Melville Lyon Peters
July 1, 2016
Melville Lyon Peters, 89, of Guelph, and formerly London, Ontario, passed away peacefully on July 1st at Guelph Lake Commons. A practical, down-to-earth man, Mel was a good father, husband, brother, and friend. He is predeceased by his parents, Christina and Harry Peters; sisters Verna Maluske and Veneta Walker; and his wife of 61 years, Lois (nee Closs). Mel is missed greatly by his daughter Patricia (Anne-Marie); his sister Doreen Barfoot; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Born at home in Sullivan Township on September 3, 1926, Mel had many adventures during his 89 years. Never one to shy away from hard work, Mel took over the family farm at the age of 14 years, although he liked to say that he started working well before that. He worked for the Department of Lands and Forests as a young man, was a constable with the Owen Sound detachment of the OPP in the 1950s, and began his career in sales in the 1960s – first for a pharmaceutical company in Ottawa and then for many years in London in real estate, eventually owning his own company. Mel and Lois were active members in London’s Riverside United Church community for decades, with Mel serving on various committees and volunteering in many capacities. He was also a member of the London North Rotary club for several years and helped Lois in numerous ways with the IODE – perhaps making him an honorary member. He enjoyed gardening and loved to see the crops growing in the fields, a farmer at heart. Mel travelled to most of the provinces and territories of Canada, and to all but three of the United States. Travel highlights included a road trip to Alaska with three friends and a bus trip with Lois through the southern U.S. to California. Mel’s sense of humour – sometimes irreverent, and always entertaining – was well-known. With a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his lips, his jokes flowed out of him with ease, reflecting his wonderful memory. He enjoyed public speaking, having trained with the Dale Carnegie program as a young man, and used his talents as a master of ceremonies at weddings and anniversaries of family and friends. Although his body was wearing out, Mel retained a clear mind and a deep interest in life. He enjoyed history, followed world events and politics, and cheered on the Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays year after year. Mel’s quiet strength, wisdom, and humour will be deeply missed. The family would like to offer sincere thanks to the staff at the Guelph Lake Commons for their warmth and kindness, and to Drs. Burke, Misterski, and Finnigan for their care these past months. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where a celebration of Mel’s life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2016. Friends and relatives may visit online at www.westviewfuneralchapel.com to extend condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the reNEW fund for Riverside United Church or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
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Patty and family... I was so sorry to hear the news about your Dad this a.m. You will miss him ... Happy I chatted with him on the phone a couple of months ago.. was hoping for a visit... Sorry I can't join you as I am travelling out west... Blessings and prayers.
Dear Patti and Anne-Marie, Your Dad had that sparkle in his eye when I first met him not long ago. From the stories I've heard he had a great strength too. May you always be able to connect to his sparkle and strength and the obvious love he had for you when it's needed most. I know you will miss him deeply. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Dear Patti and Anne-Marie, I am so sorry for this great loss. Both of your parents Patti shone with intelligence and wit. I am so happy that I met them through so briefly. I wish you peace and comfort in happy memory.
Patti and family Sorry to here of your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. Family friends from Sullivan Township. Valerie Long (cousin of Mel and Gary Walker)
Dear Patti and Anne-Marie: Just wanted to offer my sympathies to you in the loss of your dad. I have so many fond memories of your dad and mom - and you of course Patti. I am happy your dad was able to move to be closer to you. Cherish all the happy memories.
Patti and Anne-Marie, We just wanted to express our condolences on the passing of Mel. Our hearts are with you during this difficult time.
Patti and Anne-Marie We were saddened to hear about Mel's passing. We will always remember his quick wit and sense of humour. We are grateful that we got to see both him and your mom at the Silverthorn reunion in 2009. Our condolences are with you both at this very difficult time. May you take comfort in knowing that he has now rejoined your mother in heaven Arnold Silverthorn & family ( Susan, Terry, Dean, Karen)
I'm so sorry to hear of Mel's passing. His kindness and warmth will always be remembered. It was wonderful to have had time with him at the reunion several years ago. Mel had a wonderful curiosity and genuine interest in the lives of others and his caring spirit will live on in all those he touched. Gayle Nelson
Patti and Anne-Marie: We are sorry to hear of Mel's passing. We are so glad that we got to see him and both of you at Aunt Marie's birthday party. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was an overall wonderful man. I am sorry we will not be able to be at the funeral. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
After having spent time in jail for being a homosexual pedopile with church children, Mel became a better man, and more accoutable before a Christ he joined so many in worship.
(Donated to The Earle Terry Singers Alumnae Scholarship Fund)
(Donated to reNEW fund for Riverside United Church)
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Patty & Anne-Marie: So sorry for the loss of your Dad. I so enjoyed chatting with him at Marie Silverthorn's birthday party not long ago. I had met your Mom through UCW a few years ago when we still lived in Sault Ste. Marie. They seemed so devoted to each other. I hope you have abundant memories of happy times to carry you through this sadness. Marnie, Owen Sound
~ Marnie McDonough