Friends, neighbors and sometimes near-strangers could count on Melvin "Jack" Naser for a helping hand and a willing ear, said his wife of 64 years, Harriet. Mr. Naser died in a Florida hospice on Jan. 14 at age 87.

A member of many clubs and groups over the years, Mr. Naser was a farm boy at heart and loved the outdoors. He received his last batch of tiny trees from the Arbor Day Foundation, of which he was a member, just a few months ago, she said.

"He was a rather private person and very caring," Mrs. Naser said. "He just loved the environment -- he loved trees. He was still raising trees from little seedlings he planted this fall."

Before he entered the hospice, the Nasers divided their time between Homosassa, Fla., in the winter and Penn Hills and Foxburg, Clarion County, in the summer.

Born in Washington, Pa., Mr. Naser was the first child of Melvin Jacob and Virginia Rabe Naser. He graduated from Glassport High School, then from Grove City College in 1942. Already a member of the Civil Air Patrol, where he earned his private pilot's license, Mr. Naser joined the Army Air Forces after graduation and served in World War II until 1946, later becoming a lifetime member of the American Legion.

He worked for U.S. Steel Corp. in Pittsburgh in the company's personnel department, then as an arbitrator for the company until his retirement.

Mr. Naser's love of the outdoors led him to an avid interest in golf; he was a member at various times of the Duquesne, Foxburg and Sugarmill Woods country clubs.

His interest in trees and land management prompted the Armstrong County Conservation District to choose him as its Outstanding Forester of the Year in 1978.

And his interest in horses -- cultivated as the child of farmers in Washington, Pa. -- inspired him to volunteer to lead horses ridden by disabled children at a Foxburg equestrian school, where he also raised and trained Morgan horses for the school.

Mr. Naser is survived by his wife, Harriet Hughes Naser; and one sister, Virginia Harper of New Port Richey, Fla.

Private services and burial will be held in Pittsburgh later at the discretion of the family. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Citrus County, 16 N.E. Fifth St., Crystal River, FL 34429; Allegheny Riverstone Center for the Arts, Box 215, Foxburg, PA 16036; Grove City College, Grove City, PA 16127; or a charity of one's choice.