Melvin Fleischhaker

He was born to Mike and Marjorie Fleischhaker on April 28,1940 in Bengough, Saskatchewan during a blizzard.

Mel was a loving spouse, devoted parent, caring grandfather, proud great-grandfather and loyal friend whose sense of humour, creative thinking and wisdom touched all who knew him. Mel was a cherished member of the Fleischhaker and Yanish family and he will be profoundly missed by his spouse of 57 years, Sylvia; his two daughters Laura and Carol; his two sons-in-law Shawn and Edward; his four grandchildren: Meleah (husband Jon), Foster, Macy (partner Aiden) and Lorelei and his two great-grandchildren Rayen and Robyn. Also, he will be lovingly missed by his three brothers: Burns, Terry and Doug and his sister Donna.

On October 5, 1962 Mel became a Journeyman Electrician for Globe Electric. In 1977, Pat Stretten and Mel started National Electric Ltd. and then in 1981, he left the electrical trade and started National Crane Ltd.

Mel was mechanically inclined, thanks to the guidance of his father “Pop”. At the age of 13 he motorized his bicycle and at the age of 14 he built a three-wheeled car with combustible engine. At the age of 16 he built a motorized go cart with his brother Burns. He made his own skin diving equipment which included a motorized propeller using the wringer from his mother’s washing machine. He spent the rest of his life designing and creating.

In 1974 Mel and Sylvia purchased four lots of land at Pasqua Lake. With his three brothers, Mel built a large A-framed cottage and a second A-framed boathouse with a carpentry shop. Years later, he would build a “garage” which doubled as a workshop of exceptional and enviable stature. Mel was very generous with advice, tools and practical know-how. He was a force to be reckoned with, yet simultaneously admired.

Mel was a member of the Regina Sports Car Club and became an avid ice racer winning many trophies. He enjoyed snow machining, fishing and everything that living at the lake entailed.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care he received while at the Regina General Hospital and the Indian Head Hospital. Also, they would like to extend their sincere thanks to friends and family for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time.

To honour Mel’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.

Mel will be deeply missed, but the love and memories he created will remain in our hearts forever.

On-line messages of condolence may be left at www.tubmanfh.com.