Obituary of Marvin Joseph Meloche

Marvin Joseph Meloche passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at the age of 85 years. We have lost a kind, intelligent, loving, and supportive partner, father, grandfather, and friend.

Marvin was born on July 22, 1936 in Windsor, ON, but spent most of his early years in Chatham, ON. After high school, he moved with his family to New Brunswick and attended UNB where he obtained his BSc in Geology. After UNB, as a Beaverbrook Scholar, he studied in England at the University College London. While there, his father passed away suddenly, so he returned to Canada and attended graduate school at Queen’s University in Kingston. While at Queen’s, he met Maria (Ria) Van Wyngaarden, and they were married in February 1961.

After he completed his Master’s degree, Marvin and Ria headed west to Calgary where he joined Mobil Oil. Other than brief transfers to Dawson Creek, BC and Edmonton and several consecutive summers doing fieldwork, Marvin spent 28 years in Mobil’s Exploration and Producing Departments in Calgary before taking disability retirement in 1989.

Marvin was challenged early in life with a MS diagnosis and eventually other health issues, but he never complained or allowed these challenges to define his life. He enjoyed traveling, and the family had many memorable road trip vacations throughout Canada and the US. In later years, Marvin and Ria saw the world on their many cruise vacations. He always looked forward to their evenings at the opera and ballet. He loved family get-togethers and playing cards and games, with the laughter which invariably ensued. He was a stamp collector, a “Meloche” genealogist, a poker player and a loyal Toronto Blue Jays fan. For many years he faithfully visited the gym at the U of C twice a week.

Marvin was predeceased by his sister Sherry; and granddaughters, Ashley and Carling. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Ria, daughter Cathy Selzler (Bob), son Stephen (Ann); and grandchildren, Christine (Gavin), Adam and Amy.

A Celebration of Marvin’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. The family respectfully asks that masks be worn. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

Philanthropy was important to Marvin, and he was a generous supporter of several charities. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of their choice.

A special thank you to Dr. Bland at the Family Health Clinic and Dr. Calder; the nurses of Unit 71 at the Rockyview Hospital, as well as Masho from CBI for their compassionate care.

In living memory of Marvin Meloche, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.