August 4, 1924 - July 29, 2023
In loving memory ~
Mel passed away gently with family by his side, 5 days before his 99th birthday. His remarkable life is celebrated by the families of Linda, Carolyn, James (Michaela) and John (Karen). He was predeceased by his parents Cliff and Lenore and beloved Edythe, his wife of 70 years.
Mel grew up in Imperial Saskatchewan and attended the University of Saskatchewan. He was a good scholar and an accomplished athlete. His engineering career with the Saskatchewan Department of Highways spanned almost 4 decades. He began as a surveyor on the Alaska Highway and ended his working years as a consultant in Indonesia.
Mel and Edythe were supportive parents in Rosetown and Swift Current, encouraging many activities, including figure skating and speed swimming. Mel wasn't just the early morning driver, he also learned how to judge and referee. Many happy memories were made with friends and family at cottages at Carlyle and Clearwater Lakes.
Mel was a man with a strong moral compass and a zest for life. As a lifelong learner with an adventurous spirit, he mastered skiing and sailing in his seventies. He and Edythe travelled extensively after retirement and visited most continents. He dug wells in Nigeria, followed the travels of Alexander the Great and crewed a sailboat to Hawaii. He was 90 when he walked the Great Wall of China.
Mel and Edythe were active members of the United Church wherever they lived. Should you choose, donations in Mel's honour may be made to the United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund c/o Peninsula United Church www.peninsulaunited.com
A private family celebration will be held at a later date.