Melvin Major of Fin and Feather in Lakeside has passed away.

Submitted by NutDraw t3_123vbsa in rva

Just saw on their Facebook page that Lakeside fixture/icon and owner of Fin and Feather Melvin Major passed away. Melvin always had the best combination of kindness and entertaining curmudgeon, and was well known to those in the community. Though he had relinquished most of the day to day duties at the store a long time ago, he built up a business that survived in the face of the Petsmarts and Walmarts. He helped me far beyond what was reasonable on a number of occasions and will be missed.

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tigranes5 t1_jdwhhco wrote

My GF is a big pet lover who grew up in Lakeside. Everyone knew him. Sad to hear this!

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the_pooleboy t1_jdwjcwh wrote

My wife worked there before we dated and she showed me the obituary last night. I hope they don’t close because that’s where I go to get my snake’s food…. I’d rather support them over petco or petsmart. So sad.

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lalasmores t1_jdwwoeb wrote

Welp that just ruined my day a lil 🥺

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sicrites t1_jdxblbm wrote

Fin and feather is amazing. I'm in Florida now, when I moved here I thought I'd have more selection. But no. Fin and feather gets the best assortment of fish I've seen. So many oddball and unique species.

Underrated Richmond gem.

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bentzu t1_jdxhs22 wrote

Sorry to hear that - F&F was my go-to place for our pets

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DeannaZone t1_jdxj79i wrote

T_T We used to live adjacent to Lakeside and I missed going there when I moved, I was hoping to start again once I came up here, would love to continue supporting the business. I hope it stays open.

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ZieraD t1_jdxq796 wrote

Oh no! This is such sad news! I genuinely hope this store goes on.

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Bubsntina4eva t1_jdy1f2u wrote

Melvin was awesome. I had many many conversations with him. He was such a rare kind of person to meet now. He was born, lived in, and passed in the same house on Dumbarton. He had many good stories and a frank view on life that he was not abashed to share. also to be such a great mentor to lakeside kids and helping fellow businesses... A man to be admired. :)

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