Obituary of Melville Lyon Peters

Melville Lyon Peters, 89, of Guelph, and formerly London, Ontario, passed away peacefully on July 1st at Guelph Lake Commons. A practical, down-to-earth man, Mel was a good father, husband, brother, and friend. He is predeceased by his parents, Christina and Harry Peters; sisters Verna Maluske and Veneta Walker; and his wife of 61 years, Lois (nee Closs). Mel is missed greatly by his daughter Patricia (Anne-Marie); his sister Doreen Barfoot; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Born at home in Sullivan Township on September 3, 1926, Mel had many adventures during his 89 years. Never one to shy away from hard work, Mel took over the family farm at the age of 14 years, although he liked to say that he started working well before that. He worked for the Department of Lands and Forests as a young man, was a constable with the Owen Sound detachment of the OPP in the 1950s, and began his career in sales in the 1960s - first for a pharmaceutical company in Ottawa and then for many years in London in real estate, eventually owning his own company. Mel and Lois were active members in London’s Riverside United Church community for decades, with Mel serving on various committees and volunteering in many capacities. He was also a member of the London North Rotary club for several years and helped Lois in numerous ways with the IODE - perhaps making him an honorary member. He enjoyed gardening and loved to see the crops growing in the fields, a farmer at heart. Mel travelled to most of the provinces and territories of Canada, and to all but three of the United States. Travel highlights included a road trip to Alaska with three friends and a bus trip with Lois through the southern U.S. to California. Mel’s sense of humour - sometimes irreverent, and always entertaining - was well-known. With a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his lips, his jokes flowed out of him with ease, reflecting his wonderful memory. He enjoyed public speaking, having trained with the Dale Carnegie program as a young man, and used his talents as a master of ceremonies at weddings and anniversaries of family and friends. Although his body was wearing out, Mel retained a clear mind and a deep interest in life. He enjoyed history, followed world events and politics, and cheered on the Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays year after year. Mel’s quiet strength, wisdom, and humour will be deeply missed. The family would like to offer sincere thanks to the staff at the Guelph Lake Commons for their warmth and kindness, and to Drs. Burke, Misterski, and Finnigan for their care these past months. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where a celebration of Mel’s life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2016. Friends and relatives may visit online at www.westviewfuneralchapel.com to extend condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the reNEW fund for Riverside United Church or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.