MELVIN WESLEY SCHARF

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MELVIN WESLEY SCHARF 1938 2013 Melvin Wesley Scharf died April 12, 2013, at his home in LaRiviere, MB three days prior to his 75th birthday. Mel was born in Manitou MB on April 15, 1938), one of five children of Elmer and Elva (Hamilton) Scharf. His parents farmed in the Pembina Valley, two miles from LaRiviere, MB. He and his siblings did plenty of chores while they were growing up; they even picked blueberries. Mel was seven years old when his dad purchased a Ford tractor. He and his brother, Ron, were delighted to drive the tractor hauling grain and harrowing the fields. They both learned to be mechanics and welders at home in their teen years. When he finished school, Mel worked with his Dad and brother doing custom breaking and road construction. Mel married Alice Ann Taylor in June 1960. They divorced. He married Marlene Thomas in June 1983, and adopted her son, Doug. They lived in LaRiviere MB. That year, he started his own construction business with one Allis-Chalmers crawler dozer. He gradually increased his equipment to include six Allis-Chalmers motor scrapers, six or more crawler dozers, plus associated equipment. He built a large garage on his property where he repaired his equipment. Mel spoke many times about how much he loved the "Valley" and would never want to live anywhere else. He loved his family and friends. He was a thoughtful, fair, honest and kind man. His beloved wife Marlene and his parents predeceased him. Mel will be lovingly remembered by his son, Doug (Pam) Scharf: his grandchildren, Emma, Hally and Ethan Scharf; his siblings, Beryl Bingham, Ronald Scharf, Thelma (Danny) Fishbrook and Don (Barb) Scharf; 11 nieces and nephews; his aunt and uncle, Ruby and Jim Simpson; Marlene's grandchildren, Chris (Heather) Olson and Cara Olson, and his friend, Lisa. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating Mel's life was held on April 19, 2013, at the Blair Morrison Hall in LaRiviere, MB with Reverend Simpson officiating. Donations in Mel's memory may be made to South Central Cancer Resource, 2-160 Stephen Street, Morden MB, R6M 1T3, to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg MB, R3L 0K6, or to a charity of one's choice. Graham's Funeral Service Ltd. www.wheatlandsfs.com 204-825-2848 in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2013