Melvin Peterson

Just a few days before he died, Mel said “This game is over”. He played the game of life well and as a sportsman throughout his life it was a fitting analogy. Mel would surely receive the most gentlemanly player award.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Melvin Alexander Peterson at Pinecrest Home, on May 17, 2019.

Mel was born in Kenora, on November 1, 1916, to Anna and August Peterson. His parents came from Sweden and farmed in Whitemouth, Manitoba for a time before moving to Kenora. He grew up in Lakeside in a family of eight children and he was the last surviving.

As an eligible bachelor in his 20’s, Mel’s charming ways won over a young nurse’s heart and he and Jean were married on June 29, 1940. They enjoyed 72 years together and were truly ‘in love’ for all those years. They raised three sons and lovingly welcomed their wives and children into the family as the years went by.

Prior to the war, Mel was employed as a Court Reporter in the Magistrate’s Court. He then enlisted in the Army and served with the 4th Armoured Division in Europe. On his 28th birthday he was wounded and taken prisoner of war in Holland. Mel spent his captivity in a prison camp hospital in Germany. He was released in 1945 and after treatment in England he returned to Kenora.

In 1946 Mel joined the Kenora Police Department and served there with the rank of Sgt., until his retirement in 1976.

Mel was a member of the Knox United Church, the Royal Canadian Legion, The Police Association of Ontario, the Kenora Police Association, the Kenora Golf and Country Club, President of the Kenora Curling Club and member of the Keewatin Senior Men’s Curling Club and the Men’s Bridge Club at the Armouries.

Mel enjoyed many sports in addition to golfing and curling, including ski jumping in his youth and cross country skiing until late into his life. He also loved a good game of bridge and was a keen opponent.

Enjoyable summers were spent at camp at Longbow Lake with Jean and his family and Mel took pride in grilling a perfect T-Bone steak.

He and Jean took many trips across Canada with their sons camping, and relishing the outdoor life. They also loved their many trips to their Hawaiian paradise, Napili Sunset in Maui.

Among those left to remember and celebrate his long wonderful years are his sons, Glen and wife Charlene (Kenora), Ross and wife Marilyn (Las Vegas) and Warren and wife Sheila (Thunder Bay). Also part of his human legacy are Grandchildren: Jeffery (Nadine), Bradley (Lori-Ann), Scott (Sabrina), Ryan (Kim), Ashley Brown (Freddie), Amber Spero (Cord), Whitney Kendall (Dave) and Great Grandchildren: Alexander, Natalie, Maia, Ava, Noah, Liam, Erik, Lydia and Penny.

Mel was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jean and by granddaughters Rosemary and Courtney and great grandson Grant. Also predeceased by siblings, Elof, Nancy, Annie, Edith, Ruth, Jute and Gordon.

Mel’s family would like to express their deepest and most sincere thanks to the staff at Pinecrest Home, for 7 ½ years of fellowship and compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held at the Knox United Church on Saturday May 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be directed to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation or the Hospice Unit at Pinecrest Home for the Aged.