If you knew Mel you knew his passions. The one passion I know he loved the most was his family. He may not have expressed it well in days gone by, but in later years we really learned his heart. He loved watching his children as they grew up being involved in many of the activities they participated in from Coaching Baseball to staying involved in the Bayshore Barracudas Swim Team as president for several years. He was a provider, during their younger years he was able to allow for Peggy to stay home and be the homemaker for the family.

His work was important to him. He moved to Ottawa Ontario in the early 70’s to provide a better life for his family working for the Federal government and leaving the Bell Canada “Legacy” the Fleming Family had. His son Shawn remember growing up in Bayshore and was getting picked on at school. He made a point of teaching Shawn how to throw a punch using his entire body…he believed in standing up for yourself.

When his children hit the teenage years and had more needs his wife Peggy re entered the workforce. We do not believe he wanted this for her however as the kids got older there was more needs and the extra income helped the family. I know he was proud of Peggy for helping the family and proud each of his children because he let us/them know in his later years. He was also a great teacher, When Mel decided he needed a motorcycle, he was gracious enough to hand the first set of keys to randy (with a bank note, so he could learn how to manage Money. Later to buy a second Motorcycle and do the same thig for Shawn. Now Tell me How many dad’s would do that?

He loved his grandchildren, Ryan & Courtney were the first 2 on the scene and he and Peggy would travel across Canada to see them and when Shawn Married Carolyn he took a shine to Kelsi & Karli then shortly after Tanner was born. You could see his eyes light up anytime he was able to spend with his grandchildren.

Let’s talk about Dads passion in life, his Fishing, oh my gosh each of his children would spend countless hours catching Bass & Walleye with Mel at Crow Lake and many other lakes in the Rideau Lakes System. He was always up for a fishing trip even when they had to carry supplies miles down the railway track too fish hidden lakes and catch Largemouth bass by the dozen. Or how he found the best spots to fish on the lake to fish, he really could have been a guide. Randy Shawn & Debby remember a great trip they took to Florida in high school. Mel was so determined to take his family Deep sea fishing. He had a favorite Captain from his previous trips to the Florida Keys, On the day they had scheduled there were Small Craft Warnings however somehow he was able to talk the captain to take the family out fishing. Once he agreed they left and it was a rough seas day. While they each caught fish Shawn & Randy Caught 70 -80Pound Amberjack and Debby was able to land a little tuna. It took her forever to land this little fish and when we talked about this with dad in the hospital his grin showed his memory was in tact. He always had his family in mind when he made decisions. They spent many years renting Cottages on Crow lake until he found the little Gem of a cottage he and Peggy bought on Crow lake. They owned the cottage for 40 years and the cottage had 100’s of visitors stay with the family over those years.

Not only was Mel an avid fisherman he also took very seriously preservation. Once he retired from Civil work he got involved with the Fisheries Department in Ontario focused on stocking lakes (Crow & Bobs Lake) and creating new spawning beds for the Walleye all around both lakes. Randy stayed involved in some of these projects. He was active on a weekly and even daily bases doing this work as a volunteer and received many awards for his efforts.

In closing we have to acknowledge his love for his wife Peggy, AS of September 23rd they were married for 58 Years. Neither would say all those years were blissful, none of us can say that, however I believe both had a deep love for each other that showed more and more the longer they stayed together. They set the example to many people including their children that you don’t give up on each other.

Mel last days were tough for the family. Mel had medical issues for years that impeded his quality of life And letting your father and husband go is not an easy thing to go through. However we all know Mel, Dad is no longer in pain and living in a renewed body beside the father in heaven looking down on us and smiling at all our accomplishments.