Mel Jordan passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 7th, 2025, at the age of 89.
He is now playing hockey on his perfect pond, throwing rocks to that inner circle and on a beautiful back nine – lining up for another hole-in-one; with no worries and a few coins from winning his latest pool game.
Mel was born July 10th, 1935, in Vulcan Alberta to Alice and James Jordan. He was raised on the family farmstead east of Champion with his brothers, Ken, Vernon, Keith, Ron and his sister, Charlotte.
November 1955, Mel left the farm to join the Air Force and during, he trained students from NATO. When he could no longer fly (due to airsickness) he left in October 1957. He returned to Vulcan and worked for Harvey Simmons. In his free time, Mel played ball with the Vulcan Elks and played hockey with the Vulcan Seniors and Wheat Kings.
In 1960, Mel purchased Anglo American, Purity 99 and BA Royalite all of which would become, Mel’s Royalite Service (service station and bulk plant), branded originally as Royalite – then Gulf Oil Servco and later, Petro Canada.
He met Kathern (Kathy) Nolte of Vulcan, married in 1960 and had three children: Randell, Derrick, and Jolene.
For ten years, Mel served on the Vulcan town council and simultaneously, Mel was an active and a vital force, with the Vulcan Kinsmen Club. The Kinsmen Club were responsible for the many parks in Vulcan not to mention the building of both the newer skating and curling rinks. Mel chaired the building committee for the skating rink and then again, for the curling rink. Mel additionally chaired the Vulcan Professional Rodeo for ten years. Held in April (at the Vulcan arena), the event drew large crowds from all over North America, becoming the town entertainment staple for many years.
In 1958, Mel’s curling career started. Mel curled all over Alberta, winning a number of bonspiels. He won the Foothills Bonspiel four years in a row; it has now ceased in operation; however, the Foothills Trophy is now on display in the Curling Hall of Fame, in Calgary. At the same time, he curled for the Vulcan Legion, and he curled for a record 34 provincial championships and won two (2) Dominion Championships, eight (8) Provincial Championships, five (5) second place finishes and ten (10) runners up in the Provincials. Mel finished his curling with a Provincial Master and second place in the Dominion. He loved the game, his teammates and travel. After an illustrious curling career, he sadly had to quit, due to back complications.
At the same time, Mel enjoyed an illustrious golf career; he had six (6) senior championships, one (1) club championship and seven (7) holes-in-one. He was also known to be an avid horse racing fan.
Additionally, on the work front and remembering his early days on the farm, while still owning the garage, he purchased his first section of land west of Vulcan. Later he purchased an apartment building and a carwash – simply, he enjoyed working, keeping busy and all the benefits of being a businessman.
In lieu of his many contributions, the Vulcan Kinsmen Club and the Vulcan Curling Club made him a lifetime member. The Local Legion Branch additionally honored him for his service and being a member for over 60 years. Needless to say, he is proud and grateful for being recognized; but as usual and in keeping with his humble and unassuming way, he has been overheard saying, “I would have done the work regardless of the time or effort involved. I believed in the ventures, had fun and knew they were good for the community.”
When retirement came early, he understandably became bored. Hence, Mel became the manager for Vulcan Gulf Club for eight years. In 1996, he also became the manager of the Vulcan Curling rink and returned as manager to the Petrocan Service Station.
Mel was known as a staunch Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Blue Jays fan. In fact, he vibrated when he knew either team was playing and the only thing better – if anything; was stealing coin from his buddies playing pool.
Mel is survived and will be missed greatly by his children Randell, Derrick (Barb), and Jolene (Rob). By his grandchildren Paulina, Mackenzie (Riley), Jack and Kathryn. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Rita Jordan, Yvonne Jordan, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ed and Sheila Nolte, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins from all over the world. He was predeceased by his wife Kathy, parents Alice and James Jordan, brothers Ken, Vernon (Jean), Keith, Ron (Marj), sister Charlotte (Bob), sister-in-law Madeline Herron and mother-in-law Anna Nolte.
We are so proud that our dad, Mel, will live long in the hearts of not only us but all of you, for he so loved this town.
If anything can be said of Mel, there is one truth for sure – our dad lived the ‘golden rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ He lived and worked hard and knew that when you do – it’s inevitable, life will roll up to meet you and if not – shit happens.
Mel was and will forever be an amazing soul. Love never dies and our love is now under his wings, thus lifting him now – on his next adventure.
We the family, would like to thank his friends, AHS, BLUE CROSS, EMS and the local Fire department, his doctors, the Vulcan Hospital, home and palliative care for their help and assistance – simple but so much appreciated, as it allowed him to be home and to be here in this existence a little longer.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Vulcan Cultural Recreation Centre, 505 Fourth Ave S, Vulcan, Alberta, T0L 2B0, on Saturday April 19th at 1:00 PM. Lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Vulcan Health Care Auxiliary (Palliative Care) email VHCAUX@hotmail.com or Box 299 Vulcan Alberta T0L2B0 in memory of Mel Jordan. Return address is needed for the tax receipt. Or the Vulcan Golf Club tree donation. Email golfvulcan1@gmail.com or Box 426 Vulcan Alberta T0L 2B0.
Funeral arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 403-485-2633.
Dear Randy, Derrick, Jolene and families
so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing and missing seeing you all at the funeral. Your dad and mom were always so much fun and good to us. Partings are hard no matter their age or ours but grateful you have so many happy memories to share.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Love,
Carol Appleton (Mitchell) and family.