Douglas John Melhoff passed away peacefully on April 11th, 2014 after a brief illness at the age 88. Doug was born in Bateman, Sask. on May 25th, 1925 to Emil and Zeta Melhoff. Doug obtained all his schooling in Swift Current and became a journeyman electrician very early in life as he worked for his father who had established Melhoff Electric in 1929. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy on his 18th birthday to join the war effort and spent the next few years on a frigate, the HMCS Runnymede, escorting supply and troop ships on the frigid North Atlantic. He returned promptly at the War's end at the age of 21, at the urging of his father, to help out with the burgeoning business. He soon met a young nurse, Lorraine (Lori) Thorarinson, and they were married on October 1st, 1949. Doug and Lori enjoyed their entire 64 year marriage in Swift Current, raising their four children, Sharon, Garth, Kim and Brian. Over the years, Doug was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, the Swift Current Shrine Club, the Elks Lodge and the Legion. Doug was an industrious man who was instrumental in building Melhoff Electric in its earlier years. He was an aircraft pilot and great craftsman who also loved to build and derived great pleasure in building the family cottage at Lac Pelletier that continues to be a gathering place for his extended family. He was a man who loved those around him and entertained them with his intelligent wit, plays on words and refreshing tendency to speak his mind. It was these characteristics that made him a very loveable and special man for his family and friends. He leaves a rich legacy of children, grand-children, great-grand-childen and friends who will remember him for his incredible warmth and unconditional love. Doug is survived by his daughter, Sharon (Wayne) Provick. Sons, Garth (Claire) Melhoff and Brian (Pamela) Melhoff. Grandsons, Bradley(Sandra)Provick ,Trevor(Marie Lucie)Provick, Jason(Elizabeth)Melhoff, Clancy Melhoff and Dylan Sader. Grand-daughters,Machaela(Jack)Melhoff, Lindsay(Dustin)Gates and Sydney Melhoff. Great-grandchildren, Jaden Provick, Breckin Provick, Danielle Provick, Ahnia Provick, Anders Provick, Paige Melhoff, Austin Gates and Gabriel Melhoff. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lorraine; Son, Kimberly; Sister, Phyllis Harper; Brother, Merl Melhoff and Sister-in-law, Fay Melhoff.
As Doug would often say with a smile and a wave, Pax Vobiscum!