Fred Melton

MELTON Fred January 26, 1927 - May 17, 2009 At St. Paul's Hospital, only son of and predeceased by parents, Lilian and Fred Melton of Vancouver, B.C., pioneer residents. Born in Vancouver, B.C. and survived by his loving sister, Joan Allard (nee Melton) and his nephews (Joan's sons) Dr. Michael Allard (and his wife Pat and children Matthew and Lauren) and David Allard (and his children Nicholas and Kate). Fred is also survived by his cousin Doris and Dr. George Govier of Calgary, Alberta and their families, as well as numerous relatives in the United Kingdom. Fred was predeceased by Dulcie Harrison, a loving girlfriend of many years who resided in Barnard Castle, County Durham, England. She passed away two years ago. Distance, sadly, prevented them from being together - but they shared a great love of one another. Fred so loved and was extremely proud of his family, small though it was. He had a very strong emotional bond with his sister Joan, which was fully reciprocated by her and by all of his family members. Fred was dearly loved by many, especially for his smile and cheerfulness throughout his life, but particularly during his adversities. Fred had a particularly difficult struggle in the past five or more years with multiple, serious health problems. He tried so hard in this past year to keep living in spite of being hospitalized three times at St. Paul's Hospital for various treatments. From a very young age, Fred was interested in trains, and his hobby of making very intricate, small scaled models continued throughout his life. He was a member of the National Model Railway Association Inc., which brought him enjoyment for many years. He was lucky to have his own workshop for creating model trains in Melton Court Apartments in Kitsilano, B.C. which was built by his father, and where he resided for the greater part of his life. Kitsilano was home to Fred. After moving from Melton Court, he moved to Walnut Place on Kits Point in Vancouver, where he spent many happy years until his health failed in late 2007. Although Fred passed away in St. Paul's Hospital, he had resided at St. Vincent's Langara Extended Care Hospital since November 9, 2007. The family wishes to thank all of the rehab and other staff at the Cedar Wing at St. Vincents, and the many friends Fred made at Walnut Place, for their care over the years and love they extended to him. Fred worked for twenty-eight years for the Federal Department of Fisheries and took early retirement at the age of 53 years in order to travel, which he did extensively. In his later retirement years, Fred loved the law and spent a good deal of his time attending trials and other proceedings in the B.C. law courts in Downtown Vancouver. He was also an avid viewer of British TV comedies and dramas, particularly Coronation Street, which he followed for many years. Fred was a true gentleman, as was recognized by those who knew him as his friends, who cared for him or otherwise came into contact with him. He had a quick wit, a love of good humour and laughter and a great appreciation for clever turns of phrase. His eyes retained their playful twinkle until the very last day of his life. Fred was truly loved by his family members and will be greatly missed by all. There is no service by request. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date. No flowers please but donation in Fred's name to the Heart and Stroke Research Foundation, Cancer Research Foundation or Canadian Diabetes Association would be welcomed.