Obituary of Melvin "Mel" Garbe

Melvin "Mel" Donald Garbe of Red Deer, formerly of Irma, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2013 at the age of 74 years. Melvin Donald Garbe was born on September 13, 1939 in Daysland Alberta, the fifth child of William and Irene Garbe. Mel had numerous jobs throughout his life including grain buyer, elevator builder, painter, oilfield maintenance and oilfield operator. Mel married the love of his life, Alma, in 1975. Together they had three children, Melody in 1975, Mel in 1977 and Michael in 1978 in addition to Mel's daughter Tammy born in 1963. Mel was a family man and his children were his pride and joy. He raised them with kindness and compassion and instilled in them his strength, sense of humor, love of children and loyalty. Mel was a dedicated and outstanding sportsman. His passions were fastball, hockey and curling. From his early days on the pond with his brothers, honing his hockey skills his commitment to sports grew. Tales of Mel's athletic accomplishments in the 1960s and 70s can be read about in local history books today and are evidenced in a multitude of newspaper articles. As team captain of the Wainwright Commandos, Mel led one of the finest local hockey teams to come out of Wainwright. They packed the arena on many nights and Mel led them to victory as the Battle River Hockey League Champs on more than one occasion. Mel won the BRHL Most Gentlemanly Player, MVP and Top Scorer awards from 1966 to 1970. Mel went on to be head coach of the Commandos and club manager. As skip of his rink Mel won the Grand Challenge, numerous bonspiels and even competed in the Alberta provincial championships. One of Mel's great legacies is the work he put into building and developing sports and individual athletes in Irma. He coached countless hockey and fastball teams in Irma and the surrounding area from the 1970s onwards, and left a lasting impact on individual athletes both as a coach and mentor. He was a skilled and committed coach and led numerous teams to provincial and league championships. Mel coached his children and their friends in all levels of hockey, ringette and ball, all of whom have proud memories of the team victories and individual accomplishments he led them to achieve. Until his health failed him Mel could often be found parked under a shady tree watching a local ball game or at the local arena watching hockey or curling. His support of local athletes is something that is still recalled by many today. Mel was an avid New York Yankees fan and in 2011 he realized his dream of attending a Yankees game with his family in Seattle. Mel left this world, surrounded by his family, after a battle with Lewy Bodies Dementia. Despite his illness, there was never a day when Mel did not reach out to his grandson Heath when he walked near, share a chuckle or a loving smile with his children and their spouses or have a kiss ready for Alma when she leaned towards him. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Alma; daughters Tammy Johannson and Melody (Lewis) Klinck; sons Mel (Rebecca Carroll) and Michael (Cristena Hedin); granddaughter Sabryna; grandson Heath; and brother Bob Garbe. A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2014 from Burgar Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Irma Minor Hockey Association or the Irma Minor Ball Association.