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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Av Hundle
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Tammy Gordon-Dirks I have fond memories of time shared with your husband and Dad as a gracious host from summers long ago. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
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Joan Bates My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
You all have many happy and lasting memories to comfort you.
Love Joan and family
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Joseph Lachaine It was a pleasure to see Dick with all his family and friends as he celebrated his 75th. He will be sadly missed. Joe Lachaine Kanata
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Ken & Fukuko Dear Aunt Evelyn,
We cannot imagine the loss you and your family feel now. Uncle Dick always knew how to make a family get together better. His passing is a loss to my parents that cannot be replaced. We will all miss him.
Sincerely,
Ken & Fukuko
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Barb and Cliff Johnson Our condolences to you Evelyn, and your family. Dickson will be missed. We always enjoyed the time spent with both of you.
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doug and starr hack Please accept our condolences .We enjoyed meeting Dick,
and are sad you lost such a lovely man.
sincerely,Doug and Starr Hack
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Madeleine Purdy and Family To The Melville Family.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.The memories of Ottawa in the 60’s, and the special times we shared in Carp, Ontario, in the 70’s will last a lifetime. We always thought the world of Dick, and the great time we had, especially his delicious meals and The Crown Roast Pork. He was quite a cook.
His passing was sudden,his suffering is no more,but all the beautiful loving memories,he has left us will be remembered, and cherished,this is a very difficult time for you Evelyn, and your family,knowing Ross,Darby, Scott and their families,they will be there to comfort you, please take care of yourselves in this very difficult time.I send you my love, sympathy, and prayers.I am here if you should need me,
Your longtime friend, Maddie
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Jannine & Rick Norman To the Melville family – We were so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Our prayers and condolences to all of you during this difficult time. Sincerely Jannine & Rick Norman & family
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Rob Heppell Scott & family, I was sorry to hear that Dick had passed away. I have fond memories of him as we were Masters at the same time – I can remember how excited he was on the night of his installation. Also we worked together during our time in the Masters & Wardens Assoc. I will miss his smile and cheery nature.
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Jim and Laurie We were saddened to hear of Dick’s health issues and sudden passing. We were also blessed to spend time with him and his extended family at Don and Ellen’s 50th. Dick will leave a big hole in everyone’s heart. On behalf of Laurie and I we want to convey our sincere condolences to all of the Melvilles’ and Gordons’. May he rest in eternal peace. Our love to you all.
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Jill & Geoff Hallam To Ev & Family – We were so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing and send our sympathy and condolences. He was always so an upbeat and positive person. From your “old” neighbours at 1280 Ocean View Road, Jill & Geoff
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Greg Sikora Sweet Evelyn:
Laura and I wish you strength during this time of almost unbearable saddness. Remember only the great moments, the thousands there must be, of your loving partner and comrad. Dick was above all else a most wonderful person; to us, a very special man.
Greg & Laura Sikora
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Roy and Deborah Coburn Dear Family: Dick and Evelyn were our neighbours for years at 124 Leila Place. Although we were landlords we felt more like good neighbours trying not to intrude on their privacy. Dick and Evelyn were terrifc people with good hearts. I can’t count how may times I saw Dick with his motor mike riding around the block or waiting to be picked up for another parade to attend. I have to mention Kaley (sp) their dog who got walked everyday and sometimes came over to our yard but not for long as Dick would call her back pretty fast. Evelyn you two where the best and we will miss Dick very much. Sincerely, Roy and Deborah Coburn
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Dolores and Dave Terrell Dear Evelyn, Our sincerest condolences to you and the family. We shall miss Dick very much.
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Frank LaLeune My sincere condolences to the Melville clan as I think of you in your time of mourning.
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Nick & Barbara Dear Evelyn & Family, Nick & I are very sorry for your loss. It seems so long ago that I met you Evelyn in Fort Erie, and when you moved away and later married Dick I knew you would have a happy life. Please accept our condolences for your family, God Bless, R.I.P. Dick. Love Barb & Nick
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Uwe Bartley I first met Dick at VITP and over the years i got to be good friends with a wise and knowledgeable man, his Solomon BBQ on Pender Island, and the fun Golf games we had I will miss you Dick,
Evelyn my heart and prayers are with you and your family.Uwe
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Susan (Gordon) McCargar It is with great sadness and sincerity that I type these words of sorrow for the loss of my Uncle Dick. He and Auntie Eveyln have always been a shining light in my life as well as my cousins Ross, Scott and Darby. They are a great family who I am very proud to be related to.
