In Memory of John Melius, longtime friend and INCA member

[G]

INCA,

I hope all of you are doing well this Memorial Day week.

I’m writing today to let you know of the passing of longtime INCA member and friend, John David Melius. John passed away earlier this year in March in Waldorf, Maryland.

Many of you knew John from our monthly INCA meetings. He was the inventor of the Mor-Fins/Whip-Fins swim fins. I remember many interesting discussions with John about how he brought his swim fins to market, quantum mechanics, history, marketing, and a host of other topics.

John served in the Vietnam War as a medical illustrator for the U.S. Army.

Here is a link to his obituary:

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/john-melius

Here is information regarding his Celebration of Life this coming June:

Saturday, June 27, 2026

12:00 PM
Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church
7400 Temple Hill Road
Temple Hills, MD 20748

This Memorial Day week, I thank you, John, for your service to our country and to the Inventors Network of the Capital Area. Thank you, John, for your creativity, friendship, and kindness.

Sincerely,

Glen Kotapish

[Bryan Ruffner]

I am so sad to learn of John's death. He was a great mentor and friend to me. He was always full of warmth, charisma, and humor. The story has probably morphed in my head over the years, but I recall he told me once how he ran down the streets of Malaysia late at night trying to track down a company pirating his Mor-Fins. That story epitomized his daring nature and the hard work he put into turning his ideas into profitable real-world products. I will miss him!  

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[Victoria Closson]

Glen, 

Thank you for informing us of John’s passing. Thanks also to you and Brian for sharing your thoughts and memories of him. I haven’t seen John in several years but remember him fondly. His Mor-Fins story was inspiring and I recall John being a font of motivation and determination. Our group lost a good friend and mentor and I send my condolences to his family and friends. 

Victoria Closson

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