Staunch Republican, Root, ‘worked hard for change’

Melvin Clayton Root, a retired educator and leader of the local Republican party who twice ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the state Legislature, has died. He was 79.

Root, better known by his nickname “Mel,” was a staunch Republican in a county dominated by Democrats. He died Tuesday morning after a brief battle with cancer, said Susan Tsyitee, a longtime friend and chair of the San Miguel County Republican party.

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