Uncle Dick was a very loyal family member and never missed an opportunity to visit us. He was Master of Ceremonies at our wedding in 2000 and really added a touch of class to our special day. As well, he was happy to do a pig roast for us which turned out great!
My biggest hugs go to Auntie Evelyn and my cousins. I love you all.
Susie
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Mary McColl Dear Scott. I am so sorry about your dad and I wish you, your mother and all your family comfort and peace knowing he is now free of his illness. Bless you all, Mary McColl
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Louise Jones I only got to know Dick at VITP a few years ago; I was touched by his kindness and warmth; I saw him recently (Aug) at Tillicum Shopping Centre and we had a good chat. In spite of his pain he managed to remember me and be interested in me.
Some folks come into our lives and make no real impression;
Dick was not one of those people.
Sincere sympathy to his family who I never met but I do remember him telling me that Evelyn was his queen.
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Mark,Lynn and Alexa Lofthouse It is hard to believe that he has left us. I keep expecting to pick up the phone and hear his voice. He had a wonderful sense of humor and such a passion for life. We will certainly miss him. Our thoughts are with you Eve. R.I.P. Dick.
Our condolences, Mark, Lynn and Alexa
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Marge and Chuck Horne Dear Evelyn:
It is hard to believe he is gone; it seems like just a few short weeks ago that he was riding his scooter with us as First Lieutenant in the
Shrine Thunderbird parades.
We will surely miss his presence and the fun we had at the many social functions we all attended in the past.
We are happy he is now free of pain and in the care of the Great Achitect of the Universe.
Our condolences to you Ev and the family,
Love Marge & Chuck
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Angela and Harold Allen Dearest Evelyn,
Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your family at this time.
We are very sorry and sad that we will not see Dick upon
our return to Victoria,but will remember him with love and
affection.Dick and I always had a special day to celebrate,we shared the same birth date April 20th.I will always remember that.
Our love to you,and we will see you soon.
Angela and Harold xx
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Torrey McCall My sincere condolence to the Melville family.
Torrey McCall
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Bob Cross Dick was an honourable man, a gentleman, a mentor, and an inspiration to many community leaders over the years.
He was someone I was fortunate to have as a friend and a confidant.
My condolences to to Evelyn and the family.Bob Cross
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Renza Brown I am so very sorry to read about Dick’s passing in the newspaper. I am truly shocked and immensely saddened. He was one of the nicest, kindest gentlemen I have ever met. I got to know him when he was a participant in one of the clinical trials I was part of. He was always smiling and talked about his family with such love and admiration. Again I am sorry for your loss. My heart and thoughts go out to you all.
Most sincerely
Renza Brown (Can-med Clinical Research)
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Stephen McDonald The President & Board of Directors of the Victoria Disabled Golfers Assoc. were very saddened to hear of Dick’s passing.
Dick was our Director of Media Relations and we really appreciated all of his efforts.
Dick believed in using the game of golf to help persons with disabilities. He felt that teaching disabled persons to golf whom would otherwise never attempt it, was a great form of therapy and in building self-esteem.
I recall last May when Dick stopped by Henderson Golf Course to watch us teaching three adults with down syndrome. They were having a wonderful time and Dick’s eyes lit up and he really enjoyed it too.
Again on behalf of the Victoria Disabled Golfers Assoc., please accept our sincerest condolences.
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Diane Kaminski Ottawa remembers….
Sharing in your sadness, the Kaminski and Kirkpatrick families. xoxo
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Yvette Nelson Dear Ev. Please know that you and all the Melville family are in thoughts and prayers at this time. Dick is now at peace with no more pain which makes our prayers for him as it should be.
Will be thinking of you on Saturday. I hope to see you in Dec.Yvette Nelson
Dear Evelyn and the Melville Family,
I had the utmost pleasure to get to know Dick on a very close level during his time at VITP. As a young man, Dick and I shared hundreds of stories together, especially those involving his beautiful wife, his children, and his illustrious working career. Between the ages of 25 and 28 while at the Tech Park, Dick taught me something new almost every day. He taught me the real lessons of life. What to love and cherish and what not to dwell on. He continuously inspired me to reach for more and words can never describe my thanks to Dick. I will forever remember our trip to Pender Island where Dick and I shared many cigars and martinis over countless conversations. He made a dinner to die for and to top it all off, he sang an opera song to us. I will forever remember you Dick. I know you are up above with a cigar and scotch in hand.