Marshall, Melbourne “Mel” Newton, of Lethbridge (formerly of Vulcan), beloved husband of Charlotte for 61 years, passed away at the Fairmont Park Extendicare in Lethbridge with his family at his side, on November 11, 2014 at the age of 88 years.
Mel was born and raised in Vulcan on February 2, 1926 to Bill and Chloe Marshall, along with siblings Norman and Ruth. Mel attended school at Union Jack, Lomond and Mossleigh Schools. He joined the Army when he was 18 and was ranked as a Royal Canadian Engineer. He was discharged at the age of 19.
Mel was an Apprentice Cabinet maker in Calgary from 1946 to 1949. He married Charlotte Francis on July 8, 1953 in Vulcan and they farmed until 1956. They moved to Calgary where Mel worked at a woodworking factory until 1957 then at Goodyear Tire for 8 years.
In 1966 Mel moved to Vulcan and opened a mobile cabinet shop until 1979, as well as working for the Town of Vulcan as Building Inspector for several years. For the next 14 years Mel worked for the County of Vulcan No. 2 as Building and Maintenance Supervisor until 1993. Following his time with the County he owned and operated his own company “Mel’s Woodcraft and Upholstery. Many homes throughout the county and surrounding communities benefited from his craftsmanship. Mel and Charlotte moved to Lethbridge in the fall of 1999.
Due to his failing health Mel moved to Fairmont Park Extendicare in May of 2012 where he has resided since.
Mel loved his family, and had a special place in his heart for his grand and great grandchildren.
Mel and Charlotte loved to travel, especially to Mesa, Arizona in the winter for short vacations. In his younger years his passion and creativity lead to many hours building model trains of several gauges. In his basement he had built an entire landscape with mountains, trees and track for his train collections.
Besides his loving wife Charlotte, Mel is survived by daughter Val (Ron) Lucas of Medicine Hat, sons Lonnie Marshall and Joseph Marshall, both of Lethbridge, four grandchildren – Darren (Karen) Lebsack of Grande Prairie, Jeff (Deb) Lebsack of Lethbridge, Stacey (Kurtis) Jans of Medicine Hat and Stephen Lebsack of Elkford, B.C. and 7 great-grandchildren – Trenna Mix and Hunter Lebsack, Ethan Machan, Ashley and Sarah Lebsack , Breely and Kase Lebsack, one brother Norman Marshall of Vulcan, sister Ruth (Charles) Anderson of Tullahoma, Tennessee, brother-in-law Clifford Francis of Fort Macleod, a very special cousin Bob and Sonia Southworth of Kelowna, B.C. and numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
Mel was predeceased by his parents William and Chloe Marshall, In-laws William and Minetta Francis, numerous brothers and sisters in law.
Private Family Graveside Service will be held November 15, 2014 at the Vulcan Cemetery Columbarium.
Tributes in Mel’s memory can be made to the Alzheimers Society, #402, 740 – 4 Ave. South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N9.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca
We are both sad to hear of Mel’s passing Charlotte. You will be in our prayers. Please pass on our condolences to your children.
Dear Val, Ron, and Families,
Our sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your Dad. May the many wonderful memories you have help to ease the pain of his passing. Our prayers are with you.
Bud & Sharon
Ron & Val and your family, Sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. He was always great to visit with and whenever I sit in the beautiful chair that he refinished for us, he comes to mind. My prayers and sympathy to each of you.
Ted
Please accept my sympathy for your loss, may happy memories of your loved one help in your sadness, soon, death will be removed forever – Isaiah 25; 8.
My thoughts are with Mel’s family at this time. The years I worked with Mel allowed me to learn of his sense of humour and his sense of quality work. It was a privilege to work with him.