Born February 22, 1931, died peacefully on January 19, 2009, in Strait Richmond Hospital, Evanston, NS surrounded by friends after a brief battle with cancer. Mel was raised in Fox Island River, NL and served in the PPCLI in the Korean War. He raised his five children in Burnaby, B.C. and retired to Judique, Cape Breton. He is survived by children, Heather Brookes (Madeleine, Hannah and Nicola), Gordon (Christopher), Donald, Lory, and Ellie (Zack and Samantha). He is also survived by sisters Marg Gerrie and Anne Pert, brothers Andrew, John and Joe. Mel was predeceased by his loving wife Margaret, grandson Joseph, brother Leo and his parents, Millege and Sadie Parsons. Funeral Mass was held on January 22 at St. Andrews Church, Judique NS with Father MacMillan officiating. Burial followed in the parish cemetary. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be sent to invernessfuneral@ns.aliant zinc.ca