Mel was born in Windsor, NS and moved to Vancouver at age 7. He was educated at Lord Byng High school and went on to get a commerce degree at UBC. After graduation he had several jobs, finally settling at the BC Ministry of Health where he worked until retirement. Mel was very active his whole life and loved sports and the outdoors. He enjoyed racquet sports, lawn bowling, rugby, basketball, swimming, biking, and hiking. He was a devoted husband, son, and brother, and a proud father, grandfather and uncle. He will be missed by his loving wife Gillian, son Simon (Barb), daughter Trina (Steve), grandchildren Liam, Torin, Tiana and Owen, as well as several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Habitat Acquisition Trust for the purpose of protecting a 49 acre urban forest next to Mel’s previous home; where he loved to hike. www.mountainroadforest.ca.
A Funeral Service with immediate family only in attendance will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 10:00 am. All others are invited to attend virtually via Zoom by clicking the link below. Please use your video camera when joining so that family in attendance can see you and feel your support.
https://zoom.us/j/99126047924?pwd=TU5aSU9pWG9hL1ZPM08wR1p1UDZOdz09
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
34 Responses
Dear Gill
I’m so sad your husband has passed.
I offer my deepest condolences.
I am still in Salisbury UK .
From your old dear friend from Blackheath High School for girls .
With love,
Jill Brown
Dear Gill and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. I had recently been rereading your Christmas letter, plus think of you often throughout the year remembering the great times in the guide movement. Wish we had met Mel having heard such nice things about him. I know he will be so missed. Be assured of our thoughts and prayers and although we are miles away we are with you in spirit.
Love,
Lucille and Roy Sterner
Dear Gill,
I was so sorry to read just now of your dear Mel’s passing.I do pray for the Lord to shower you with His great love, strength, peace and comfort now and in the days and weeks to come.
I found Mel a little intimidating when I first met him…on the tennis court… as I had heard how good he was, but over the several years of playing the occasional game, I found him to be gentle and caring as well as skilled at the game!
Very quiet spoken but an ardent advocate of pickle ball over which we had a few sparring conversations during coffee after church. It was a privilege to have known him.
With love and prayers Gill,
MaryMurray
Dear dear Gill. I remember both Mel and you with such fond memories you were both so kind to me. My visits with you both in your old home were precious. I loved that home of yours.
My heart is with you Gill. My home is your home if ever you are up this way. You would love my little Cavalier “ Sally” God bless. Sheelane