Melvin Roy Harnett

With immense sadness and incredible gratitude, the family of Melvin Harnett announces his passing on July 17, 2023 in Winnipeg, MB. Mel lived life to its fullest embracing each of the many roles he played in so many lives as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and confidante, as well as a businessman, inventor, builder, thinker, teacher and world traveler.

Our dad was born in 1934 in Eston, SK and after living in several locations in the Rainy River region, he and his family settled in Port Arthur, ON. As a young man and the eldest boy of the family, Mel balanced being a teenager with taking responsibility for his family. His early years were not easy but it didn’t take long for his hard work and special gifts to be recognized and his 65 year career began.He and his beautiful bride, Jean, started their family in Thunder Bay with the birth of Michele in 1959, after which the Harnetts moved to Toronto and Nicole and Curt were added to the happy family. Soon thereafter, the family moved to Winnipeg for a decade followed by a return to where it all began in Thunder Bay for the next 22 years. Mel and Jean made a final move to Winnipeg in 1999 and the final years of Mel’s life were spent in Winnipeg close to Michele and Paul and their family. All who knew Mel know that in each of these stops, he established close and enduring friendships and partnerships that lasted until his final days. Once you were inside Mel’s circle, you would never leave.

Mel was a hardworking man – either on the job or at home. It was virtually unheard of to see Mel sitting around the house in the evening or on the weekend. There was always something to be done. He took great pride in “getting it right” and in building his life and success. But Mel’s truest treasure was his family. In the early years, his work would often take him away from his family, but nothing was more important than trying to get home for that tournament, that recital, that event. Of course, Mel’s support of Curt’s cycling journey was as legendary as Curt’s accomplishments. Again, Mel and Curt’s adventures produced treasured memories and enduring relationships. And while Mel loved his children deeply, in recent years he found new joy following the lives of his 5 grandchildren. Whether it was the latest construction project, new job or house, the result of last weekend’s fight or competition, Mel followed it all with great interest and occasionally a words of wisdom.

Mel’s friends regarded him as a trustworthy confidante, someone who could be trusted with their greatest fears or silliest jests. He was the kind of friend who would arrive at your doorstep without warning,carrying your preferred wine and glint in his eye, eager to discuss his latest idea or watch the big game. These instances often culminated in spontaneous gatherings, filled with laughter, lively debates, and maybe a new prototype taking flight.

Melvin was a visionary, perceiving the world not as a static reality but a domain of possibilities. He was a prolific learner and patient teacher. He was kind and caring and could make you feel like the only person that mattered when he was talking to you. He brought light and joy to any happy occasion and concern and presence during troubled times.

As we lose a radiant mind and a kind soul in Mel, his absence will be deeply felt. Yet, his spirit will continue to guide us. We will build the habit of asking “what would Mel do” and smile when we do so. His laughter, his tales, and the sparkle in his eyes will be profoundly missed. As we celebrate Melvin's life and remember him, we're filled with appreciation for the innumerable ways he touched our lives. His legacy is far more than the buildings he constructed, the inventions he crafted, or the businesses he founded. His legacy lives in the hearts of everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

Mel is predeceased by his mother Emma and father Bertram, his sisters (Alma, Florence, Oneitta, Lilian) and brother (James), his brother-in-laws (Martin, Jerry) and his wife Jean. He is survived by his children Michele (Paul), Nicole (Mathew), and Curt (Victoria), his grandchildren Brodie, Eric (Kaley), Skylar (Meghan), Carter, and Olivia, and great grandchildren Riley, Ruby and Blake.

A service to honour Mel will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to World Bicycle Relief in honor of Melvin.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Harnett family.