DEACON, J. MELVILLE "MEL" - Suddenly at London Health Sciences Centre University Campus, after many successful battles on Monday, April 21, 2003 in his 69th year. Beloved husband of Eleanor (Ballum) for 44 years. Loving father of Pamela, James (Jim) both of London, Patricia of Greenville, North Carolina and Peri of Toronto. Dear Grampy of Gregory and James Deacon. Brother of Mrs. Marilyn (George) Machum of Alberta and the late Catherine Broadfoot and Frederick Deacon. Son of the late Godfrey Pembroke Deacon and Mrs. Leta Gregg. Mel will be lovingly remembered by his step-father John (Buster) Gregg and family, by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and sisters and brothers-in-law and their families. Born on November 27, 1934 in Fredericton, Mel was raised in Saint John, New Brunswick. He graduated President of Student Council of Saint John High School in 1952 and was also President of Gamma Hi-Y Club. At Kings College, Dalhousie University, Mel won numerous athletic awards in basketball, hockey and rugby. An avid curler, Mel skipped several championship curling teams in the Maritimes, in Quebec and in London. He was also a member of Phi Kappa Pi Fraternity of which he was named a lifetime member. A fair, sincere and ethical business leader, Mel began his professional career in Montreal with Dawson Hannaford and then Greenshields, moving to London in 1962. He opened a branch office for Mill Spence in 1968, where he managed the company through several mergers; from Fry Mill Spence, then Burns Fry, retiring as Senior V.P. of Nesbitt Burns in 1998. His motto was "hard work and honesty", which saw him inducted as the first Lifetime Member of the London Chamber of Commerce. Throughout his life, Mel was strong in his faith. In his early Christian life, he was a Lay Reader in the Church of England. In London, he was an active member of First-St. Andrew's United Church, where he served in many leadership capacities. Mel was a true people person with a wonderful sense of humour. He was involved in a wide variety of groups including the London Hunt and Country Club, the London Club, Past-President and Director of the London Canadian Club, Past-Chairman of the I.D.A., Leader of Distinction for the United Way and Past-President of the London Curling Club. For years, Mel could be seen cheering on his beloved Mustangs at Western Football games. Mel's legacy and incredible zest for life will continue through his many cherished friends and family. He will be sadly missed. Friends may call on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the James A. Harris Funeral Home, Richmond St. at St. James, London (519-433-7253). The funeral service will be conducted in First-St. Andrew's United Church, 350 Queens Ave. at Waterloo St., on Friday, April 25 at 1:00 p.m. by Rev. Dr. David McKane. Reception to follow at the church. Interment in Siloam Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Thames Valley Childrens Centre, 779 Baseline Rd. East, London, ON N6C 5Y6 or the charity of your choice would be gratefully acknowledged.