January 20, 1931 – May 30, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Melville Bertram Couvelier, who died peacefully on Monday, May 30, 2011 in Saanich at the age of 80. Predeceased by his parents George and Hilda and his sister Lynn, Mel will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Mildred (Milly), sister Jill Mead (Godfrey), children Richard (Christine), Rodney (Debbie) and Melissa Safarik (Gordon), grandchildren Kerry (Graham), Christopher, Jennifer and Angelina, and great-grandson Daniel.
Born in Vancouver on January 20, 1931, Mel married Milly (Quakenbush) on September 17, 1948. After spending two years in Ocean Falls, where Mel worked in the offices of Crown Zellerbach, the family relocated to Vancouver and shortly thereafter Mel purchased the general store in Coal Harbour. Moving to Victoria in 1960, Mel owned and operated Maplewood Poultry Processors and later founded Couvelier’s Fine Apparel.
Mel’s political involvement began when he served as President of the B.C. Liberal Party in the early 1970s. Elected as a Saanich Alderman in 1974, Mel served as Mayor of Saanich from 1977 to 1986 during which time he was also President of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. As Mayor, Mel was instrumental in growing the business community in the municipality and promoting Vancouver Island during Expo 86. In 1986, Mel was elected to the B.C. Legislative Assembly, representing the riding of Saanich and the Islands as a Social Credit MLA. During his tenure as an MLA, Mel served as Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations, a position he used to balance the provincial budget, promote economic development and enhance B.C.’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Mel’s political career was marked by a tireless work ethic, a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, and a thoughtful desire to hear and understand all sides of a debate.
Throughout his life, Mel was known as a visionary community leader. In addition to serving as a politician, he was a Director of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, the Victoria Airport Authority, the Memorial Park Society, the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, a co-founder of the Victoria Technology Association and a past manager of the Victoria Symphony. In his later years, Mel continued his community involvement, enjoyed his time with friends and family in Sidney, and remained an ardent fan of his beloved Toronto Blue Jays.
A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at 1pm on June 17, 2011 at the Mary Winspear Centre (2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney, B.C., V8L 1W9). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made “In Memory of Mel Couvelier” to either of two organizations close to his heart: the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, B.C., V9E 2J7) or the Mary Winspear Centre (at the above address). Condolences may be offered at www.mccallbros.com. The family would like to extend sincerest thanks to all of those who cared for Mel, especially during his stay in Palliative Care at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
19 Responses
Dear Melissa,
Just want to tell you how sorry I am to hear of the news of your Dad’s passing! I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you and your family.
He was an amazing man and touched the lives of so many people in this province and beyond.
I pray that the memories you hold dear, will bring you comfort now and always. Thinking of you for your Birthday too.
Fondly,
Janette
Rod: My condolences on your Dad’s passing; I remember him well from our younger years. Take care through this difficult time. Love, Helen
Millie and family:
My sincerest sympathy on the loss of Mel. During my many years in government he stands out as a minister who was great to work with and had a good working relationship with staff. He always had a twinkle in his eye. I was honoured when he attended my retirement lunch in December.
Mel continued to serve until the end–a wonderful legacy of service. Thanks for sharing him with us.
May your memories help you at this time.
Lois McNabb
To the Couvelier family,
My sincere condolences on your loss. Mel was such an icon as you know is so many people’s eyes. His beautiful smile, sincere and hard-working ethics for the good of so many was so commendable and admirable. Dad certainly enjoyed working as a councillor with Mayor Mel in Saanich in the day. He had such respect for him, his knowledge, experiences, sound judgement and ability to run a good council meeting…let alone his accolades later in provincial govt. He will be missed but his dedication and legacy will live on. Thank you, Mel!
Dear Mrs. Couvelier and Family,
Please, accept our deepest sympathy in your time of great sorrow.
We, in the Hungarian Community here, will remember Mr. Couvelier, Mel, as a kind and principled man, and a friend, who did not shy away from making controversial decisions in support of fairness and justice, as indicated by his support for erecting the Memorial to the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 near Saanich City Hall.
May the love you feel for the one you lost and your memories be a source of comfort.
Sincerely,
Imre S. Otvos
What an amazing time we had on Saanich Council with Mel as Mayor. His determination to avoid urban sprawl and contain growth in a meaningful way continues to this day .
On a personal level I was fortunate to have had his counsel as a political mentor during my years on Saanich Council and then as a fellow board member on the Victoria Airport Board. I feel fortunate also to have had paths cross with each of Mel’s immediate family and my most sincere condolences to each of you.
My sincere condolences. I first met Mel when I was Treasurer of the Liberal Party in Victoria in the early 70’s. I remember sitting down with Mel in a coffee shop in Oak Bay discussing his run for office as an MLA. Although I moved from Victoria to pursue opportunities in Asia I followed his career always respecting his integrity and dedication of service to the people. It can be said of Mel, he lived a life well worth living and he will long be rememberd.
Dear Couvelier’s:
I was very sorry to hear of Mel’s passing and wish you my very best as I can imagine he was a “force” in your family.
I knew Mr Couvelier as a new and junior director in the Ministry of Finance . I did not have a lot of contact with him as Minister but whenever there was an opportunity it was a specal occassion because one wanted to impress and knew he would listen deeply and ask the questions that cut the issue at hand to its substance. Mr Couvelier was a gentleman and one for whom one wanted to go the extra yard because he made you feel that he had brought you into his circle. You will know how special he was but please know for people who did not even know him that well he was outstanding.
I hope your family enjoys the celebration of Mel’s life on the 17 th
Yours truly
Jim Hopkins
Dear Milly,
Condolences to you and your family. We still remember the good times with you and Mel in Beaver Cove.
Fond regards,
Leo and Anne