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BORN
1937
DIED
2022
Terence Melville Obituary
Life has been good but it was time to Pass.
Born to Hilda & Roy with much love I was raised
In Saskatoon a brother to Wallace, God be praised.
Roy was a parson and Hilda a parson's daughter
So I was well churched, usually doing what I oughter.
When Dad came home from WWII we moved to Sidney town
And there I grew up through the schools with teachers of renown.
For my grad year I was sent off to TCS to give a little polish
And mix with some of my mother's kin which gave a little solace.
I spent a gap year in Kitimat with Wally and wife Grace
Working for Alcan through a long winter gave me a financial base.
Vic College with some high school friends formed bonds that never broke
Next 3 years at UBC I learned that science was no joke.
Degree in hand I yearned to fly and joined the Airforce in the East
Wingman Percy introduced an Irish nurse who charmed me to say the least.
Irene has put up with me for over 60 years; happy day and bright tomorra.
We raised four gorgeous daughters Michele, Suzanne, Yvonne and Lara.
At UVIC I took a teaching course and found it was what joy is
So for 25 years in Saanich schools I learned with 'Beastly' girls and boys.
Each of our girls passed through my Parkland class with humour and distinction
Though they sometimes found those 'teacher jokes' drove them to extinction.
Then they produced our grandchildren of whom we are so proud
Who in turn have found good mates that together make a crowd.
Rene and I have been retired for over a quarter centuries trends
We traveled well, enjoyed our home, treasured family and friends.
St. Andrew's is our parish church where many good friends gather
And I took many roles from choirboy, teacher, warden & grandfather.
Biking, Boating, Fishing, Crabbing, Spitnics on Sidney Island
Touring visitors around this beautiful land was our joy so grand.
We have been blessed to grow and live in this amazing land
Each morn to view the Salish Sea and Gulf Islands that God planned.
So now with body all worn out and memory beginning to fade
I pass this good life to capable hands as in my grave I'm laid
In that Holy Trinity plot with my ancestral rolls.
If 'ere you should visit there say a prayer for all our souls.
And if there is going to be a life hereafter, as somehow I am sure there's going to be
I will ask my God to let me make my heaven in this dear land beside the Salish Sea.
And to sit before the hearth fire in my Tesla and watch the sun go down on Patricia Bay!'
Terry is missed by Irene (Rene), his wife of 60 years; daughters: Michele Melville-Gaumont and husband Norm, Suzanne Gaby, Yvonne Melville, Lara McCulloch and husband Michael; and grandchildren: Devon and Adam Gaumont, Spencer Gaby, Jacqueline (Gaby) and husband Andrew Pilcher, Max and Amelia McCulloch.
The family would like to thank Dr. Carl Whiteside, Dr. Ambrose Marsh; Dr. Ian MacKenzie; and the VIHA homecare team for their compassionate care; and our extended family and friends for their love and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 28th at 2 pm at St. Andrews Anglican Church in Sidney. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation, St. Andrew's Church, Sidney or your preferred charity.
Memories and Condolences
for Terence Melville
17 Entries
Derek Peach
August 29, 2022
Terry Melville Aug 28 2022
There comes that time when beachheads
held through deadly fire, or raft refused
with sharks about, you know will not ensue,
and choose deliberately, a modest life,
a quiet stand for faith and family
as steel is silent in the building's base.
This one remembered here today
was such a one, a man of easy laughter,
teaching respect for little crawling things,
taking time for even "beastly" little boys,
a voice for reason in the staff debates
We might have overlooked his quiet touch
upon the lives he fostered in his classes
and the wider world,
so only in their absence do we know
the full enormous space his grace
and easy charm could occupy
within the havens of our hearts.
Derek Peach
Lindsay Jones
August 25, 2022
Dear Rene... I am so sorry to hear of Terry´s passing. He was such a lovely person. I have fond memories of you both taking me to parties when I was a young teenager and Terry played the guitar and I thought he was very cool, so very kind.
