MELANSON, DONAT - 67, of Saint- André-LeBlanc passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at the Dr. Georges-L. Dumont Hospital, Moncton following a lengthy illness. Born March 7, 1942 in Saint-André, he was the son of the late Damien and Élise (Richard) Melanson. Donat was employed with Correctional Service of Canada as a correctional officer at the Dorchester Penitentiary from 1968-1974 and as a heavy equipment mechanic until his retirement in 2005. He will be sadly missed by his devoted wife of 41 years Althéa (Boudreau) and their two sons: Fabien (Tania) of Memramcook and Daniel (Vicky) of Oromocto; five sisters: Florida Duguay (Yvon) and Yvonne Duguay (Alban) both of Bas Cap-Pelé, Lina Arsenault (Léo) and Edmée Goguen (late Séverin) both of Saint-André- LeBlanc, Léonie Boudreau (Clovis Bourgeois) of Memramcook; four brothers: Roméo Melanson (Cécilia) of Saint-André-LeBlanc, Arthur Melanson (late Stella) of Cocagne, George Melanson (Anita) of McDougall Settlement, Alfred Melanson (Catherine) of Sackville; a sister in law Corinne Melanson of Saint-André-LeBlanc and by many nieces, nephews and friends. Donat loved to play his guitar and will be missed by his fellow musicians. He is predeceased by a brother Albert. Visitation at Funérarium Frenette, 2642 Acadie Rd., Cap-Pelé (577-3297) on Friday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of departure 10:20 a.m. Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Ste. Thérèse d'Avila Roman Catholic Church, Cap-Pelé. Interment in the parish cemetery. Donations in Donat's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of N. B. or the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Frenette Funeral Home Shediac Ltd. Online condolences at www.frenettefuneralhome.com