To watch the recording of the service, click this link:
https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/132858296
Mel Weinmaster was born April 5, 1929 to Molly (nee Becker) and Alex Weinmeister on the family farm near Rhein, Saskatchewan. He was delivered by his grandmother, the local midwife. All told, Mel was joined by three brothers, and two sisters.
Shortly after he was born, the family moved to another farm, and then to Dunleath. Life on the farm was hard work, but he was up for the challenge and did his part. His youth was full of adventure, many of which he shared with his children and grandchildren, who loved listening to his stories. Mel started school in Rhein and continued in Dunleath, before leaving school in grade 10 to join the working world.
Mel was always a hard worker, and had quite a working life. Starting with pushing bush on a Caterpillar, he moved on to work as a lot boy at Evergreen Motors, and a grain buyer at P&H. After attending welding school in Edmonton in 1948, and Hillcrest Bible College at Medicine Hat in 1950, Mel eventually found his career at Safeway. Beginning in Regina as a stock boy and then transferring to Yorkton as produce manager, he was soon promoted to assistant manager and then manager. In the end he was a loyal employee of Safeway for 30 plus years.
After some health issues arose, he retired from Safeway and turned to his true passion: farming. Mel had been farming part time since the late 70s, and was happy to turn it into a full-time pursuit. He was eventually joined in his farming venture by his son Tim, and they ran the farm as a father and son operation until Mel retired from farming in 2009.
Mel met the love of his life, Sybil Garrison, in the early 1950s when she was in nurse’s training. They were married on September 29, 1954. Their married life began in Regina, before moving back to Yorkton in 1956. In 1957 they welcomed their first son James, followed by Tim in 1961. Mel and Sybil were inseparable until the very end, and their enduring love was an inspiration to all around them. Even into their 90s, they could be seen holding hands on the couch, or sharing a kiss.
Family was Mel and Sybil’s priority throughout their life together. From trips to the family farm in Dunleath, summer vacations with the trailer, and a new National or Provincial Park every year, there was no shortage of variety. Their summer cabin at York Lake provided a fun getaway, and so many memories. In their later years, they enjoyed spending winters in Texas and Arizona, making countless friends along the way.
As they grew older, Mel and Sybil welcomed four grandsons, and eventually two great granddaughters. They spoke with great pride of every accomplishment, good report card, and sporting medal that was brought home.
Mel’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He loved the Lord with all his heart and lived his life as an example to all. He was a kind, gentle soul, still thanking all those who cared for him until the very end.
He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Sybil; sons, James (Donnalee) and Tim (Priscilla); James’ sons, Matthew and Thomas (Lindsay); Tim’s sons, Garrison and Zachary; and great granddaughters, Aidy and Riley (Thomas). We will miss him dearly, but are celebrating a life well lived!
The family would like to thank the staff on 3300 at City Hospital for their care and compassion during Dad’s stay.
A Celebration of Mel’s Life will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Saskatoon Funeral Home. For those unable to attend the service, the family invites you to join the service via livestream.
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central (no DST) time)
Saskatoon Funeral Home
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