Melvin Albert Pike

It is with deep sadness that the family of Melvin (Mel) Pike announce his peaceful passing at his home on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 as he was surrounded by his loving family.

Melvin lived a wonderful and full life. He was born in Twillingate on August 31st, 1937 and was the second youngest of nine children. His early years were spent in Springdale, Newfoundland where his parents were posted as Salvation Army Officers. From there, the family left Springdale in the early 1940’s and moved to various community postings around Newfoundland including Bishops Falls, St. John’s, Gambo and finally to Deer Lake where Melvin graduated from high school in 1953. He then went to work with a forestry company, helping to survey the line for the TransCanada Highway through western Newfoundland. His goal was to pursue a degree in Science and so over the next few years he worked at the Iron Ore Mine on Bell Island, an American military base in Goose Bay and the mines in Wabush, Labrador making lifelong friends wherever he went. He then attended Dalhousie and later Memorial University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree followed by a Degree in Education in 1968.

During his time with the Wabush mines, he met a nurse named Verna Parsons and they were happily married in 1966. They moved first to Halifax, then St. John’s and finally to Springdale in 1969 where he became the chemistry teacher and eventually vice principal at Grant Collegiate High School. He loved his job and earned several awards including for his work in the early days as the brass band leader and later the National Domtar Award for Teaching Excellence in Chemistry. He often spoken with great fondness of his years in the classroom and always loved chatting with former students. After twenty eight years he retired and purchased and ran an engraving business until his passing. Melvin valued both education and service and was also heavily involved in community life. He joined the Lion’s Club in 1970 and served in various roles for many years including President, was one of the founding members of the 837 Air Cadet Squadron, was the Grace United Church Choir director for over thirty years and became a member of the Masons.

His true passions in life were his wife Verna and spending time with his children Paul and Andrea and his grandson Alexandre who called him Skipper. Melvin was a humble man who enjoyed making the most of every day and finding the positive in every situation. He loved boats, good books, and was happiest listening to music or playing the piano, working in his garden, visiting friends and exploring the near and far with his soulmate Verna. Together they spent many hours picnicking by the side of old woods roads, camping, canoeing, driving across Canada, visiting California, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Europe, China and all the places in between.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife Verna (Parsons), his son Paul, daughter Andrea Pike Desilets (William Lindsay), and his grandson Alex Desilets as well as sisters Marjorie (John) Oliver, Maxcena Woodland, Beth (Graham, deceased) King and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, Brigadier Wallace and Minnie (Pretty) Pike and siblings Fronie Pike, Howard (Shirley) Pike, Ferne Pike, Jean (Graham) Bursey , Winnie (Roy) Antle and Clifford (Mavis) Pike and son in law, Nicolas Desilets.

In keeping with Melvin’s wishes there will not be a viewing or funeral service. Instead, family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at an informal memorial reception that will be held on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at Central Funeral Home in Springdale between the hours of 2:00 and 5:00 pm. It is a drop in style reception with remembrances being made throughout the afternoon.

In place of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Daffodil Place in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

The family would like to thank the many people who helped to care for Mel. A special thank you to Dr. Todd Young of Springdale, the Community Health nurses at GBHCC, Brenda Dicks (Palliative Care), and Doctors Lush, Chaudhary Ahmod, Jonathon Greenland and Taylor for all their wonderful care and to the staff at Central Funeral home. And a special thank you to the many friends of Mel and Verna who supported them on this journey with phone calls, food deliveries, love and laughs. You are too numerous to name but your caring contributions will always be remembered. Thank you.