MELANSON, PAUL “TUBBY” - Paul “Tubby” Melanson passed away February 25th, 2014, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Paul was the eldest son of the late Antoine and Florida (Arsenault) Melanson born on September 8, 1943 in Moncton, NB. He was predeceased by his wife Patsy. He is survived by his only son, Marc (Angela) and his two grandsons, Zachary and Alexander who he truly treasured, sister, Irene (Normand) Richard and brothers, Raymond “Boom” and Leo (Kim). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was a retired employee of CNR and was heavily involved with the union. He met many people through his love for baseball and hockey where he spent countless hours volunteering for the last 50 years in various capacities. If he wasn’t coaching he was fundraising, organizing tournaments and coaching clinics and putting together winter ball programs. If you were ever looking for Paul, he could be found doing a million different things at the Kiwanis Ball Park, his second home. He coached various teams in hockey and baseball at both the Provincial and National level including the 1977 New Brunswick Canada Games Baseball team and the 1975 New Brunswick Provincial Junior Hockey Champions, les Pêcheurs de Cap-Pelé. In addition to coaching, he was on the Board of Directors for the Moncton & District Minor Baseball Association and served as President since 2001. He served on numerous baseball provincial committees over the years and also served as Chairman of Operation for the World Junior Baseball Championships in 1997. Paul was inducted in to the New Brunswick Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 and the City of Moncton Sports Wall of Fame in 2011. Paul will be remembered as the person who was always called upon to help others. His unselfish nature showed through in all that he did. He enjoyed long drives with no particular destination in mind. He loved the company of his friends over breakfast at Jean’s Diner and was also known for telling great stories. Paul was a people person and always loved to have people around. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moncton Minor Baseball or a charity of your choice.
In keeping with family wishes, there will be no visitation prior to the funeral service to be held at 9:30 am, on Saturday, March 1st, 2014 at Notre Dame de Grace, Parkton 854 Mountain Road, Moncton, NB, with a reception to follow in the church. Arrangements entrusted to Fair Haven Funeral Home, 1177 Salisbury Road, Moncton, (506) 852-3530. A book of condolences may be signed at www.fairhavenmemorial.com Tommy Lasorda once said, “There are three types of baseball players: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happens.” TUBBY MADE IT HAPPEN!!