HAGERMAN, MELVIN “MEL” RONALD - Melvin R. Hagerman of Bear Island, NB passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at Upper River Valley Hospital, Waterville, NB, surrounded by his family. He was 66. Born at Victoria Public Hospital, Fredericton, NB, he was the only child of the late Ronald and Myrtle (Blaney) Hagerman. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Valerie (Carson) Hagerman; two daughters, Shannon Hagerman, Victoria, BC and Lindsay MacDonald (Darren), Ottawa, ON. Mel loved history, collecting antiques and his fourth generation family property on the banks of the St. John River. He was a long-time maple syrup producer, woodlot owner, outdoorsman, storyteller and the proud owner and operator of Great Bear Campground. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of New Brunswick in 1971. A life-long antique collector and student of provincial history, he was a historical curator with the Province of New Brunswick before opening Great Bear Campground in 1975. Mel loved interacting with campers, often from the seat of his four-wheeled vehicle, and took pride in ownership of his property, which has remained in the Hagerman family since the early 1800's. Mel enthusiastically shared his knowledge of maple production, which he dubbed the "magic of maple" with others, including elementary students and new producers. He also operated an antique shop, but his true passion was collecting his own antiques and sharing the history of those treasured objects with others.
Visiting hours will be held at Flewelling Funeral Home, 585 Otis Drive, Nackawic, NB E6G 1H6 on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 2 p.m. from the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jennifer Brown officiating. A reception will follow at the funeral home. Interment will be at a later date at Bear Island Cemetery. The Hagerman family would like to thank all of the staff members at the Upper River Valley Hospital for their compassion and care. For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Mel, the family has suggested the Upper River Valley Hospital (c/o Flewelling Funeral Home), the Bear Island Cemetery, or a charity of the donor’s choice. www.flewellingswan.com