Bob’s Obituary
Robert « Bob » Lorence Melvin
Bob Melvin was the eldest child born to Harold & Clara Melvin on November 29, 1934 and raised on the homestead in Marina, until he was 8 years old (1942). The family then moved to the farm in Worsley, where he resided up until his stroke in November 2019. When they moved to the farm, he started school at Horseshoe Valley where he had to walk to school on his own, and being quite young, his mom arranged for the Kozak neighbor girl to walk with him. With his siblings, Joanne (Lemke) & Bruce Melvin, they were all raised in the 1940s and 1950s on the farm. Between the three high-energy, outspoken children from the loving, devoted United Church mother, Clara, and Slim, with high work ethic and stern, tall, father- the family made a lifetime of fun-filled and interesting memories only they can fully appreciate. Bob, Joanne, and Bruce all share the story-telling talent that is always filled with many adjectives and colorful words. At a young age, Bob’s parents instilled the love of music. He was given a guitar and learned to play from his dad. Both parents were always singing and playing music with the kids and I am sure his love of dancing started there.
After grade 9, he went to Fairview College and attended the Agriculture course for 2 years. He was one of the first students to attend the college when it opened. Auntie Jo said she missed him terribly when we went off to College as they were the closest in age. We have a copy of his “report card” that stated, “he could have had a better attitude in class”. During his college years, Bob, Frank Kobert, Steve Petrowich and Willie McCuff had their country band and played throughout that time.
He had numerous jobs and started driving trucks. We are sure there are a lot of stories we may not know before Bob met Leda. They dated and later eloped in 1958, and lived in Peace River for a couple of years before moving onto the Childs farm in 1959. There they raised 4 daughters and one son over the next 20 plus years; Shawna, Shane, Wendy, Patti, and Pam. Those years were spent breaking more land, picking roots and rocks, raising farm animals, gardening, camping, hunting, fishing at Running Lake & Moonshine Lake, going to dances and enjoying the simple things life had to offer. Bob loved his land and had a strong connection and respect for nature and loved to teach and tell you all about the different kinds of birds, flowers, trees and crops, which he learned from his own father.
All while living on the farm, he was also driving his water trucks which eventually led him to Fort St John, where he met Kathy Anderson and her 4 teenagers to add to his mix; Kerri, Karla, Kevin & Karen. Then about the time Bob and Kathy should have been done raising kids, their granddaughter Danae came along, whom they adored and raised on Bob’s childhood farm. After he raised teenage daughters, poor Danae couldn’t get away with anything as he went to every party and dance she went to… but no one really minded and eventually came to expect him to check in on them. Grandpa taught Danae to country dance and both immensely enjoyed dancing together.
Everyone who knew dad in the past 8 decades has their own special relationship with him including becoming “Grandpa Bob” to many people of the community and being part of Worsley’s Pioneer heritage. He was a staple at every community function, from dancing, turkey shoots, fishing derbies, Legion dinners and donating his time and opinion at Many Islands, and always right on time for the dinner bell. He was seen at just about every country dance and festival in his best jeans, colorful western shirt and cowboy boots and would always be cutting the rug, and his dance card was always full. You always knew where you stood with Bob, even if it was just by the twinkle in his eye. He always had a smart ass comment that would leave you laughing or shaking your head, he loved a good laugh, a shot of whiskey, a good poker game and the company of his many friends.
Bob always enjoyed seeing each new grandbaby, Dustin Beck, Danae Walmsley, Jolan Dreyer, Tyler Wilson, Karleen (Aaron) French, Mackenzie Shmyr, Kelsey & Deni Brauer; nothing lit up his face like a baby did.
In later years Bob rented his land out to “hands he felt were able” David Summers. He got to spend more time with his great grandchildren Emma, Kinzie, Keaton Walmsley & Dax & Avery Dreyer. He was still always out and about…. checking on crops, people, seeing what’s what; many could set their watches to him by his routine drive around’s and meals at the Worsley Inn and Moffat’s Camp. Going for Combine rides when he could, going to Danae and Wendy’s farms to see his adored grandbabies, BS and tell many of his stories to Jason.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Harold & Clara; wife, Leda; partner, Kathy; brother, Bruce; son, Shane. Left to mourn are his treasured family, and numerous friends in the community. His passing will leave a large hole in the Worsley community and all that loved him.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Bob Melvin November 29 1934 February 16 2021..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Fairview, Province: Alberta