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Melvin Leroy MODIEN ~September 5, 1936 – January 4, 2013

Mel Modien was my love, my partner and my best friend. I am left to mourn his loss and am so thankful I had 20 years to share his life and know this great man. Mel is survived by his wife, Carol, stepchildren Terri (Clayton) grandchildren Taylor and Connor, Curtis and grandchildren Harris and Spencer, Denise (Daniel) and grandchildren Olivia, Cooper and Presley. He is survived by his sister Maurlice (Harry) Austin of Kamloops and nieces Cindy and Karrie and nephew Hal Austin. Mel also leaves to mourn his loss his many in laws, his mother in law Helen Castle, sisters and brothers in laws, Sharon and Blair Domoney, Jim and Laurell Castle, Mike Castle, Sheila and Owen Scheck, John and Lori Castle and Chris and Jeannette Castle and their families, and many nieces and nephews. Mel will be missed by his many friends. Mel is also survived by his two children, Rick and Debbie.

Mel was born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan September 5, 1936 to Clarence and Anna Modien. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Duane.

Mel spent the majority of his life in Dawson Creek, BC. He was in the hardware industry for a number of years, ran his o­wn garage, and then spent 37 years as a Realtor in Kelowna and Dawson Creek, retiring in 2010. As one of his old bosses told me one time, he was one who could take a bad business situation and turn it around into something positive, looking at all the angles to solve a dilemma. Mel had a calm demeanour and was a great listener. He lived his theory that he was a lover, not a fighter.

After retiring in 2010, Mel and Carol relocated in July 2011 to Parksville, BC, in order to enjoy their retirement years on Vancouver Island, to get a boat and go fishing. Unfortunately, after a very short time, Mel was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis in February 2012, and had to use oxygen until he died on January 4, 2013. After his struggle with this disease and constantly being short of breath, his heart stopped. Mel died at home with his wife and his faithful and loving dog Charlie by his side.

Mel was so much more than just a man. He was a fabulous and supporting husband, stepfather and friend to all. He was well respected in the community, an avid Legion member, a long time Kiwanis member in Dawson Creek, and a great co-worker to all who worked with him. Mel loved to dance and spend time in the outdoors and spent many years boating, fishing and camping with his wife Carol and salmon fishing with his friends on Vancouver Island. His door was always open to friends, neighbours and anyone who needed a helping hand. Mel was very kind, and had a great sense of humour. To those who knew and loved him……let them raise a glass of beer in his honor.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

An Open House in Mel’s honor was held at his home in Parksville, 612 Hirst Ave, Wednesday, January 9, between 2 and 4 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor in Dawson Creek, BC in the near future.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion either in Dawson Creek, BC or Parksville, BC or to the BC SPCA. No flowers please.

Condolences may be sent to www.yatesfuneral.ca



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