Melvin Roderick Eugene Upshaw

Melvin “Sonny” Roderick Eugene Upshaw passed away peacefully at home on October 7, 2023, with his beloved wife Jackie and his devoted grandson Jericho by his side. Born in Three Mile Plains, Hants County on April 17, 1940, he was the son of the late Marvin and Ethel (Fairfax) Upshaw.

Sonny served in the Canadian Armed Forces then joined CNR/VIA Rail where he enjoyed working for 37 years. He was a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion and was also an avid bid whist player at the Army Navy Club. Sonny was the president of the over forty slow pitch softball league for the Legion and the Saturday morning league for several years. Since retiring he threw himself into his role as a grandfather, not only to his 5 grandchildren but to their friends as well who all called him “Bampy.

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Sonny had a love for animals and had numerous cats and dogs throughout his life. He enjoyed listening to old country music and loved to dance with his wife.

Survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jackie, Halifax; daughters, Shauna, Winnipeg; Leslyn, Spryfield; Teri, Spryfield; grandchildren, Jericho; who took such loving care of him the last year of his life; Zuwa; Layla; Kainan and Isaiah; his sisters, Sheila Lopes, Halifax; Charlene (Leonard) Arthur, New Minus; Valerie Crawford, Mississauga; Wanda (Wayne) Dixon, Lower Sackville; Joy (Stephen) Allen, Falmouth; Cindy (MItchell) States, Brampton; sisters-in-law Palema Upshaw, Lower Sackville; Harvia Gray, Richmond Hill, Ontario and loving God daughter Shiella Lopes-Hines (Bob,) Dartmouth and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by brothers Darrell “Johnny” Upshaw and Michael Gray; brothers-in-law Calvin Lopes and Mort Crawford; nephew Jody Upshaw; nieces Twila Lopes Elliot and Juanna Lopes (Ricketts); father and mother-in-law, Wilbert (Issie) and Isabel Issard. Along with many family and friends he will be missed by his chosen daughters, Sara Logan, Quebec; Katrina Lopes, Toronto; Danielle Dixon-Toulouse, Ottawa and Jennifer Dennis, Burlington.

At Sonny’s request there will be no funeral or services. As expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the SPCA, the Black Youth Ice Hockey Program (Mr. Calvin Barton, Treasurer at [email protected]) or charity of your choice.