Obituary of Melvin Green
Frederick Melvin Green was born on July 19, 1940, to Albert and Minnie Green in Grand Bank,Newfoundland. He grew up there, enjoying a carefree boyhood. He often joked that he was a memberof the NHL – but added the disclaimer that it was the “Newfie Hockey League”. He went to work early, as a teenager, working with the ships that came into the harbour, because he “liked to have some jingle in my pocket”. He grew up surrounded by music, as is so often a Newfoundland tradition. He said his parents spent many evenings playing music; his Mom playing piano and his Dad the fiddle. He learnedto play the accordion, and played until arthritis made it impossible.
He started his working career with the RCMP, and was a member of the Gillam, MB detachment. During this time, he served as a magistrate in Gillam. Later, he worked with a telecommunications companyuntil he retired at 55. But that wasn’t the end of his working days. He opened an electronics store in Brandon, which he had for a number of years. His final employment years were spent as a crop hail adjuster with McQueen’s Insurance, based out of Saskatoon, SK.
One of Mel’s passions was playing poker. He loved playing Texas Hold ‘Em poker and travelled to tournaments across the country, winning quite a bit of money in the process. He loved listening to old time country music. He also loved dancing, and went to many dances with Helen. He was a member of Lions International for many years. He was on the board of directors when Lions Manor in Brandon was built. He enjoyed golfing, and also enjoyed playing card games and dice with his family and friends.
Mel was a very caring, kind, and considerate man. He would help anyone who needed help. He was also fun-loving, and always enjoyed a good joke. His response to “How do you feel?” was “With my hands!”
Mel and Helen made a memorable trip to Newfoundland in 2009. It was there that he introduced her to his birthplace, and his family. While there, they took a trip to “France” – to the island of St. Pierre – Miquelon. They also went to Sedona, Arizona, where many enjoyable hours were spent playing on the golf courses there. Several trips were made to BC and Alberta to visit family. They went to Oliver, BC, where they met with Rob and Joan, and went on a golfing holiday to Washington. Two years ago, they spent a weekend with Al and Marg, attending a gospel Jamboree in Grannam, AB. Plans were made to go on more trips; however, ill health stopped those plans.
Mel made a profession of faith in 2009. Although he is no longer with us in life, he is alive in Heaven. Now he can walk, and even sing! He always claimed he couldn’t sing, and wished he could. Now he is singing with the angels.
Mel and Helen were married September 6, 2014. They were true soul mates.
Due to his illness, remaining at home was not an option, so he moved into long term care at Sherbrooke
Community Centre, Saskatoon, SK, in September, 2023. The care he received there was exceptional. He
passed away April 7, 2024. The staff there couldn’t say enough good things about him. He was well
loved.
He is survived by his loving wife Helen, his biological children Kelly, Denise, and Brendan, (grandson
Wilder), and his true heart children Rachelle Zimmer, Ainsley Friesen, grandchildren Malea, Calla, Ben,
and Sebastian Zimmer. Also surviving are his brother John, sister-in-law Carol, nieces Meighen (Allan)
and Caitlin (Scott Follett), as well as brother-in-law Al, sisters-in-law Marg and Grace, as well as
numerous step-nieces and nephews. Four brothers-in-law, Abe, Harry, Ed, and Bob, predeceased him.
Rest easy, Mel. We love you!
A memorial service is planned for April 27, 2024 beginning at 2:00 pm at Forest Grove Community Church, 502 Webster St. in Saskatoon.