David (Dick) Dickson Melville

With overwhelming sadness we announce the loss of our beloved David Dickson Melville.

Dickson was born on April 20, 1936, in Galt, Ontario, to Mary (Gibson) and Alexander Melville and passed away on October 12, 2011, in Victoria, BC.

Dickson is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Evelyn; sons Ross (Tammy), Scott (Nancy), daughter Darby (Dave); grandsons Logan, Gavin, Liam and Sawyer; brother Syd (Doris), Melville niece and nephews, the Gordon Clan and the Gibson Clan. He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Bill and Alex, and grandson Brendan.

Dickson spent his career as a journalist and then in public relations with both Federal and Provincial governments. His path took him from a junior reporter with the Galt Evening Reporter to night editor of the Ottawa Journal, media relations in the Trudeau government, news editor with the Vancouver Sun, Director of Public Relations with the British Columbia Institute of Technology and Public Affairs Counsel for three premiers of British Columbia.

Dick was an active member of the Gizeh Shrine for more than 25 years. He served as Most Puissant Sovereign of Western Canada Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. He was Past Master of Henderson Lodge #84, a 32-degree member of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, a 26-year member of the Gizeh Thunderbirds Unit and a member of many affiliated Masonic orders. He was editor of the Gizeh Gazette for the Shriners of BC and Yukon and, in 2006 and 2007, won the top award for best Shrine magazine in North America.

He served two three-year terms as a member of the board of directors of the Union Club of BC; a private social club established in 1879.

The Melville family motto “A Tout Pouvoir” translates to “Provide for all” and it was Dick’s pleasure to comply; his love of entertaining reflected this. Cooking became his favourite pastime, and he took special pride in learning to make flaky, tender pastry frequently serving his accomplishments to friends and family.

Dick had a passion for politics and readily debated with anyone whose political views differed from his. Through letters to any editor, he loved voicing his opinion on any subject and was thrilled if he either changed someone else’s opinion or simply provoked a good argument.

He loved his grandchildren, his friends, taking his dog for walks on the beach and in the park, taking care of and helping other people, writing, computer design, motorcycles, music, cycling, the Seattle Mariners, reading, making up bedtime stories to tell his kids and grandkids, art, animals, technology, his hot tub, photography, singing and so many other things in life.

Dick had a special spot in his heart for his canine companions, and it was rare in his life that he didn’t have a dog. His beautiful Irish Terrier, Quinton, gave him great joy in his last few months.

Very special thanks to Dr. Amy Spink at Victoria General Hospital for her care and attention.

We are especially and forever grateful to Doug Newman for the peace and comfort that he provided to Dick in those final days.

Dick lived to the fullest and was sorry to have to leave us. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at McCALL BROS., Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow in the McCall’s Family Centre.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1529 Cedar Avenue, Montreal QC, H3G 1A6. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.

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