Melvin Spagrud

Melvin Thorvald Spagrud, aged 91, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Grasslands Health Centre in Rockglen, Saskatchewan. His passing was peaceful and in the company of his four loving children.

Melvin (Mel) was born, the eldest of four children, on May 27, 1933 to Thor and Mabel (Bjornson) Spagrud.

Mel married Marian Dellinger on July 5, 1954 in Rockglen. Together, they farmed and ranched (Marian taught school 36 years) for 6 decades west of Rockglen. They had four children – Marc (1957); Sheree (1966); twins Trevor and Trina (1968). Mel and Marian celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary in July of 2024.

Mel did not finish high school - common in those days when the eldest son had to help on the farm. He attended welding school in Moose Jaw and became a private pilot in 1966. Together, he and a neighbor friend co-owned an airplane for several years.

Mel was an avid sportsman – hunting, skiing, baseball, hockey, curling and flying to mention a few. He and his wife were square dancers and traveled all over southern Saskatchewan until into their eighties. Like his father, Melvin was an accomplished cross-country skier and, in 1958, placed second in the Saskatchewan Senior Winter Games in Prince Albert. Melvin was a long-time member of the Rockglen Kinsmen Club.

Mel is survived by his loving wife Marian (Dellinger) of Rockglen; son Marc Spagrud (Belinda) Rockglen; daughter Sheree Wendt - Calgary; twins - Trevor Spagrud (Melanie) and Trina Hill (John) both from Calgary; ten grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; one brother Edgar of Radium; two sisters Anna Heagy (Rodney) and Betty Johnson both of Assiniboia; one uncle Roy Bjornson- Rockglen; numerous cousins.

Mel was predeceased by his parents – Thor (1969) and Mabel (1994).

Mel will be greatly missed by his family, friends, relatives and caregivers. His love and kindness will be in our hearts forever.

A prayer service was held Friday, September 20, 2024 at 7:00 pm at St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Rockglen, SK. Reader was Lara Spagrud. The funeral mass for Melvin was held Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. John's Roman Catholic Church. Celebrant was Father Clement Amofah. Placing of the Pall was Natalie Smith and Ayla Spagrud. Lighting of the Pascal Candle was Lilly Spagrud. Readers were Sarah Spagrud, Nina Hill, and Juliette Smith. Presenting of the Offerings were Reid and Easton Spagrud. Music Ministry was led by Gina Stewart with a special song by son-in-law John Hill. Pallbearers were Lara Spagrud, Patrick Spagrud, Andrew Spagrud, Mathew Wendt, Adam Wendt, Sarah Spagrud, Emily Spagrud, Jakeb Spagrud, Nolan Hill, Nina Hill. Interment at St. John's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Rockglen, SK. Following the Interment everyone gathered in fellowship, lunch and a special tribute presentation by son, Marc at the Rockglen Community Hall. Donations in memory of Mel may be made to the Grasslands Health Care Auxiliary.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Spagrud family may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK 306-642-3373