Edward Melville (Mel)
Sumner
December 20, 1920 – March 23, 2012
Edward Melville (Mel) Sumner passed away suddenly at his home on March 23, 2012 in Vernon, B.C.; Mel was born in Victoria, Dec 30, 1920; lived in Duff Sask, Sexsmith AB, Toronto ON, where he married Allison (nee Bentley) in 1942. Mel joined the pioneering propane industry in the west in 1949 serving in various capacities in Westlock, Prince George, Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, & Nanaimo. He built his dream home on SSI in 1975. He served with BC Ferries until his retirement in 1986. He was very active in the community for 35 years on many Boards and Societies. He served on the Meadowbrook Board and assisted in youth advocacy (Court Diversion, Kanaka Skate Park). He will be dearly missed by his daughters Sharon (Dan) Bell and Colleen (Kevin) Edstrom; sons Murray (Kay) and Greg (Colleen); 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife Allison, to whom he was married for 62 years. We are grateful for the care he received by Dr Woodley and his staff and to Mel’s many dear friends on the Island. Mel was residing with his son Greg and daughter-in-law Colleen in Vernon for the past two years.
The family would be pleased to have you join us in a farewell Celebration of Life at Salt Spring United Church Saturday, June 16th at 3:00p.m. … not to grieve, but to bring a smile and share a few recollections and share tea together. Rev Allister Skinner presiding .In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mel’s honor to Salt Spring Island Foundation (Box 244 Ganges PO Salt Spring Island, B.C. V8K 2V9) or Meadowbrook Seniors Residence (121 Atkins Road Salt Spring Island, B.C. V8K 2X7).
YZ