Melvin Donald Shrumm, 61, of Hazlet, Sask., a retired farmer and grader operator for the RM of Pittville, passed away July 3, 2003 at the Prairie Health Care Centre in Cabri, Sask.
Mel was born Sept. 23, 1941 in Emo, Ont. He grew up on his parents’ farm near Stratton, Ont., and came west in 1957. Mel did farm work for Ivan Anderson of Hazlet for the next couple of years, travelling back to Stratton to work in the bush during the winters.
In 1959, Russ Johnson hired him on as a mechanic to work at Johnson’s Garage in Hazlet.
Mel married Valerie Johnson on March 22, 1963, and they moved onto their farm north of Hazlet that same year. Mel and Valerie were blessed with two children, Donald Allan, born in 1965, and Della Marie, born in 1968.
Mel farmed up until 1989 and then leased out his land until 1999, at which time he sold it. He also worked for Mobil Oil as a contractor from 1978-90, he did custom combining with Bruce Anderson around Taber, Alta. in 1978, and he worked at the RM of Pittville from 1990-97.
Mel was known as a “jack of all trades.” His skills included carpentry, wood working, electrical, welding, and mechanics.
Mel loved his family, visiting with friends, and working on his home and yard.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Valerie; his son, Donnie (Shannon) and granddaughters, Jade, Marina, and Skylar; daughter, Della (Drew) Roddick; mother, Ethel; brothers, Melbourne (Lavonne), Allan, and Elmer; sisters, Pat Cameron and Connie Williamson; sister-in-law, Joyce (Quentin) Bang; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful companion, Spike.
Mel was predeceased by his brother, Elwood; father, Beauchamp; father-in-law, James Russell Johnson; and mother-in-law, Violla Johnson.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, July 9, 2003 at 2 p.m. from the Hazlet Community Hall, with Rev. Greg Grace officiating.
The organist was Terry Lou Bailey and the soloist was Fern Bang. The ushers were Douglas Schnuth and Rodney Anderson.
The honourary pallbearers were Donnie Anderson, Carola Anderson, Barry Schunut, Noreen Schunth, Joyce Bang, Quentin Bang, Fern Bang, Larry Bang, Ivan Anderson, Edna Anderson, Brian Anderson, Evelyn Anderson, Richard Sylvestre, and Rosalie Sylvestre.
A tribute was read by Richard Sylvestre.
Interment will take place at the Hazlet Cemetery at a later date.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Cancer Lodge, 1036 College Dr., Saskatoon, Sask., S7N 0W1, or the Hazlet Trinity United Church, Hazlet, Sask., S0N 1E0.
God saw him getting tired; a cure was not to be. So he wrapped him in His loving arms and whispered, “Come with me.” He suffered much in silence; his spirit did not bend. He faced his pain with courage until the very end.
He tried so hard to stay with us. His fight was all in vain. God took him to His loving home and freed him from all pain.
To sign our book of consolences, visit parksidefuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current, Sask.
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