MELVIN DOUGLAS CLARK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MELVIN DOUGLAS CLARK

July 9, 1953 - April 24, 2024

It is with deep sadness we announce that Melvin Douglas Clark passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024 with his family by his side.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Deb, daughter Brittinee, brother Darryl, his wife Laurie, and niece Jacqueline (Eric).

Sharing in his loss are his sister-in-law, Cheryl Long, nieces Amber and Chelsea, their children, many cousins and wonderful friends.

Mel was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on July 9, 1953 to Harry and Ida Clark. He was destined to be a Saskatchewan Roughriders fan from the very beginning!

The Clark family moved to Brandon in 1955, where Mel spent his early years growing up on Clark Drive. He became buddies with the neighbor kids, many of whom are still friends to this day. He attended Valleyview Elementary and Vincent Massey schools.

After earning his ticket at Red River College, his career as an electrician began at his Dad’s business, Clark’s Electric and ending after many years with Figol Electric.

Mel’s career move to become the Director of Facilities and Transportation at the Brandon School Division was where he remained until he retired in 2018. After 26 years there, he made many good friends and life long memories. He loved his job and was very proud of the Brandon schools and staff.

Mel had an affinity for most sports and the outdoors. He enjoyed golfing, skiing, hunting, snowmobiling, curling and even spent a few years bowling!

He spent happy afternoons on the boat at Pelican Lake with friends and family. He went on many memorable golf trips with his buddies. He loved to watch football and his love and loyalty for the Saskatchewan Roughriders never failed, even when they weren’t playing well.

In 2003 Mel, Deb and Brittinee built their new cottage at Turtle Lodge on Pelican Lake. Mel worked diligently during the construction and took great pride in its accomplishment. It was their happy place where many of their cherished memories were made. Entertaining around the kitchen island was a weekly event after a day of boating, golfing or snowmobiling. Friends and family alike watched and enjoyed Deb’s kitchen magic. There were countless hours spent happily playing cards, having campfires and laughing and joking with friends. He especially loved the beautiful sunsets there.

Mel loved the sense of community at Turtle Lodge and he was always eager to help a neighbor with a project or to just have a beer and a visit.

Mel and Deb travelled to Puerto Vallarta for many years and it became like a second home when welcomed back by the friends and staff at their condo. Walking the beach, watching the sunsets, dinners out and friendly banter with the beach vendors were a daily ritual. It was extra special when Britti joined them. Mel delighted in showing her his favorite watering holes!!

After Mel’s retirement in 2018, he and Deb planned to travel and explore places on their “bucket list”. They enjoyed two wonderful winters in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, Mel’s health began to decline shortly after. Through his illness he remained positive and cheerful and was always a pleasure to be with.

Mel will be remembered for his huge smile and his friendly and warm demeanor. He lived his life to the fullest and was a kind and fair person with unfailing integrity. He said he treated people like he wanted to be treated, which is evident by his huge group of long time friends.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Jay Duncan and Melissa Peters for their care and kindness.

We will celebrate Mel’s life on May 23, 2024 at The Victoria Inn Grand Salon at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel and for those not able to attend in person, the service will be webcast on Mel’s memorial page at www.memorieschapel.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation at www.wdfk.ca or to the charity of your choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 11, 2024, May 11, 2024