Obituary of Melvin Peters

PETERS, Melvin – Young at heart. Caring. Extrovert. These are just three of the many words used to describe him. Melvin Keith Peters passed away suddenly in Yellowknife, NWT on Friday, May 1, 2009 at the youthful age of 60. ‘Mel’, as he was best known, was born in Swift Current, SK on November 28, 1948, the first of four children of John and Tena Peters. At the age of three, Mel contracted polio, but to those who knew him, his handicap never kept him from doing things he loved. He was always giving of himself, never complained and made everyone smile with his charm and spontaneity. Mel received his education at the Flowerville and Swift Current Comprehensive High Schools, after which he enrolled in the Red River College in Winnipeg, receiving his certification in watch repair. It was after this that he met and married the love of his life, Janice Schellenberg. In his short lifetime, he was employed with several jewellery stores as well as his ventures of owning his own watch repair and jewellery business. Most recently, he was employed with the Department of Health in Nunavut. Mel thoroughly enjoyed fixing watches and jewellery, even designing and making jewellery including rings for his family and friends in his spare time. He was great at keeping secrets about who the latest additions to our family would be, as he would know about an engagement long before the rest of us. Mel always seemed to have the ‘know how’ about the latest technology because he himself always had the ‘hottest’ and newest gadget. We all remember Mel’s smiles and hearty laughter which resulted in tears streaming down his face. His exuberance for life was contagious; exhibiting the deep faith in his Lord and Saviour. One of his favourite pastimes was the annual Red Deer Gospel Convention which he attended faithfully every year. He loved renewing friendships and thoroughly enjoyed the good old gospel quartet music, quietly competing with the deep low voices of the bass singers. He was a faithful contributor at his church; he could always be found in the sound room, ensuring the acoustics were ‘just right’. Mel loved fast cars from an early age on and was often seen racing up and down Main Street or #4 Highway, but what he loved more was being around people. Whether he was having coffee with a friend or celebrating Christmas with the family, Mel exhibited a laid-back attitude and a desire to give whenever possible. Mel is survived by his wife Janice (nee Schellenberg), his daughter Marla (Maury) Ziegler and Mel’s only granddaughter, Aria, of Calgary, Alberta; his son Justin of Edmonton. Mel is also survived by his siblings: his brother Harry (Connie), children Rodney (Mandy); Cary (Marc) Urban and son Kade; his sister Norma (Pete) Fehr, children Kelly (Jennifer), Korilee (Dade) Getzinger, Landon; his youngest brother Dale (Char), children Mackenzie, Kalen and Camrynne; his mother-in-law Helen Schellenberg; sister-in-law Joy Lynn (Roger) Giesbrecht, son Cory (Soyoun) and son Noah. Mel was predeceased by his father John W. Peters (1992) and his mother Tena (2005); father-in-law Jim Schellenberg (1997) and an older sister-in-law Julianne (1960). Funeral service was held Friday, May 8, 2009 at 1 pm at Bridgeway Community Church in Swift Current, SK with Pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. Organist was Sheila Braun. Internment took place at the Wymark EMC cemetery. Pallbearers were his nephews and nieces. Ushers were: Ken Dyck, Dale Friesen, Ernest Froese, Bob Krahn, Allan Peters, Dave Wieler. Special music was provided by All 4 One. Parkside Memorial Funeral Home was in care of arrangements. In lieu of donations, Mel would want you to take a friend out for coffee or get to know your neighbour better. He would’ve loved to thank everyone who ever said “yes” to going out for a cup of coffee and maybe even a donut. We’re so saddened to say goodbye to the youngest 60-year-old you ever had the privilege of meeting. We love you,