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
Gill, I am saddened at the news of Mel’s passing. I pray you and your family will be able to comfort each other at this time.
I’m praying for you,
Kathleen Nelson
Hi Gil, I was certainly saddened to hear of Mel’s passing. He will be very much missed by the Brentwood Pickleball Club. I always enjoyed playing Pickleball with Mel. He was a good player and always had that fun twinkle in his eye over good shots. I’ve been thinking of you during this time and hoping things are going as well as they can for you. My condolences to your family. I look forward to when we can be back on the Pickleball courts and seeing each other again. Take care. Leslie
Dear Gill and family we are so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. May his memories be a blessing
Milford (Uncle Mel) was always a source of information. I wish I had talked with him more. If I wanted to know something about the Lightbody family or even something about BC, he would know. We didn’t cross paths as often as we should have, but I will always remember his laugh when he was happy, his concerned face when something had to be dealt with, and his relaxed mood when he was in his garden. Milford always seemed happy to learn something new. He was a wonderful inspiration.
My condolences to all the family and friends.
Heartfelt condolences to the Lightbody family during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
the McKelvey family
Our deepest condolences to Gill, Simon, Trina, and their family. Mel was a great neighbor and we missed him when you moved away from the Mountain Rd. neighborhood. May he rest peacefully. How thoughtful to ask for donations to the Habitat Acquisition Trust. There will be a part of Mel always residing in these woods.
Sending all our love and condolences at this very sad time. Just wish we could be with in person but times are strange. We shall be with you on Monday via zoom. All our love from your Family in the UK xxx
I was sorry to read about Mel’s passing. I only met him a few times but knowing you, I know this will be difficult for you. Please accept my condolences.
Dear Gill and all your family, we were so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. We hope your able to get the support you need during these trying times. He led a very active life and enjoyed his family and bowling family as well. He enjoyed all the parties at the club and attended all club competitions. We will all miss him. Moe enjoyed him when he would drop in for a visit and this year we have all missed out on our friendships. We would like to pass on a big hug to you and your family, Love Shirley and Maurice
Mel was a special uncle who was a great friend to my mother Ellen who truly appreciated his friendship, generosity and support.
We will always remember Mel’s warm smile, humour and adventurous nature.
He was simply a great man and he will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts and love to Gill, Simon(Barb) & Trina(Steve) and their children.