Melvin Bert Warttig

Mel was born in Kenora on March 3, 1930 to parents Martha and Bert Warttig.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Joyce Warttig (née Plohman); his daughters Linda Warttig (Greg Zdep) and Carol Carey (Steve); sons-in-law Tony DeLuca and Barry McLeod (Patty); grandchildren Kelly Noble (Jason), Brayden McLeod (Carlie), Carling George (Nathan); his cherished great-grandson Jayden Melvin George; a second great grandchild who is due to arrive any day; his sister Irene Hudson; and many nieces and nephews.

Mel was predeceased by his parents, his brother Bert and his beloved daughter Carla.

Mel began his career with Canadian Pacific Railway at the age of 17 as a wiper, later becoming a fireman and ultimately retiring after 43 years as an engineer. Working for the CPR was a job he truly loved, and his passion for the railway still carries on with him.

In his early years, Mel was a proud baritone player in the Kenora Town Band and remained a member of the Pequonga Lodge. Following his retirement, he was an active volunteer selling Nevada tickets for the Retired Railroaders Association at the Kenora Shoppers Mall. Remarkably, until the age of 95, he also volunteered at Pinecrest Home for the Aged. Mel was a dedicated daily journal writer, a treasured legacy and gift his family will cherish forever.

In 1986, Mel and Joyce purchased their property on the Welcome Channel. Though Mel originally intended to use the property to grow potatoes, Joyce quickly convinced him that a camp would better suit the property than a potato patch. Mel’s most treasured times were those spent with his family and friends at camp, fishing and ice fishing on Lake of the Woods and happy hours on the deck overlooking the water.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to friends Jim Wong, Rick Jackson, Grant Sherred, and the Bearpaw Trail neighbors for their unwavering kindness and willingness to help, allowing Mel to enjoy the camp until his final days. The family also wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Dooley, Michael Limerick and the nurses in the ICU ward of the Lake of the Woods District Hospital for their compassion, support, and care for Mel and his family during this extremely difficult time.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kenora Cat Shelter or a charity of one’s choice.

A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at a later date.