Joseph Ignatius Melia passed away peacefully at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, BC on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at the age of 91 years. Born the third of 9 children to Charles and Mary Ellen Melia, Joe grew up in the town of St. Helens, Lancashire, England.

During WWII he was with the Royal Air Force (1942 to 1947) and was stationed in India for some time. After the war Joe embarked on his teaching career. Upon returning to England in 1947, Joseph met Patricia Kavanagh and they were married in November of that year. Eight years later, Pat and Joe together with daughter Gabrielle immigrated to Canada for a teaching opportunity in Barrier Ford, Saskatchewan. Two boys, Sean and Patrick were born in Saskatchewan and after a move to Montreal eventually settled in Moose Jaw where the family established a great many friends and lasting memories. Joe was the principal at St. Mary’s and at Sacred Heart in Moose Jaw and then the principal at Vanier Collegiate Institute from its opening in 1966 until he retired from teaching in 1982. Joe continued working as the Director of Hansard at the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly in Regina until finally retiring in April 1990.

Other moves followed to Edmonton in 2000 and then to Agassiz, BC in 2004. After the passing of Patricia in 2010, Joe lived with his son Patrick in Coquitlam, BC.

Joe was a devoted husband and will be lovingly remembered by daughter Gabrielle Euston of Regina, his son Sean and his wife Marcelle of Abbotsford and son Patrick of Coquitlam, grandchildren Christopher, David and Melissa Euston, Brendon and Janna Melia and Renee Pellerin and great grandchildren Amaya Euston and Aria and Branson Melia-Zeegers. Our father was a devoted teacher and educator and his legacy is also the many staff, students and others whose lives he has guided and influenced over the years.

Joe is survived by his two sisters, Mary and Julie. They, along with his many nieces and nephews from the Melia family have so many fond memories of him. His last two trips to the UK and Ireland were full of wonderful moments, cherished by all. Joe will also be missed by the families of Diane Gordon and Francis and Joan Mellan. Sadly Joe was predeceased by wife Patricia, son Michael, parents Charles and Mary Ellen Melia, brothers John, Jim, Charles and sisters Betty, Kitty and Teresa.

There will be two services: one in British Columbia and one in Saskatchewan. There will be a viewing at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17 and a funeral service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 18 both at St. Joseph Parish, 32550 Seventh Avenue, Mission, BC with Revered Father Joseph Hieu Nguyen officiating. There will also be a funeral service and celebration of life at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2015 at St. Joseph Parish, 1064 3rd Ave NW, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan with Revered Father Rick Krofchek officiating. A reception will be held following the service from 3-5 p.m. in the Sion Hall at Vanier Collegiate Institute, 324 MacDonald St., Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Our thanks to Principal Lois Saunders and staff at Vanier.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joseph Melia are appreciated. A charitable donation can be made by cheque to Vanier Collegiate Institute for their Dignity Fund to help students in need (mail to 324 MacDonald St. W., Moose Jaw, SK S6H 2V4). Alternately charitable donations can be made on-line to the Canadian Lung Association or the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation in New Westminster, BC.