MELANSON – Royce V. “Hap” , 79, of Harborview Haven, Lunenburg , formerly of Liverpool, passed away peacefully in Harborview Haven on Friday, July 8th, 2011.
“Hap” was born in Mill Village, Queens County on June 25th, 1932, a son of the late Alexander and Cassie (Boland) Melanson.
Hap had a varied working career in grocery stores, stockrooms and with computers. He finished his working years at Mersey Seafoods as a buyer. He offered volunteer services to several organizations over the years. A life lived with humor, integrity, honesty, simplicity and vigor, Hap became a victim of Alzheimer’s disease and all the pain and confusion it brings with it.
He will be fondly remembered by his wife Shirley (Price); his daughter Anne (Carol) of Halifax, his sons: Michael of Liverpool. Gregory (Canora) of Edmonton and Philip (Debbie) of Charleston. His grandchildren Matthew (Ashley), Riley (Jacob), Nicole and Carley as well as four great grandchildren. His brothers Roger (Estelle) of Mill Village and Rex of Bridgewater.
He was predeceased by his grandson Brent, sisters Sandra, Muriel, Madge and Merlene and brothers Robert and Russell.
A celebration of Hap’s life will be held Wednesday, July 13th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Chandlers’ Funeral Chapel, Liverpool. Reverend Jennifer Garbin officiating. A reception will follow in the funeral home prior to interment in Mill Village Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com.
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Alex and Joy Melanson
We want to express our sympathy for your loss. We always enjoyed a laugh with Hap and appreciated his easy going personality. Although we’ll be out of town and unable to attend his service, please know that you are all in our thoughts at this difficult time. A lifetime of family memories to recall and enjoy will help give you strength as you say your goodbyes. xo
Kindest regards,
Alex and Joy
sarah and albert whynot
to shirly and family so sorry to hear about royce passing take care .sarah and albert whynot
Robin & Doug Sperry
Mike sorry to hear about your father .our prayers goes out to you at the time.
Kevin Wentzell
Shirley & Family,
So sorry to hear of Hap’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Kevin & Cathie Wentzell
MAXINE TONY RAFUSE
SHIRLEY AND FAMILY.SORRY TO HEAR OF HAPS PASSING.HIS PAIN IS OVER AND YOU CAN ENJOY THE GOOD MEMOIRS YOU HAVE.
Helen and David Whynacht
Shirley and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Hap is now over his pain and is resting with God . Poor Hap walked a long hard road ,as well as the family as they watched him suffer, but now he is at peace. God be with you all, through these next few days. Hang onto the good memories that you have………..
Joyce & Jim Parks
Shirley and family,You are all in our thoughts and prayers,We have many good memories and had a lot of good laughts with Hap,He is now free of his pain.God be with you all..
Janet and George Fletcher
We were sorry to hear about Hap. Our thoughts and our prayers are with your family.
lloyd & Barbara Naugler
We are so sorry to hear of Hap,s passing. he was a wonderful man with a sence of humour and friend to all. He is now at peace and so can his family now say good-bye to him’. God Bless all his family.
Bob and Brenda Lohnes
Shirley and Family: So sorry to hear of Hap’s passing. Our sympathy to you at this sad time. He is now away from the pain and suffering of that horrible disease and is soaring with the angels, may he rest in peace.
judy quinn
so very sorry for your loss
Mike Ozon
Shirley and Family,
Please eccept my sincere sympathy to your family on Hap’s passing. Cherrish all the wonderful memories in your hearts and remember all the good times that you’ve had. He is with God and is at peace. May God keep you and guide you through the days ahead.
Mike
Bruce & Melanie Inglis
Shirley and family, please accept our thoughts of condolence on Hap’s passing. He was a wonderful member of his community who always gave his time with a smile. He will be missed but we hope you find comfort in knowing that his years of suffering have passed. We will be thinking of you in the days to come.
Rena
We want to express our sympathy for your loss. We always enjoyed a laugh with Hap and appreciated his easy going personality. Although we’ll be out of town and unable to attend his service, please know that you are all in our thoughts at this difficult time. A lifetime of family memories to recall and enjoy will help give you strength as you say your goodbyes. xoKindest regards,Alex and Joy
+1
melba&joe hubbard
Dear Shirley& family; so sorry to hear of Haps passing, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Melba & Joe
Allan & Beth LaRocque
Shirley and family, we are very sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed.
Nellie Crouse
Dear Shirley and family,
So sorry to learn of Hap’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely Nellie
Star Donovan
Shirley and Family: Hap was one of the finest men I ever knew. I had the pleasure of working with him for years, he gave us many laughs with his great sense of humor. I still have the poem he wrote for me on the 40th birthday, I will treasure it always. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. My sincere sympathy.
Star
Leslie, Lorne and Family
Shirley, Michael, Grey, Anne Marie and Philip, our hearts are sadden for you and we know what you are going through. Rest assured that Hap is now reunited with his family and in a happier place than he was the last few years. Although your heart are sad now, know that it will get easier One Day At A Time. That’s what helped pull me through.
