Ross: Melvin Boyd, Nov. 16, 1957 – Oct. 12, 2019

Melvin Boyd Ross of Alsask, Sask. died suddenly at the age of 61 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary October 12, 2019, with his family at his bedside.

Melvin was born in Kindersley, Sask. November 16, 1957, to Donald and Doreen Ross of Alsask. He was the first of four children and he loved life on the farm. As a youngster and teenager, he became active in farming and caught the farming bug from his dad. He loved the cattle and became very active in 4-H. As well he loved horses and he and Patches (horse) participated in gymkhana. Melvin was very athletic and enjoyed sports. He played on school teams including football and loved hockey.

Melvin was severely injured in a car accident at the age of 15. This was life-changing for him but with the amazing support of his parents, he led a very productive and happy life.

Melvin, alongside his dad, was a grain farmer as well as cattle. Initially, they had purebred polled Herefords then in later years moved to commercial cattle. He may have had a memory problem but if you need to know something about their cattle Melvin would be able to tell you. This was the same for friends and families’ ages. You didn’t argue with him on this as you would lose.

Melvin and his dad were inseparable and spent many hours in the field or barn together. They weren’t very good at watching the time. Doreen never knew when they would be coming in for supper. They farmed together up until just a few years ago when it became too difficult for Don.

Melvin was very active with the Alsask Lions Club and his community. Melvin loved his sports, he was a Toronto Maple Leafs’ fan and he and his Grandma Lena who was a Montreal fan enjoyed a great rivalry. He was also a great supporter of the Roughriders and when he went to visit his Calgary cousins he made sure he was wearing Roughrider gear!

Melvin was survived by his loving mother Doreen, siblings Kevin (Sharon), Jerry (Jocelyn) and Michelle (Kevin), seven nieces and nephews and two great-nieces.

He was predeceased by his loving father Don.

The funeral occurred October 19, 2019, at the Alsask Lions Hall.

Reverend Helen Reed did a great job of performing the service. Bill Thomson, a close friend of Melvin’s gave a heartwarming eulogy. The scriptures were read by his cousin Kelvin Bishop and sister-in-law Sharon Ross. His cousins Vallerie and Ira Ross, as well as Ira’s wife Lana, played the piano and saxophone. Melvin’s second cousin sang a beautiful solo Sunshine On My Shoulders. Melvin’s interment occurred following the service.

The ashes of his late father Don Ross were also laid to rest with Melvin.

Donations may be directed towards the Oyen and District Healthcare Foundation, Box 150 Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0.