FORRESTER, MELMON "MEL" HOWARD
February 2, 1919 - October 12, 2013
Mel peacefully passed away after a short stay in Hospice House, his wife,daughter and sisters and family always at his side. He will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted wife Doreen, his daughter Dr. Judy Forrester, son Brian, granddaughters Savanah and Avalon,
sisters Audrey and Lois. Also survived by his stepdaughter Sharron and George Young, step Grandchildren Shelly Wolf Breakey, Sean (and Michelle) Wolf, Michael, Warren and Ryan Young, step great grandchildren Aubrey Laine Breakey, Megan and Emily Monick, and Hunter Young. Also surviving are his nephews David (and Karen), Stephen (and KP), and Murray, nieces Janice and Wendy and great nieces Heather and Allison, Kaitlin, Breanna, Caylen, Lauren and Jamie, great nephews Tim, Simon, Craig and Brenden, great great nieces Kalena Johanna, and Laykl.
Mel was born the son of store owners in Anneroid Sask., and at a very early age he realized his love for music and dancing. Whenever possible where there was a country dance he would be there. He persued his love of music by teaching himself the saxophone, clarinet, banjo,
harmonica and guitar and played for his own pleasure.
At a young age he got hired with the Credit Union but when he was told that he had to go to Vancouver to pursue his career he quit and decided to get a trade in carpentry. He moved to Calgary where he was very successful renovating and building and owning several residentail buildings.
He met Doreen, in July 1982, and after a lengthy courtship they married in July 1993. Together they built their dream home and traveled the world over. In the winter, they would retreat to their home in Mesa for six months and always take a few cruises in between. One of his greatest loves was entertaining, and they always were having people over for dinner and then off to one of their favorite dance places.
In 2002 they made the big decision to move to Kelowna to be in a warmer climate. After retiring, Mel decided to try his hand at art and after a couple of classes he was well on his way to producing some great pieces, capturing anything from Grey Owls Cabin, to gardenias, to landscapes of Spain and Arizona. Many a piece now hang in friends and family's homes.
If he wasn't painting you could find him at his work bench making bird houses or making wooden garden figures.He was always busy and then would sit down with one of his Louis Lamour books. He was an avid hiker and at a very late stage in his life he proudly hiked the Chilcoot
Trail plus many trails in Alberta and B.C.
He was so grateful to have lived to the age he was without a broken bone or serious illness. Near the end his only
comment was "I am just getting too old" and decided his favourite place was his comfy bed, where he lived out his last couple of months.
By his request there will be no funeral. He wanted everyone to get together in his memory to enjoy what he loved best,
a good dinner, live music and dancing. This celebration of his life will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to Hospice House, Kelowna, B.C.
To Those I Love And Those Who Loved Me
When I am gone, release me, and let me go,I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourselves to me with tears, Be Happy that we had so many years. I gave to you my Love, but you can only guess,How much you gave to me in Happiness. I think you for the Love you have shown, But now it's time I traveled alone. So grieve awhile for me, if you must. Then let grief be comforted by Trust.It's only for a short time that we must part, So Bless the Memories with your Heart. I won't be far away, but Life goes on,So if you need me, Call and I will come. Though you can't see me or touch me...I'll be near,With all of my Love around you soft and clear
And when this way you must come,
I'll greet you with a smile and a 'Welcome Home'.