It is we deep sadness and heartache that we regret to announce the passing of Madeline “Mel” Bolen. Mel passed away unexpectedly on December 21st surrounded by her family.  Her daughter Samantha and son-in-law Ron, son Timothy, granddaughter Madeline and her partner Benjamin were gifted the opportunity to be with her at the end of her amazing lifetime.

She will be missed so very much by them as well as her seven brothers and sisters, her grandson Calvin, other family members, friends too many to count, booksellers, publishers, sales representatives, the city of Victoria where she made her home and ran her bookstore and she will of course be missed by her customers who were like her other family.

She was a pioneer in early entrepreneurship for women in the seventies and eighties and took chances in expansion of her business in the face of competition. She believed in her community and their support of the independent businesses. She sat on various boards and committees and she saw opportunity where others saw failure. She believed strongly in books and the ideas that they could invoke.

She expanded her store four times in Hillside Mall. Following a divorce in 1977 from Pat Bolen, she moved their bookstore to a larger space and 10 years later when the mall was expanding, she again took a chance and moved once again to a large 5000 square foot space. In 1996, with the large chain looming on the horizon, she made a calculated decision and moved into the current space, transforming it into something that she was very proud of. The community agreed and supported her and Bolen Books was awarded the Libris award twice following this move.

She visited every continent on the earth, her last being Antarctica where she was enamored by the penguins. Her longtime friend and travelling companion Ernest Marza helped curate her love of art and antiques for over 30 years. This look was carried from her home to the look of her stores. She wanted them to be an extension of herself and her passion because she spent so much time there.

Married and divorced twice, she met her last love John Smith seven years ago. Together, they traveled and had fun and laughed every day. She was so happy she was able to retire and sold the store to her daughter in 2010. She was thrilled to know that her granddaughter Madeline joined the team at the bookstore in 2014 and that her legacy would continue with them both. Sadly, John passed away three years ago and she missed him every day after.

Mel was a private person but she gave so much of herself to the public. Please feel free to come by Bolen Books and share your memories with each other and in a book of condolences.

A Memorial Service will take place in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Saturday, January 28 at 10:00am.

Condolences may also be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

 

  • Sue Monaghan

    I am so sorry to hear of Mels passing. We did not know each other but had met while on a flight where we sat next to each other a number of years ago. Of course I had a book, she had a book and you can guess the fun conversation we had all the way back to Victoria. Neither of us read a word but had a great conversation about authors and our favorite books. A lovely and engaging person.

  • David Galloway

    Amazing life story and a true champion of knowledge and truth at a grass roots level, there’s nothing more exalted in my mind than a book store owner. I sincerely hope that her legacy can be carried forward by her family and we must all do what we can to preserve bookstores in the face of their many challenges now and into the future. My condolences go out to the family.

    David

  • Ken Lane

    The last page of Mel’s life may now be blank, but it comes at the end of many chapters showing a life well lived. Although she is missed, a celebration of her life is most appropriate.

  • Lori Brackett

    I was saddened to hear of Mel’s passing. I had the privilege of working for, and with, Mel from 2003 until she retired in 2010. Always interesting times, as anyone who worked for her knows!
    There are so many wonderful memories that I am sure that Samantha and her family will be able to draw strength from in this difficult time.

    My condolences to all of you.
    Lori Brackett

  • Colin Edwards Craig

    It is true what the articles have said about Mel Bolen supporting authors that wrote about local History. My Grandmother Ursula Jupp`s first book FROM CORDWOOD TO CAMPUS in GORDON HEAD 1852-1959 made the Bolen book shelves in 1975. Both great lovers of books and the world i wish i could have been that fly on the wall as they sat for a chat.
    Colin Edwards Craig

  • bob wolfe

    I am in such sadness to hear that Mel has passed away,a total shock.
    So many memories I will treasure and will be in my heart for always.
    My condolences go out to the family.
    Bob Wolfe

  • B.W. Batterson

    For more than 20 years, each summer and winter I took my sons to visit Grammy & Grampa in Victoria. And each trip we visited Bolen Books to find something new to add to their collections….always such a treat! Always fond memories!

    During this difficult time, may you draw comfort from your memories & peace from your faith.

    Best regards,
    Barbara

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