Melvin PETERSON

PETERSON, Melvin - In loving memory of Melvin Peterson, 95 years, who passed away Wednesday morning, May 9th, 2007 at Extendicare-Falconbridge. In 1937, Melvin married Clara in Saskatchewan. Melvin and Clara would have been celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary during the upcoming month of August. Melvin grew up in Wadena, Saskatchewan and continued to receive the local Wadena newspaper until his passing. As a youth, Melvin resided in a farming community and worked on many area farms, as well as the Wadena Bakery. Next, he laboured at various lumber camps in the areas of Fort Francis and Thunder Bay, Ontario. While on a train to Thunder Bay to work on the docks and shipping, Melvin was advised to go to Sudbury, Ontario and find employment as a miner. Melvin was a diamond driller from 1946 to 1976. He was bestowed the Accident-Free Safety Award from INCO upon his retirement. In fact, until six weeks ago he had never been in a hospital except to visit! The hospital staff was amazed that at 95 years of age, Melvin had no medical history of his health. As a youngster in his leisure time, Melvin enjoyed cross country skiing in the Saskatchewan farm fields and the Northern Ontario woods, and as he would say, “while taking in the wonderful fresh air, watching animals and the beauty of the outdoors.“ As a home owner in Sudbury, he lived at 1555 Southview Drive for 37 years, and cherished gardening and landscaping his 3-tier lot with rock walls, terracing and flower beds with one of his dogs. Melvin and his wife Clara were members of St. Marks' United Church on Walford Road for over 40 years. As Melvin requested, he passed away peacefully during the night with his wife, Clara, near him at Extendicare Falconbridge nursing home. His illness was brief. Melvin's stories of mining and nature will always be remembered. He was a kind, gentle man. Beloved husband of Judith “Clara“ (Lilja) Peterson of Sudbury. Loving father of Marilyn Bleakney (husband Dane predeceased) of Moncton, New Brunswick and Clayton (wife Mary) of Sudbury. Cherished grandfather of Daphne Cowe (husband James) of Fredericton, New Brunswick and Laurie Peterson (husband Keith Clement) of Lively. And great- grandfather of Catherine Cowe and Marlee and Kurtis Clement. Dear brother of Mabel MacGrae of British Columbia and Robert, Helen, Nicolena Wilma, Oscar, Pearl and George all predeceased. Funeral Service in the LOUGHEED FUNERAL HOME, 252 Regent St. at Hazel St., Sudbury Saturday, May 12th, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. Interment in the Civic Memorial Cemetery. Donations to the Sudbury Horticultural Society would be appreciated. (Friends may call from 6-9 p.m. Friday and after 10:30 a.m. Saturday). 10647818