Melvyn McFayden

Mel was the eldest son of Muriel and Borden McFayden born on March 19, 1942. He married Carroll Kennedy on July 1st, 1965.

He was dearly loved and is survived by his children Kevin (Lise) and Kathleen (Tom), and his three cherished grandchildren Logan, Tavish, and Keva. He is also survived by his brothers Murry (Dianne) and Merle (Katy), as well as several nephews and a niece.

Mel had a natural ability to inspire and teach. He graduated from Lakehead Teacher’s College in 1963 and began a long career as a Principal. He became a mentor to other educators. A colleague once described having conversations with Mel to feeling like sitting around a fireplace with an old friend - neither judgmental nor condescending. He always encouraged people to become the best version of themselves. He was respected for his abilities and honoured for his professional contributions. He was chosen for the prestigious President’s Award for OPSTF (Ontario Public School Teacher’s Federation) for his work on the Provincial Executive; he was elected as President of CAP (Canadian Association of Principals); and received a fellowship with the OTF (Ontario Teacher’s Federation). Upon retirement, he served several years as President of the local RTO (Retired Teacher’s of Ontario) organization.

The foundation of Mel’s life was his family. He was close to his parents, maintained a strong bond with his siblings, cherished his wife and children, adored his grandchildren, and embraced his wife’s family as his own. The family cabin on Footprint Lake was his refuge: nature, quiet, and building projects. He was typically the first one on the lake, breaking a path through the ice to get there in the spring, and the last to remove his dock just before the ice settled in the fall. Mel and Carroll drove all over North America with their children: camping, sight-seeing, and bonding. As the years went on, he looked forward to the annual McFayden gathering in Nestor Falls - a weekend of reconnecting with family.

Mel was a friend to many including childhood friends, Jim DeLaurier and Alcide DeGagne as well as his hunting buddy Len Grupp and his golfing companion (late) Ron Marshall. In recent years, they have wintered in Mesa, Arizona where Mel golfed with new acquaintances who also became friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, his nephew Michael McFayden, and brothers-in-law Michael and Kevin Kennedy, Terry Banks, and Mark Adams.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Green Funeral Home with Father Alan Albao officiating.

The honourary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and his brothers: Logan McFayden, Tavish and Keva Bedford, Murry and Merle McFayden.

Flowers are not necessary. If friends so desire, family would prefer that donations be made to the Riverside Health Care –Palliative Care Unit, 110 Victoria Avenue, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 2C1 or charity of their choosing.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.