Dale and Jane Anne Martel
August 25, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends. He was well oved and will be well missed. God Bless you all.
Diane Phillips
August 21, 2022
My heart sank, hearing the news of "Uncle" Terry's passing. Wonderful memories of the times I was able to spend with Terry, Rene and their girls. His impromptu singing and many a campfire ditty. The ostrich song, dad's got a head like a ping pong ball and many more, will remain with me always. Thank you for making me feel like family.
Jennifer (Douglas) Hobson
August 16, 2022
I am so saddened to hear of Terry's passing. As a former student at Parklands he truly made science fun and enjoyable. I will never forget my first day of his class during roll call, when he came upon my name he stopped, asked where I was then proceeded to exuberantly ask "Are you the daughter of the sexiest man in Sidney"? to which I mortifyingly could not answer as I had no idea who he was referring to and wanted to die. Later I found out my dad (Glenn Douglas) and Terry worked together years before and had this Sexiest Man thing they did whenever they saw each other, or in my case when Terry spotted me in the halls or class. My dad just passed away in December and I am glad he has the other sexiest man in Sidney now to debate who truly is more sexy. Best memory, thank you Terry, you will be missed.
Don and Pat Watling
August 12, 2022
Our deepest condolences to Terrys Family , I have fond memories of our early days growing up in Robert´s Bay, he truly was a remarkable man and will be missed by many,rest in peace Terry..
Carol Greenway (LePoidevin)
August 11, 2022
To Rene and and girls
Since sympathy to you all.
Terry was a wonderful person and will deeply missed by everyone!
Pat Thynne
August 11, 2022
My sincere sympathy to you, Rene, and family.
Jill Fougner
August 10, 2022
My condolences to all the Melville family, but especially to Lara. I fondly remember Mr Melville watching Lara and the UVic womens volleyball team compete. He was a great supporter of our team and the volleyball program. Thoughts are with you all.
Colleen Nelthorpe
August 10, 2022
My deepest sympathy to each daughter and their mom. My thoughts are with you. Mr. Melville, I will always remember as the nicest teacher, he really cared for every student. Peace be to you.
Monte and Sylvia Gill
August 10, 2022
Dear Rene and family,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Terry. It was always a pleasure upon meeting him and catching up on families and local news.
May wonderful and happy memories bring comfort to you in the days and years ahead.
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Monte and Sylvia
Debra Southerby(nee HACKER)
August 10, 2022
Best math teacher I had. Sorry for your loss. Best wishes for the future.
Michael Toakley
August 9, 2022
So very sorry to see this. I knew Terry as my sponsor teacher during my pro year at Parklands and as the father of Lara, who I also met that year. In both capacities (mentor and father) he displayed a constant upbeat, funny, positive manner. He was an inspiration and I'm so sad to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to the family. Mike
David Gill
August 9, 2022
My condolences to Terry´s family, I have many fond memories of having the privilege to be one of Mr. Melville´s students at Parkland school. Terry had a love for teaching and a true gift for knowing how to make learning fun and memorable. His sense of humour and love of life will be missed by many.
Lorna (Bosher) Marsden
August 9, 2022
This is such sad news but brings back many happy memories of earlier times from Rev Melville to Terry and his constant kindness.
Ilona Douglas
August 9, 2022
Dearest Rene and Family, Wow! What an Ode. I think of you all and send my condolences. To quote an Irish headstone "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal." The last time I saw you and Terry was at a mutual friend's 80th birthday party. Jennifer and Randy remember Terry fondly from their Parkland days. He will be dearly missed. What a wonderful man. Ilona
Ron and Lynn Gardner
August 9, 2022
Rene and family. There are no words to say how sad we are for all of you. It was always so good to see you and Terry at our school gatherings. We both have so many good memories of all the years. Our condolences to all the family. Love from both of us. Lynn and Ron
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results