Condolencesto Mel's family from myself and some ifhis classmates in geology st UBC (1965) After graduation many of us moved out to Calgary and the oil patch. I encountered Nel several times on wells it's in Northern Alberta. Alwayscenjoyed his quiet good company. Regards and condolences from Barry Price, John Eckersley, Marc Gidluck, Bruce McKnight, John Hamilton.

Hi Gina, Lauralyn and the part of the family I don't know personally. I am very sad to hear about Mel's passing. And I am very glad that I had the privilege to spend quite some time with Mel. Being part of teaching him to fly gliders, fly with him, party with him at the soaring club, discuss strategies as to some flying goals, do business with him from his first glider to his advanced glider. He was a wonderful human being to be around and lots of beautiful memories will always stay with me.

rest in peace Mel and soar forever above cloudbase now

Ernst W. Schneider

Wow, so many incredible memories of wonderful days at the soaring center with Mel and Gina. My sincerest condolences and thanks for all the great times we shared. Rod Morris

Mel’s volunteer efforts for the Canadian Rockies Soaring club, as well as many wonderful conversations, will always be remembered. His Soaring trophies, displayed on the clubhouse wall, will continue to inspire many young aviators to strive for success.

My sincere condolences to Gina and Family. I will miss seeing Mel around the Calgary Winter Club, playing pickleball or attending a 55+ Club function.

Sincerely,

Heather Schmidt

55+ Coordinator

Calgary Winter Club

Dear Gina and Family,

Shirley and Hans are sending you heartfelt condolences. We had many memorable memories chatting with Mel and You and Mel and I often met on our Rocky Mountain soaring outings, both in the air and on the ground.

Shirley and Hans

Every morning, I read the new condolence messages and reflect on the special person that was Mel as others knew hm. So many people knew him as a neighbour, co-worker and always as a dear friend. You had a life well lived, Mel. I'm so glad I knew you and we were friends.

Heartfelt condolences to Gina, Lauralyn, Lorraine and family for the sad news about Mel. We are truly sorry for your sad loss of a dear husband, father and grandpa. We shall remember him with great affection.

Martin, Jan & Jip

Dear Gina & Family -

Please accept condolences on behalf of Mary Jo and myself. Mel was a very capable engineer and manager and I feel I was very fortunate to have spent and enjoyed our years together at Novalta, as well as catching up from time to time on his (somewhat surprising to me) post retirement activities as a glider pilot.

Clint Broughton

Hello Gina & Family / Families. This is my "short" sharing of treasured memories of Mel. We first met on my joining Schlumberger (SOC/SLB) in 1968. Mel was one of those already "experienced" engineers who trained and guided many of us. He was always positive and willing to guide any and all. No matter where, when and at what temperature. With patience. And with a smile. I often wish that we had had more cameras in those times.

After we had both moved on from SOC Mel and I, plus others, were able to meet on occasion in Calgary. Visiting, telling stories - all true - and asking about others was always a treat. I was always looking forward to our next visit. I'll miss that man, Mel.

With prayers.

Winston Seaman

Dear Gina, Lauralyn and Lorraine and Ken and family. Our family sends you our condolences upon the death of Mel your beloved spouse, father and grandfather. We lived in Rosemont. I am the one who nominated Mel as President of Rosemont Community Association and he accepted the motion! We appreciate all that Mel and Gina gave to Rosemont Community Association. They even painted the basement long before the renovations. You two were a quiet and caring team. Now you will be remembering and missing Mel. His steadiness of spirit was so appreciated. His spirit will continue on soaring to be with you in all the ups and downs of life. You are held in the Circle of Love. With blessings of Peace and Healing, Love Carolynne Bouey Shank and family.

It is with immense sadness that I learned of Mel's passing. Mel was the perfect gentleman with deep intelligence, understanding and commitment. A mentor to myself and many others in soaring may he now soar to ever greater heights.

Tim and Jackie Wood would like to express their sincere condolences to family and friends of Mel.

