Mel at GLIDE, you likely saw his loyal companion Captain Doo Dad trotting along beside him. They were inseparable, a team in every sense.

Mel leaves behind his siblings and a community of people who were lucky to know him. His presence was one of kindness, thoughtfulness, and authenticity.

He was the kind of person who made you stop and listen, the type of person who left a mark just by being himself.

Rest easy, Mel. The music never stops.