Obituary of Melvin Edward Benson

February 14, 1949 – Imperial Mills, Alberta

September 16, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Melvin Edward Benson (“Wapunatew”) passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at the age of 72 years, in Calgary, AB.

Mel was First Nations from Beaver Lake Cree Nation, born in Imperial Mills, AB, on February 14, 1949. Mel’s first job was at the age of ten, building fish boxes for five cents a box. He began his career at the Edmonton Friendship Centre, then as an instructor at Grant McEwan University with their inaugural Native Studies Program. Mel then branched into working with the Secretary of State, before shifting his career into the Oil & Gas Industry. He had a long career with Imperial Oil before transferring to Exxon with international projects in Chad, Cameroon, Russia, and Korea, amongst other locations. Upon retirement, Mel joined the Suncor Board of Directors and was the first Indigenous person and longest serving board member. He was able to assist Suncor in great strides throughout the First Nations communities for over twenty-one years. 

Mel accomplished much through his life and was the recipient of many awards and honors. He was honoured by his National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Business and Commerce, and Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award. His natural leadership, mentorship, resilience, self determination, and generosity, with individuals, family, friends, community, and his Nation is something we are all inspired by. He had a passion for capacity building, mentorship and education of our Indigenous Youth, and their future; he always led by example.  Mel enjoyed the finer things in life including visiting friends and family, laughter, live music, great wine and incredible food. Anyone who knew Mel, has a good story and great memories of their time together. He loved the outdoors; was an avid fisherman, hunter, horseman, adventurer, and traveller. Mel’s favourite saying was “quality is doing it right the first time, to avoid the cost of rework.”

Mel is survived by his five beloved children, Cory (Trina), Claire, Kristoffer, Cashton and Georgia, and three grandchildren, Tenaya, Kienna, and Dominic. Mel is also survived by his five sisters, Marge, Bertha, Rose, Marlene, and Lavon; and seven brothers, Mike, Don, Len, Allen, Garry, Willie, and Paul. Mel was predeceased by his parents, James and Lena. Mel had great love for his family.

Kisakitin

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel Of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption OR (D) Under 12 years of age.

Funeral Services will be held at Lac La Biche AG Society (13412 Hwy 881, Lac La Biche, AB) on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Willow Park Cemetery in Lac La Biche, AB. Reception to follow at the Lac La Biche AG Society. All COVID restrictions for health and safety will be adhered to. Please complete the AHS self assessment prior to attending. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here. Please enjoy the best wine, food, and memories, in lieu of sending flowers.

In living memory of Melvin Benson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.