Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 12:00 a.m.
Stovel, Melvin
MR. MELVIN "MEL" ALLEN STOVEL, loving husband to Mary-Claire Stovel, passed away peacefully in the Chinook Regional Hospital after a brave battle against cancer, on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at the age of 69 years.
MR. MELVIN "MEL" ALLEN STOVEL, loving husband to Mary-Claire Stovel, passed away peacefully in the Chinook Regional Hospital after a brave battle against cancer, on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at the age of 69 years.
Besides his loving wife, Mary-Claire, Mel is survived by his family; Terry Whitehead and Marla-Jane Whitehead; four siblings Murray (Pam) Stovel, Rina (Ron) Motycka, Ivan (Darlene) Stovel, Steve Stovel, numerous nieces and nephews, and loving friends in Canada and the United States. Mel was predeceased by his parents, Orvel and Nellie Stovel, and younger brother, Ross.
Mel was born in Medicine Hat General Hospital on November 4, 1947. He was the first child of Orvel and Nellie Stovel and was raised with his siblings on the family farm north of Foremost. Mel graduated from Foremost High School and then studied agricultural mechanics at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. He returned to the family farm and launched Mel Stovel Enterprises Ltd. in 1978. Specializing in customizing John Deere combines, Mel grew his company and served clients across the Prairies and parts of the United States for almost 40 years. He established a reputation for his innovation in agricultural mechanics, earning the nickname "The Combine Doctor."
In 1978, Mel married Mary-Claire and together they shared a happy home in Lethbridge for almost 40 years. An avid curler in his early years, Mel also coached curling and taught welding at Lethbridge Community College. He discovered his passion for golfing later in life and enjoyed his membership at the Lethbridge Country Club. He and Mary-Claire traveled and together they saw much of North America and enjoyed overseas trips, including China. Mel loved spending the winters in Casa Grande, Arizona where he could indulge his passions for golf and woodworking. Nothing pleased him more than spending quality time with his friends and his clients, most of whom became lifelong friends.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at ST. ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 - 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Larry Hankinson officiating. A Private Family Burial will precede the service.
In memory of Mel, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.
Guestbook (13)
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Our Condolences to you. It was always a pleasure to be around Mel. Was great to have a short visit with you last June. Take Care.
"Uncle" Mel was good friends with my parents and spent much time with them when I was very small. We all always looked forward to seeing him and hearing his stories. There were many times he would be on his way somewhere and driving past our town and he would call and chat with whomever answered the phone. I will miss hearing his voice. Rest dear "Uncle" Mel. We love you.
Our deepest sympathy to Mary Claire and the Stovel family. Mel was a kind and generous man and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I knew Mel from St. Michaels. He was always a pleasure to see and visit with. It was especially fun to visit with him and Claire and listen to the friendly banter between them. I wish my best to his wife. I hope she is able to find a source of peace and comfort. Cassandra
Mic - our heart pours out for you during this time of reflection. So many wonderful memories keep sweeping through our minds. Our comfort, and we hope for you as well, is that we believe there is a life hereafter. Mel battled until the end - typical of the positive thinking person he was to all of us. We will not forget the joy he brought to so many of us. We look forward to continuing the friendship, laughs and BB&B experiences with you, as we know Mel would want. We hope you feel the love so many have for you from the friendships developed over the years. Let it continue.
In the short time that I had the pleasure of knowing Mel, he became a dear friend. A true gentleman in every way and the finest machine mechanic I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He will be missed greatly by the Woodshop in Casa Grande Arizon.
I'm so sorry to hear of Mel's passing. I'm remembering all the mischief we would get into when we were kids. Doesn't seem so long ago. Rest easy, Mel.
Sorry to hear of your loss, Mary-Claire. I hope you find comfort in the cherished memories of your life together.
We are so sorry for your great loss. Mel was a wonderful man & quite the jokester!! I won't ever forget the night he gave me the dribble glass & I can still hear him laughing! We had a lot of good times that we will always remember. We are so sorry we won't be able to attend his service but our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family. ??????????
Mic - our deepest sympathies to you during this sad & difficult time. Mel was a wonderful & caring man and we will miss him. His songs, stories and good natured humor was always so enjoyable during our get togethers in AZ. May your wonderful memories help to carry you through, as you know Mel will continue to watch over you. You both hold a very special place in our hearts. Know that we are sending comforting thoughts your way ?
A wonderful man--we will miss so much!! A great friend with a wealth of knowledge we were blessed to learn and hear about.Will miss our coffee breaks,suppers,touring around our area and Mel's peach pie.Combining will not be the same.
We are so sorry to hear of Mel's passing. We will miss his sense of humor and the interesting chats we had whenever we were lucky enough to bump into him as we were out and about. He will be missed by many! Hoping that good memories and thoughts of sympathy from friends will comfort you now. With our condolences~ Kei and Ken Sampson
What a talent What a teacher And a friend that We shall miss Thank god for his rest