Obituary of Melvin Roy Burke
Melvin Roy “Mel” Burke
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden death of Mel at the Mattawa Hospital on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at the age of 85. Beloved husband of Pierrette Isabelle (nee. Guilbeault), sharing 62 ½ yrs of marriage. Loving father of Perry (Jacqueline) of Ottawa, Peter (Lisa) of Bloomfield and Angela (Russell) of Mattawa. Proud grandfather of 6 grandchildren: Kierstyn, Keegan, Melanie (Tavis), Justin, Daniel, and Sophia. Brother to Gerald Burke and adopted “little sister”, Dale Backer Jodouin.
Mel was well known as a barber in Mattawa for 10 years prior to joining Ontario Hydro in 1969 and traveling for the next 30 years until he was transferred back home at the Hydro Dam where he would retire. Mel, the man of few words, loved having his grandkids and family visits. Him and his family loved spending time in the outdoors camping and RVing in our provincial parks and vacationing at Wasaga beach every summer. He enjoyed sports like football and basketball in high school, then came curling, golf, and bowling, as well as fishing and hunting with his nephews in his adult years.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to all his caregivers (Personal Support Workers, VON Nurses) who took such good care of him at his home. We also thank all medical staff, including nurses, doctors and physiotherapists/assistants who took the time to assist him with his needs.
We will miss you Mel, Dad, Pépère, old friend. We’ll carry you with us through life and look forward to seeing you again someday.
Donations to Ste-Anne’s Catholic Church would be appreciated by his family. Arrangements entrusted to the Martyn & Sloan “Mattawa Chapel” and online condolences can be made at martynfh.com. Due to the present pandemic, there will be no visitation or service at this time. A celebration of life with a mass will happen at the later date.
In Loving Memory
Melvin Burke
1935 - 2021
