Melsness, Delmer Merrill (Del)

1917 - 2005

Del was born February 22, 1917 at Preeceville, Saskatchewan and died peacefully at home with Doreen, his beloved wife of 60 years, by his side. He is survived and will be sadly missed by four children: Donald (Colleen), Dean (Barbara), Darlene (Roger Osberg), and Della Marie (Bill Wylie); 8 grandchildren: Jennifer (Wesley), Christopher (Amanda), Kelly, Pamela, Keith, Sonja, Robert and Angela, as well as 1 great-granddaughter, Soraya. Del was predeceased by 2 sisters and four of his 8 brothers. Surviving brothers are Roy (Clarice), Walter, Floyd (Ardis) and Russell (Astrid). Del was first and foremost a musician - he played the piano from the age of 3 and was always willing to play wherever he was. For many years, his music brightened the days for the residents and staff of St. Joseph鈥檚 E.C.U., Glacier View, Laurel Lodge, Casa Loma and Cumberland Lodge. As well, he entertained at the Filberg Centre and the Comox Legion for over 20 years. Del was the bandleader for the Valley Echoes and accompanied the Pub Night Singers.

Del joined the R.C.A.F. in 1940 and graduated as a wireless air gunner. He served on ferry command and was later attached to the R.A.F., where he saw action in Egypt and Burma. He entertained his fellow servicemen wherever there was a piano.

Del and Doreen were married in Ottawa in 1945 and also lived in Regina and Edmonton before retiring to the Comox Valley. Del was employed by Stafford Foods for 33 years.

A Funeral Service will be held in St. George鈥檚 United Church, Courtenay on Friday, July 8th at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow in the church hall. In Memoriam, donations to St. Joseph鈥檚 Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Piercy鈥檚 / Mt. Washington Funeral Home.