Melvin Lyon Kotler

KOTLER, Mel (Moishe), age 70 + 21 Days Passed away peacefully in the early hours of July 15 with his loving wife, Dina, at his side after a short but valiant battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Born June 24th, 1942 in Montreal to Saul and Ida Kotler (Zangwill). Predeceased by his only sister Leisha Udashkin (nee Kotler). Educated in Montreal, he chose the school of life over college and began his career in the textile industry starting with Bruck Mills in Montreal. He formed lifelong friendships here and often joked that he only learned math when he started earning commission. He moved to Calgary in the late 70's and it was here that his career took a meteoric turn. Through a timely introduction, Mel started the Fabricland chain out west, establishing 60 stores from Manitoba to BC over his 24 year involvement. Mel moved his head office to Kelowna in 1985, much to his partners horror but proved that it could be done and done successfully. Like all things Mel did, he did them full steam ahead, with 110% of his energy, and rarely failed to exceed his own goals. He retired as President of Fabricland Pacific Ltd in 2001. In his retirement Mel got involved in the development of two construction projects the most notable of which is the prestigious Madison Condo in downtown Kelowna. Mel's energy was not limited to his career alone. He always found time for worthwhile causes and was involved in a number of fundraising initiatives over his career. Amongst his most notable was a major fundraiser for the Cancer Centre of the Southern Interior (1995-1998), being one of the primary developers of Okanagan Jewish Community Centre, Leadership Chair for the United Way (2003), Fundraising Chair for Special Olympics (2006), and most recently, Entrepreneur in Residence - Okanagan College (2012). Mel received numerous awards and acknowledgments for his involvement and contributions to community. Some but certainly not all included, Canada 125 Medal (1993), Entrepreneur of the Year (1994), Business Leader of the Year (1995), Negev Diner Honorary (1998), Man of the Year (2004), the 125 Medal, Queens Jubilee (2000), Fred Macklin Memorial Award (2004), Honorary Fellow Okanagan College (2011) and most recently the Paul Harris Award (2012). Mel's other passions in life, were his family, skiing, golf, travel, reading and eating! He is survived by his wife, Dina Kotler, his children Andrew (Lisa Colt), Robert Kotler, Shawna Fry (Don), Kyle Kotler, and Kaitlin Kotler. His two granddaughters Caroline & Stephanie Kotler. Predeceased by his grandson Jacob Samual Kotler (2007). Graveside service to be held at Lakeview Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 10:00 am. This will be a PRIVATE Service for family and invited guests only please. For all others who would like to pay their respects, there will be a Celebration of Life in the near future. Date, time and location to be announced. At Mel's request, anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory, please do so to the The Central Okanagan Foundation at #217 - 1889 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5V5 Phone: 250-861-6160. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, B.C. 250-762-2299