Melvin Whitlock Smale

Mel Smale died in his 90th year. Mel was a generous, charming man who lived fully and loved life. He worked in Construction Management building mines in BC, the Philippines, Australia, Papua New Guinea and the US. He had a prodigious memory for people and places and was a great storyteller willing to share his early escapades of growing up in the prairies, his work and travels around the world. He excelled at solving problems, debating issues, taking a great interest in current affairs. Upon retirement he and his wife Marie continued to travel extensively until Marie passed in 2006. He missed her deeply. He is survived by children Tom (Debby) Smale, Sheryl (Ron) Smale/Taylor, Brenda Cichon, Debbie Mochinski, Jim (Melissa) Smale, Cathy (George) Sciberras and 13 grandchildren whom he adored Clint (Jodie), Claire (Steve), Nicole (Cam), Jill (Jonathan), Ashlee (Johnny), Melanie (Anthony), Daniel (Danielle), Matthew (Saphia), Alex (Chloe), Jordan, Kelsey, Taylor and Kaley. Cherished great grandchildren Carter, Emma, Rachel, Ariel and Baker. Mel was born in Kylemore, Saskatchewan, with a family home in Mission for 50 years. He most recently resided in Langley. He will be missed by many friends and extended family including brother Andy, sister-in-law’s Pat and Elaine, brother-in-law Ernie & Marg in Saskatchewan. Mel was predeceased by his brothers Ray and Ivan Godhe. The family wishes to thank Irma his caregiver, the nurses and staff on Four South at Langley Hospital and the many dear friends who came to visit or called. A Celebration of Mel’s Life to be held at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre 14831 28th Avenue, Surrey, BC at 1:00 PM on Saturday July 28th, 2018. Condolences may be offered at www.victorymemorialpark.com “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” Shannon L. Alder