Obituary of Melvin Leroy Larsen

October 25, 1936 – Hordville, Nebraska, United States

November 22, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Melvin Larsen, the beloved husband of the late Jeannine Larsen (nee Haag), of Aldergrove, BC, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, in Calgary, AB, at the age of 88 years, after several years with Alzheimer’s.

Melvin was born in Hordville, Nebraska, USA, on October 25, 1936. He moved with his family to Washington state in 1938, where they farmed. He joined the US Air Force in 1955, where he played the French horn and toured Europe. Upon returning, he studied forestry at the University of Washington, where he earned his Masters. While at University, he met Jeannine. They married in 1964 and were married for 37 years.

In 1973, Mel and Jeannine started construction of their house in Aldergrove, BC, and moved in seven years later in 1980, living there for the next 40-plus years. They did most of the construction and finishing themselves. As they liked to say, “Everything except the chimney.” With a large orchard and garden, we never went without fruit or berries.

Mel will be remembered for his memorable voice and enjoyed singing in the choir at church. He made many lasting friendships over the years. We are grateful to the church families of Aldergrove United and Woodcliff United, where he attended, and all the memories there.

He worked in the research and development department at Canfor for twenty-five years and was part of the development of many products, including embossed hardwood paneling and mouldable wood fiber mats for car parts. He has always loved seeing the faux brick panels that he designed being used, and he has seen many of them in restaurants over the years.

After Mel retired, he enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He liked working on woodworking projects and had a cider press and a portable sawmill. He kept himself active and busy and loved helping others with their projects. He visited the farm in Lacey often and helped with things on the farm.

Melvin is survived by his two daughters and their spouses, Sandra Kinsley and Grace Kinsley of Belliveau Cove, NS, Cathy Larsen and John Mancenido of Calgary, AB; and two grandchildren, Maggie Mancenido of Calgary, AB, and Caro Mancenido of Calgary, AB. Melvin is also survived by his two brothers, Neal Larsen and Lynn Larsen of Olympia, Washington, USA. Melvin was predeceased by his wife, Jeannine, his parents, Holger and Vivian, and his brother Duane.

Memorial Services will be held at Woodcliff United Church (5010 Spruce Dr SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Tree Canada at www.treecanada.ca/, or to The Brenda Strafford Foundation - Aging Care & Senior Living, directed to Wentworth Manor at www.thebsf.ca/get-involved/donate.html. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the care team at Wentworth Manor for the compassion and support they provided to Melvin and his loved ones.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Melvin’s family here.

In living memory of Melvin Larsen, 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: 403-276-2296.