Obituary of Melvin Earl SHANNON

Melvin Earl Shannon, beloved father and grandfather, died at home with his family on Monday, August 29, 2016. Mel Shannon was born near Harris, Saskatchewan on March 22, 1927. He was the son of Robert Andrew Shannon and Beatrice May Lakey, and was predeceased by his brother, Howard. He went to school in Delisle, Saskatchewan. His days and years on the farm were difficult and he took his grandmother’s advice to get an education. He began attending the University of Saskatchewan at the age of 16, graduating in Arts with Distinction in 1947, and Law with Distinction in 1949. Mel then came to Alberta where he articled with R.H. Fenerty, before being admitted to the Bar on June 22, 1950. After spending three years with the firm of McLaws, he became the senior partner of the firm of Shannon and Cook. In his law practice, Mel did it his way and was often a champion for the little guy. He was interested in civic affairs and was elected a Calgary alderman in 1953. He was an active Liberal and unsuccessfully contested the 1958 federal election. He was also a Bencher of the Alberta Law Society from 1968-1973, serving the last year as President. He was granted a Q.C. in 1967. In May 1973, after 23 years at the Bar, Justice Minister Otto Lang appointed Mel a justice of the Alberta Supreme Court, Trial Division. Six years later, when the courts were reorganized, he was transferred to the newly created Court of Queen’s Bench. Mel had an insatiable appetite for learning and when the government offered the opportunity to learn Canada’s other official language, French, he eagerly embraced the chance. In 1987, Mel went on to sit as the judge in the first trial in Alberta conducted in the French language. After 27 years on the bench, Mel retired in April of 2000. Mel participated in many sports including hockey in his younger years and cross-country skiing later in life. When he joined the Glencoe Club in 1952, he became an avid competitive tennis player that resulted in winning a Western Canadian Seniors Doubles title. He served as a director on the board for many years and as President of the Club from 1969 – 1971. He later joined the Glencoe Golf Club where he enjoyed many hours of play and time with friends. The Glencoe Club was, for Mel, like a second home and a privilege to be a part of. He was so appreciative of the Glencoe staff and their warmth and affection for him. Mel met Suzanne McCullough in 1951 while they were members of the Twentieth Century Club. They were married on June 24, 1952. They had six children: Sarah, Mel Jr. (Lhey-d) Daniel (Patti), Kathleen (Henry), Stephen (Val), and Ann (Alan). Mel was an exceptional father to his children. He saw them as individuals, respected them as equals, and loved them as friends. Mel was Pops to his grandchildren, Patrick (Christine), Suzanne (Ryan), James (Ginger), Christopher (Jenny), Anna, Raphael, Kelly, Cory, Tara, Sam, Brett (Dominique), Reece, Adam, Mason, Danica, and to his great-grandson, William. He will also be fondly remembered and missed by his nephew, Barry Shannon (Val) great-nephew, Corbyn, Izzy, Jamila, Lucy, and Alexis. We witnessed the incredible love, compassion, support, and care that he gave to his wife, Sue, when she was suffering from dementia. We are forever grateful and so proud that he was ours. Mel was a gentleman. When he looked at you, smiled, and told you one of his many jokes, you felt good about yourself and the world. He remained optimistic about all things human. There is no time for cynicism, only celebration and pride in our many successes and our desire to improve the world. “He was a man. Take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again.” Relatives and friends are invited to join us in a celebration of Mel’s life on Tuesday, September 6 at 1:30 pm at the Glencoe Club, 636 29 Ave SW. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Melvin Shannon, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.