Obituary of Melvin Herman Molle

Melvin Herman Molle "Mel" 1925 - 2016 Mel passed away peacefully at East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook on Sunday, December 25, 2016. Mel was born on September 16, 1925 on the family farm just South of Watson, Saskatchewan to his parents Edwin and Anna. Mel had four sisters and attended the Early Dawn School. During his teen years, Mel farmed with his dad in the winter months and worked at a sawmill at Love Siding. In the early 1940's, Mel worked for Leask Delivery in Flin Flon, Manitoba continuing to farm in the summer. He spent some winters in the mid 1950's in the lumber camps in Cranbrook, BC where his mother Anna resided. In 1951 Mel married Amy Roraff of Leroy and they had three children, Hal, Colleen and Craig. Mel moved his family off the farm to Watson in 1957. Mel continued to farm for several years and was also employed at the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool on the repair crew and then went to work at the B&W Service Station (now T.C. Enterprises) for 16 years. In 1978 Mel started working for the Watson Union Hospital until his retirement in 1990. Mel moved to Cranbrook in 2007 to be closer to family. Mel resided in his own condo until he moved into Joseph Creek Retirement Home in 2012. Mel enjoyed RVing with his wife for many years, taking in all the chuck wagon races and some sightseeing. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends; and the coffee gatherings with his friends at Joseph Creek in his later years. Mel spent many hours looking thru the Watson History books reminiscing. His heart was never far from all in Watson and the land of living skies. He also enjoyed gardening (mostly planting trees) and enjoyed the results of his efforts. Mel was an avid sports fan and attended every Kootenay Ice game and loved it when the Saskatchewan teams came to town. Mel followed the Saskatchewan Roughriders closely as well as the NHL. While living in Cranbrook, Mel's favourite spot was Fort Steele Heritage Park. He loved spending time there. Over the years Mel gave back to the community he loved so much. He was the chairman for the Watson Rocket Senior Hockey Club, Watson Recreation Board, Minor Athletics, trustee for the Local School Board, Swimming Pool, Skating Rink Board and the Home and School Association of the R.J.D. Williams School of the Deaf in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Mel also became involved in the Town Beautification Program in Watson. This was Mel's retirement job! In 1981 Mel was asked to start developing the designated park area at the north end of Town. He planted well over 1000 trees. In 1988 Mel and others planted 32 Colorado Spruce Tree seedlings along the railroad tracks. Many of those 16 inch seedlings are now 20 foot trees. In the North End Park approximately 700 trees were planted. Mel was given the Air Canada "Heart of Gold Award" in 1998. In 1991 he was honoured with the Watson Citizen of the Year Award. The Town of Watson named the North End Park Mel Molle Park in 2012. Mel is survived by his son Hal (Yvonne) of Fernie, BC, Tanya and Jody Murdoch and family of Cranbrook, BC, Lisa and Brad Napier and family of Port Coquitlam, BC, daughter Colleen Ditto (Bob) of Calgary, AB, Joe and Caroline Ditto and family of Chilliwack, BC, Doug Ditto of Calgary, AB, Christine (Darcy) and family of Calgary, AB, Jessy and Alisa Ditto and family of Calgary, AB, Laurie Molle Scott and Tony Molle of Saskatoon, SK, his sister Della and Lorne Bailey of Leduc, Alberta, sisters-in-law Bev Dyok (Ron) of Wadena, SK, Francis Weisgerber of Humboldt, SK, 25 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that were dear to Mel. Mel was predeceased by his wife Amy in 2007, his son Craig in 2000, his father Edwin in 1957 and his mother Anna in 2001, as well as his sisters Ruth Mierke of Watson, SK, Marvel Gray of Barrie, ON and Irene of Calgary, AB. A memorial service for Mel will be held at Trinity United Church on Friday, January 6, 2017 at 11:00 am in Watson, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mel Molle Park, PO Box 276, Watson, Saskatchewan, S0K 4V0. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com