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 Charlie and I send you our condolences, You are in our thoughts.
Jill I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s recent passing. Just to you know that I am thinking about you and I am sure with the support of your family and friends it will help you through this difficult time.
Sincerely.
Jen Blair.
We will remember Mel and miss him terribly. He was the quiet one in our Friday walking group but always was on top of things and loved to engage in conversations. His home(and Gills)was a wonderful welcoming place to visit, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the garden.
Dear Gil and family, Deepest condolences from Lyn and me. We have fond memories of Mel from our years at the Chapel and Crossroads. amongst other interactions over the years I especially remember his joy when he won the prize of a flight in Kenny’s motor glider when we were raising funds for King’s Daughters and his wide grin in a photo taken during the actual flight! Please know that you are all in our prayers. Love and blessings, Mark+
It was wonderful to be a part of your celebration of Mel’s life.The Sharing and stories of your journey together was good to hear.Simon gave us a good picture of your rural life outside of Victoria.How times have changed. So nice for the grandchildren to feel.
We are thinking of you all and look forward to reconnecting with you on your journey.
Love from Wayne and Anne in Powell River
We remember some very happy times dancing with Mel and Gill at the Mavericks Square Dance club. Mel was the exemplar of a gentleman, and at the same time there was a great sense of fun in their company. We send our warm condolences to you–Gill, Simon and Barb, Liam and Torin, and all the family.
Gill and family
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this beautiful service and remembrance of Mel. The video and Simon’s eulogy were very touching and we felt a closer connection with Mel through all of the stories and pictures.
We enjoyed our Friday morning walks with Mel and Gill.. his quiet humour will be missed.
Our hugs to the family.
Gayla and Michael
Sending you all our love and thoughts at Uncle Mel’s passing. Hope you all find the strength to cherish the wonderful memories you have . We will be thinking of you x
Condolence to Gill and the whole family. I remember him for the great times at square dances. He was also worked with my late wife’s Uncle Harold Price while in the B.C. Government. .. His soft touch and humour will be missed by many.
Dearest Gill, we were so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. We enjoyed chatting with him back in the day when he would come to the Chapel gatherings. We send you our love and prayers and pray the Lord’s grace and peace upon you and your family at this time.
Love Jeremy and Linda Pryer