Mel McEACHEN

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McEACHEN: The family of Mel McEachen sadly announces his peaceful passing surrounded by his family, at the age of 81, on December 31, 2014 during a short stay at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Mel was born in Arcola, Sask. on April 11, 1933 to parents Hattie and Earl McEachen. He was married to Mavis (nee Lund) on July 31, 1954. Mel and Mavis lived in Brandon until relocating to their retirement home in Countryside Estates, Onanole, MB. Mel joined the Brandon City Fire Department in 1955, and progressed through the ranks of firefighter, lieutenant and retired as a captain in 1993. As a firefighter he was a dedicated professional who enjoyed his many years of service. Even after his retirement he was actively involved in the fire department working tirelessly on the cataloguing of the Brandon Fire and Emergency Services Archives Committee. Mel and Mavis enjoyed travelling, camping, fishing, golfing and watching the wildlife in their yard. Not one to be idle, Mel could often be found puttering on his “stuff” in the garage (the man cave) or helping neighbours with their projects. From an early age, one of his joys was going hunting with his father and other family members. He was always a fun loving person, lending a hand to anyone who needed his help and will be sadly missed by many friends and neighbours especially those in the Countryside Estate cul de sac. Mel was always very proud of his family and especially the grandchildren and took joy in the great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Mavis of 60 years; son Brent (Karen) McEachen of Nanaimo, BC and daughter Terrie (Cyril) Okoye of Port Coquitlam, BC; grandchildren, Jennifer McEachen, Michael (Jamie) McEachen, Allen, Rochelle, and Cassidy Okoye and great-grandchildren Julianna, Benzie, and Greyson McEachen. Mel is also survived by his sisters Lois Carkener and Joan (Barry) LaPointe, brothers-in-law Lyle (Laurna) Lund, Mel (Ruth) Sampson, several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Hattie and Earl; parents-in-law George and Mildred Lund; brother Gordon; sister-in-law Bonnie Sampson and brother-in-law Bob Carkener. A private family interment took place at the Brandon Cemetery Columbarium, followed by a celebration of life at Memories Chapel on January 7, 2015 with Rev. Wayne Sanderson officiating. Honorary Bearers were Grant Allen, Bert Roberts, Gary Bell, Dick Pow, Joe Yaworski, Dick Hutchings, and Gerry Kemp. Donations may be made in Mel’s honour to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Unit 1, 452 Dovercourt Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1G4 or to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, 204 - 825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5. or charity of your choice. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr D. Onyshko (Minnedosa), Dr B. Riche (Brandon) and to the nurses and staff at unit 300 and palliative care. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 17, 2015