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Melvin A. Burge age 89, loving husband, best friend, father, grandfather son, and brother passed away peacefully in his home on November 16,2025.
Mel, one of 13 growing up on a farm, left home at age 15 to make a life for himself, and what a life he made. From being a mason, chauffeur, to starting his own business in 1963, Inspectionair Gauge in Windsor, Ontario (precision measurement and gauging company) and then co-founding City Limits, Club Dallas, Bootlegger Restaurant, and Shooters Investments (Shooters Waterfront restaurants) in Florida. Mel’s life stories and laugh were contagious and warmed everyone’s soul. He loved spending time with family, friends, and his dogs, but most of all his wife who has always been supportive and by his side. From flying on the Concord to private touring wine caverns in France, Mel’s stories on life and as a world traveler will long be remembered. Mel will be missed and cherished by all who came to know and love him.
Born in Jeddore, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Melvin Gilbert Burge and Mary Geraldine Foley. He is survived by his wife, Dana; son Brian Burge; daughter in-law Lisa Burge; our international son Bahman Maksan; grandchildren Taylor Lopes (Matt), Elijah Rolling, and Dario Melvin Maksan; siblings Arthur Burge (Betty), Leonard Burge (Sheila), Leslie Burge (Gloria), Edward Burge, Rosena Tosh (Murray), Gloria Gowman (Danny); favorite niece Arlene Spears (thank you for falling out of a chair for me); my in-laws Betty (Paul) Durisek, Darla Baumbick (Mike), and Steven (Kim)Durisek “my Waffle House buddy”; and lifelong friends Brent and Sharon Stone and Karen Simpson. He was predeceased by his daughter, Cynthia Lynn Rolling; lifelong friends Charlie Simpson; and his siblings Violet Steven’s (Clarence), Kathleen Spears; Betty Ann Burge-Stark; Kenneth Burge (Linda); Reginald Joseph Burge (Louis); and George Burge (Evelyn).
A private family service will be held.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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