Obituary of John Melvie

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Rev. John Melvie on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the age of 84. He is survived by his loving wife Alice of Winnipeg MB, daughter Ann Marie of Regina SK, son Dean (Jody) and grandson Luke of Winnipeg, son Darrell (Roxanne) and granddaughters Taylor and Grace of Leduc AB. He is also survived by his brothers Olaf (Yvonne) of Calgary AB and Kenneth (Elsie) of Fort McMurray AB along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Inge, his mother Carrie, and his sister Margaret. John was born in Hay Lakes AB. During the early part of his life he lived, went to school, and worked in Camrose. In his late teens and early 20s he worked at various jobs and at the age of 23 he started his high school education. John went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. At Swan River MB on June 14, 1957 he and Alice Dolvik began their married life. After teaching high school for five years, he went into mission work. He worked at a radio ministry in Cameroon Africa for four years. Upon his return to Canada, he enrolled in the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon, obtaining a Masters of Divinity. As a Lutheran pastor, he served parishes in Rosthern-Hague SK, Kitimat BC, and Ostenfeld-Lydiatt MB. He retired from the ministry in 1990 and began compiling a Fulani-English Dictionary, continuing a work he started in Africa. John deeply believed in the promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ and his main purpose in life was to convey this message to others. A service to honour his memory was held on Monday, March 7 at 1:00 p.m. at the Burgar Memorial Chapel in Camrose AB. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute in Camrose or to the Canadian Cancer Society. Blessed be his memory.