Obituary of Melvin Lyle Hammond

On Sunday, November 13th, 2011 at Fairview Home in Brandon, Melvin Lyle Hammond slipped peacefully away in the company of his loving family at the age of 89 years. Mel was born May 28th, 1922 in the community of Westhall, Manitoba, midway between Deloraine and Hartney, in the farmhouse built by his grandfather. He was the eldest child of Harry and Annie (Reid) Hammond, brother of Fern (Merle Maguire), Jack (Eva) and Marie (Jack Huxley). Mel farmed with his father until a new schoolteacher at Coxworth School caught his eye. He married Edna Jones of Brookdale on November 21, 1951 and the couple farmsteaded a mile south of Mel's parents. Mel and Edna raised three children: Karen (Bruce Masterman), Keith (Barb) and Gwenda. They closely followed the lives and achievements of their grandchildren: Chelsea and Sarah Masterman; Alex, Sydney and Kelly Hammond; and Matthew and Hannah Gauley. When their daughters moved to High River, Alberta and St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Mel and Edna travelled regularly to visit. Edna's work with the Manitoba Women's Institute also took them on trips to Newfoundland, Kansas and Ireland, and their enrolment in Practical Politics took them to Ottawa and Washington (DC). They also enjoyed many trips to Hawaii, Florida, Mexico and Arizona over the years. Like his father, Mel became a regular delegate to the annual Manitoba Pool Elevator meetings in Winnipeg. He and Edna worked hard to improve their farm, building a new home in 1967, planting a "windbreak" of trees and winning a Farm Improvement Award. Farming was a lifelong passion for Mel. He was mechanically inclined and very adept at repairing and modifying machinery. Although Mel and Edna officially retired from farming and moved to Brandon in 1986, Mel continued to join Keith and Barb on the farm for seeding and harvest for many years. As a young man, Mel played hockey and baseball and continued to enjoy curling and golf long into retirement. He loved music, from Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, to Tommy Hunter and Don Messer, and he and Edna always enjoyed a night of dancing with their friends. When Regent United Church closed, they joined Deloraine United Church where Mel became a steward. After retiring to Brandon, they joined Central United Church. Mel will be remembered as a kind, loving gentle man. Mel was predeceased by his parents and sister, Fern. He leaves to mourn his wife, Edna, their three children and spouses, seven grandchildren, brother Jack, sister Marie and many relatives and friends. Mel and Edna would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on November 21, 2011. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caring staff of Fairview Home for the wonderful care they have provided since Mel and Edna took up residence. A funeral service will be held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood of Central United Church officiating. Interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Gardens, highway 1A west of Brandon. In lieu of flowers, if friends wish, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8. "We'll remember you, when the west wind moves upon the fields of barley."