Melvin Kenneth Abelseth

Abelseth, Melvin Kenneth ALBANY Melvin Kenneth Abelseth "Mel," age 91, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 22, 1923, in Eatonia, Saskatchewan. He married Christine Pitts in 1950. Mel received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Guelph (Ontario) and then his Ph.d in virology from the University of Minnesota. He developed the rabies vaccine and was the rabies expert for the World Health Organization for many years. In 1967 Mel moved from Canada, with Chris and his three children, to Albany to become the state veterinarian and director of the rabies lab there. He retired in 1988. Although he was a brilliant scientist, he was happiest spending time with his family, building with his grandchildren, playing golf in the summer and curling in the winter. He was a friend to all. Mel is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Christine; three children, Janet(Steve)Lillienstein, Jill(Thomas) Canavan and James Abelseth; and four grandchildren, Michael and Timothy Canavan, and Christine and Caitlin Abelseth. He is predeceased by his two brothers, Jalmer and Peter Abelseth; and his precious daughter-in-law, Cynthia Abelseth. A funeral of remembrance will be celebrated at the Voorheesville Methodist Church, 68 Maple Ave., on Friday, July 24, at 9 a.m. Friends are invited to come. In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to the charity of your choice or do something wonderful for someone today. Mel would have loved that. reillyandson.com