Laurie S. Melanson, 70 years of age, of Amherst, passed away peacefully at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre on Friday, October 5, 2018 after a long battle cancer. Born in Amherst, he was a son of the late Arthur & Anita (Lirette) Melanson. Laurie was a well-known rock drummer locally in the 1960's. Laurie was a proud veteran of the RCN, having served as ABFC on HMCS Margaree and Restigouche. He was always proud of his 9 siblings and his parents who both served in WWII. Laurie is survived by his son Ken(Calgary). He is also survived by his siblings Richard, Halifax; Sylvia(Bob) Harrison, Halifax; Lorraine (Paul) Martell, Halifax; Margaret (Lawrence) Baker, Bedford; Gerald(Kathy), Lakeside; Patrick (Celia), Shelburne; Anita, Amherst, Denise (Dexter) Henwood, Dartmouth; Andrew(Janice), Amherst. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Furlong-Jones Funeral Home, 70 Church St., Amherst, NS, (902-667-8777). No visitation by request. A graveside service will be held at the St. Charles- Nativity Cemetery on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow at Furlong-Jones Funeral Home. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, V.O.N. or the Palliative Care. Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Laurie's online memorial at www.furlongjones.ca or through the Furlong~Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page.