On a beautiful sunny Shuswap morning, our family bid farewell to Del, our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. Left to cherish his memory is Marlene, beloved wife of 60 years, his children Cam(Jo-Ann), Cindy(Gene), and Ian(Jocelyne) and his treasured grandchildren Terra, Lindsay(Kevin), Travis(Courtnee) and Justin. He was so proud to be a great-grandfather to Jaelyn, Riley, and Stella. Del’s brothers Allan, Melvin, Jack, Bill, and sister Marlene were held dear to his heart and he loved all the nieces and nephews. And last but not least the Tymkiw Tribe. He felt so fortunate to be part of this wonderful family.
Dad was a true Manitoban. It was the land of opportunity and SPORTS! For 71 years he called it home. Dad started working for the Manitoba Telephone System in 1950 and retired in 1987. He would often boast about his “Freedom 55”! His job took him as far north as Churchill and as far south as Emerson and so many towns in between. As soon as he’d get settled in he would head for the local ball diamond to see if he could scratch up a game. “What position do you play?” “I’m a pitcher” and boy could he pitch!
In 1963, Dad moved the family to Elgin, MB and that’s when the Elgin Cubs were put on the map! The Manitoba Coyotes enabled Dad to play well into his 60’s and experience the Senior World Series in Arizona and Florida. Our Dad felt the love of his teammates right up until his last breath.
In 2007, Gordon Delbert Mealy was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame. He was so honoured and overwhelmed by the support of his Elgin Cubs fraternity.
In 2005, Dad and Mom discovered Salmon Arm, BC and decided that they would try something new! Dad so enjoyed the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, golf, and curling. In 2011, he and his teammates won the Grand Masters Zone 4 Interior Championship. His happiest moments were when he was on the mound, or in the hack, or chasing the puck!
We think our Dad was the luckiest of men. He loved and was so loved. He left us with the birds singing and a quiet gentle breeze blowing. We were swinging for the fence and we hit a home run. We have all been so blessed and Dad will forever live in our hearts. HE WAS LEGEND…
Our family offers a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kim Grieve, the Community Care Nurses, and his wonderful friends for their love and support.
Online condolences may be sent through Del’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium, Salmon Arm.