On March 19, 2011 Mel passed away peacefully at Bastion Place with his loving wife Mabel at his side. Born in Lousana, AB on December 28, 1920, Mel married Mabel Rogers on June 6, 1949.
Mel is survived by his Sister Althea: his wife of almost 62 years Mabel: their 4 children, daughter Elaine (Michael) Meehan of Alix, Alberta, son Noel of Salmon Arm, Daughter Joan (Clayton) Gummow of Salmon Arm, and son Myron of Salmon Arm; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Mel loved horses and children, he often said the years spent as custodian at Salmon Arm Elementary were some of the best of his life. He also loved to play baseball, hardball as a young man and slow pitch as he got older.
Mel and his family moved to Salmon Arm in 1965 where he worked for Canoe Mill and later at Salmon Arm Elementary until he retired.
He loved to work hard and volunteered for many community projects after he retired. He was one of the driving forces to initiate the construction of the grand stands at the Salmon Arm fall fair grounds.
Many thanks to those who helped cared for Mel in his later years both at Hillside Village and Bastion Place.
A Celebration of Life Service was held on Friday March 25, 2011 at 11:00 am from the Bowers Funeral Home Chapel
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Mel can be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC.
Email condolences may be sent to Mel’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com