I am a glider pilot who flew with Mel on and off over a 15 year period at Invermere, BC. I shared Mel's hangar each summer, which enabled me to fly much more easily. We flew in the Rocky mountains often on the same days. On some of my best flights, Mel was airborne too, giving support. We often participated in Trevor's excellent BBQ s "on the deck after a hard day's flying, enjoying the unique commraderie of the glider pilots' universe. We went on safari together to fly around Mt Evans out of Valemount, along with a contingent of Vancouver pilots.

Mel was a good man-generous, sociable, steady, quick to help out and dogged in his pursuit of his goals.

He will be greatly missed, but his spirit lives on at Mt Seven, crossing the Radium Hot Springs Gap, Fairmont Bowl, Tee Pee Mountain, Lakit Lookout, The Steeples, The Lizard Range, The Galton Range, The Purcell Mountains, Mount Nelson and the Bugaboo Ice Fields........

Tim Wood

We are grateful that Mel supported Rosemont so well and helped build such a good community for us to live in and raise our family. We will remember him as always having a smile and positive words when we met him walking around the neighbourhood. Our condolences to Gina and the family.

Andrew, Betty, Andrea and Rachel Ginter

I just want to give my condolences to Gina and family. Mel was such a kind and gentle man that always had a smile on his face. He made a positive and lasting impression on me and I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.

Mel was my boss and mentor for many years while at Novalta Resources which then became Seagull Energy Canada. Mel was a highly accomplished engineer insisting on technical detail and taught us to always begin with ‘first principles’. Mel was a man of high professional and personal ethics and conviction to our work and his staff. He shaped my career.

My deepest condolences to the Blackburn family.

Brad Rieb

As with many of my friends from Invermere, Mel has been a key role model in my life. With his kind and gentle nature, he has taught me the importance of patience and the power of love. Of which he was plentiful.

I can recall a day in my late teens when I was walking the wingtip of his PW-5 to help guide it to his hanger. I had become distracted by the young Babin girls on the tarmac and wandered a little off course, causing his wingtip to strike what was at the time Al Spurgeon's hanger. I think a typical reaction would be of annoyance, but Mel was no ordinary person. He smiled and said "That's nothing a bit of polish couldn't fix" and we kept on going like nothing happened.

I will remember Mel always and will try to hold onto what I learned from his presence in my life and pass it forward to my friends and family. Thank you Mel.

Deepest condolences to Gina and Family for your great loss. We will miss Mel's interesting conversations, wide field of knowledge and sharp wit & humor. Your friendshp will be missed..

Lyn & Jim Wicks

Regina, SK & Casa Grande, AZ

Mel was a great neighbour. He always had a concrete idea to try to fix any problem. I thank him for all the years he contributed to Rosemont Community. It has been a pleasure to live next to such a responsible, kind and interesting person. I believe I felt safer in my neighbourhood living next to the Blackburns. I really enjoyed our over the fence or over the lawn mower conversations.Two memories remind me of Mel. One day I saw the CTV news car and Mel in front of his house with a Model Glider in his hand. They were interviewing him after a Glider crash had happened in Invermere. I thought to myself how they could not have interviewed a more well spoken person and of course an experienced Glider Pilot. The other memory is of when he had his Motor Home hooked up to his Glider on the Street. I could not imagine how they travelled as it seemed to take up two city Blocks. He will be sorely missed by Me Jean Blackstock and My two Daughters Marion and Hilary Travis and My Partner Adam Kleitsch

Jean Blackstock

So very sorry to hear of Mel's death, a loss to everyone who knew him.

It's ten years since we met Mel and Gina in Omarama. He was obviously enjoying the flying and the beer in the local pub was great too.

A real gent and adventurous pilot who will be much missed.

Guy and Shirley Peasley

Mel was one of the truly best people that I've ever known. He was intelligent, stable, loyal, deep thinker, unflappable, generous, wry sense of humour, family man and so many other great traits. I love thinking of him flying up over Cowley or New Zealand in his glider. There, we have another two adjectives, adventuresome and brave. Unfortunately, I was too chicken to join him.

Mel it was great knowing you and I am honoured that you felt my services met your approval for so many decades.

You will be missed by your many friends and family.

You friend

Ken MacNeal.