Melvyn Williams passed away peacefully on 2 June 2024 in Middleton, Nova Scotia. He is survived and celebrated by his wife Shirley, his daughter Jennifer and her husband Jon, his grandchildren Kamyn, Lukas (and his partner Monet), and Milla, his sister Bernice and her daughter Gwynedd, his stepmother Joyce and half-brothers David and Brian, in-laws Lloyd, Ruth, Sherin, Larry, Linda, and many other family members and friends. He was predeceased by his son Christopher, his parents Rex and Molly, his brother Graham, and brother-in-law, Don.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and teacher, Mel leaves many friends and family behind. Born in Coventry, England on 31 October 1941 at the height of World War II, he emigrated to Canada in 1962.  He was a renaissance man who had a tinkerer's mind and an artist's hand.  He was a problem solver, an inventor, a man who refused to be defeated by a puzzle or challenge.  Possessing an inspiring work ethic and strong values, Mel was an inimitable mentor and role model, leading with kindness, respect, perseverance, generosity, and a spirit of adventure. He worked as a teacher for 28 years in Winnipeg and Yorkton, and with an endless curiosity and a passion for learning, he never stopped being a lifelong student: He was a draftsman, historian, journeyman mechanic, and builder who shared and showcased his many talents in the Yorkton Light Horse Association (always planning an overly-adventurous trail ride), car shows, and horse shows.  Mel's nose was always in a book and he was always quoting Winston Churchill's wit and wisdom.  In his workshop, where CBC radio was always playing in the background, Mel would enthusiastically share precise details about World War II battles and aircraft innovations as he restored his cars and saddles.

His up-late, wake-early energy was boundless, and between backyard BBQ gatherings, trail rides, and sleighrides (on a sleigh that he crafted with his own hands), he loved to gather people together amidst good conversation and music, often "entertaining" friends and family with songs on his recorder and saxophone. This humble and generous British cowboy met everyone with a firm handshake, a confident and encouraging tone, and a willingness to help anyone who asked.  Family was everything to Mel. He embraced the Meadows family as his own, always stayed close to his half-brothers and step-mum, maintained close and constant ties to his family in England, and loved his family as ardently as he supported his friends.  To his kids and grandkids, Mel always spun an engaging story, inspiring wonder by enthusiastically and magically bringing his childhood and England to life. Shirley, the love of his life, will miss that English city boy who stepped off the train in rural Saskatchewan, stole her heart so many years ago, and adventured with her through a lifetime of devotion on many country road driving afternoons, capped off by fries and gravy.

His memorable, encouraging phrases continue to echo in our mind's ear: "That's a bit of alright; Cor' Blimey!; and You've got it, Pontiac!"  A private family memorial will be held at a later date, but we invite you to raise a glass of cider to Mel and imagine him calling out to all of us "Now, you daft sods, happy trails to you, until we meet again", as he rides playfully off into the sunset on his favourite horse Twister. We hope that you will continuously celebrate Mel in the ways that best characterise your memories of his life and love.

Thanks to Heart of the Valley for their professionalism and love shown to Mel and to our family. Thank you to those on shift during his final few days for dropping in and giving him a hug and kiss good-bye. Thank you to our friends, Drs. Mike Mulherin and Marni Goodman for taking the time to check in on Mel during his time in the Valley Regional Hospital during the COVID lockdown. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com