Love Leslie, Lorne and Family.
Art MacLeod
So sorry to hear of the passing of Hap, he was such a fine, gentle man and I enjoyed the time spent with him at the Lion’s Club. Condolences to Shirley and the family.
Bonnie and Norman
Shirley and family:
Sorry to hear of Hap’s passing. Please accept our sincere condloences
Bonnie
Olga Meronyk
My deepest sympathy and kind thoughts are extended to all of you as a family. God gave us the gift of memories, enjoy them.
Chris & Rob Burns
Know that as a family, you are in our thoughts and prayers and please accept our deepest sympathy. May God bless each of you with many happy memories of your Dad and may those memories become personal and grow stronger with time.
We are so very sorry for your loss,
Christine & Rob Burns (Canora’s sister)
Judi Maillett
Shirley & family,sorry to hear of Hap’s passing.Always loved to have a talk with Hap when i would see him around the house in the yard..At least he is at peace now .God bless.
Brian/Pam Foley
our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time
Steve Andrews
I’m very sorry to hear of Mr. Melanson’s passing. He was very kind to me when Phillip and I used to hang around as kids growing up, and I was very appreciative for that kindness. My sincere condolences. God Bless !!
judy quinn@sonny quinn
dear mike so sorry about your father.
Tina Donovan
Shirley and family:
So sorry to hear of Hap’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Hap and there was never a dull moment with his story telling and his humor. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. God Bless.
Nancy and Ernie
To the Family of Hap,
Mom and Dad were very good friends with Hap and Shirley, I remember many times seeing them at their home. So I am very sure Dad is waiting for Hap. and that they will share many stories.
Hap is now in a nicer and kinder place,although the family will miss him, he will be happy once more.
I know how it feels to loss the ones you love and I am just holding on to the knowledge that we will be together again.Remember the good times.
Blessings Nancy and Ernie Whynot
Charlene Veinot
Shirley and Family:
So sorry to hear of Hap’s passing. Hap and I worked together and he always kept me laughing. He had a great sense of humor and could always make everyone laugh. He surely will be missed. Always cherish the memories that you have. Take care.
Reg & Gyneth McDougall
Shirley & family : We are very saddened to hear of Haps passing.
I will always remember the many laughs we had , his humor, especially when he said something and kept such a straight face.
His quality of life wasn’t the best the last few years , so take comfort that he is in a better place now.
Southern Family
Shirley and family,
Very sorry to hear about Hap’s passing. We have very fond memories of living next door in Liverpool. You were good friends, a great family and fine neighbors. Best regards, Joe, Sharon and Marcel Southern
Cookie Trainor
Shirley & Mike
So sorry for your loss. Hap is in a much better place.
Damien Scott
While I did not know Hap personally, I did know his daughter Anne. She spoke so fondly about her father and her many visits to the Nursing Home to see him and spend time at his side. She cherished those moments and the opportunity to be closer to family members. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family members for the loss of Hap. There is no dobt that he will be sadly missed yet the fond memories of his life on earth should be cherished. He is now in a place where there is no more pain or suffering. God Bless you all and be strong for one another through this time of sorrow.
Shawn Moore
Shirley and family;
I am so sorry to hear of Hap’s passing. My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with all of you.
Shawn (Wolfe) Moore
Dennis & Sherri Harrington
To The Family,
Sending sincere condolences to the family.
Doris Schnare
Shirley and family, Sorry to read of Hap’s death. He is free of suffering now and is at peace. My condolences to all your family. Doris Schnare
Kathy Long
Anne, when I didn’t get a response from you this week, I checked the paper on a feeling. I guess your father somehow knew that you were about to leave this fine area of the country and move to your new posting. He must have been a great father, even to the very end. I am so sorry to hear of his passing as I know how much he met to you by the stories you told about him. I am sure you made him proud. My condolences to the rest of your family.
Kathy
Jeanette Bowden
To Anne,and ALL Melanson Family and Ext Family Members:
This is a poem I read at many memorial services since I first read it at my Dad’s service…. Hoping it will bring each and every one of you some small comfort for your GREAT LOSS (sounds like my FIL, A GEM to know): It is long, but well worth the “message”… and Pls feel free to PASS IT ON!
Things I’d Like To Say!
Some things I’d like to say
But first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from Heaven, where I dwell with God above
Where there’s no more tears or sadness, there is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight
Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on Earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He whispered,
“I welcome you. It’s good to have you back again.
You were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of My big plan.
There’s so much that we have to do to help our mortal man.”
Then God gave me a list of things He wished for me to do,
And foremost on that list of mine is ‘to watch and care for you’.
And when you’re sad, I’m standing there to wipe
away the tears,
And when you lie in bed at night, the days’ chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all those loving years,
Because you’re only human they are bound to bring you tears,
But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain,
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned,
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand,
But one thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over…
I am closer to you now than I ever was before.
And to my very many friends, trust God knows what is best.
I’m still not far away from you, I’m just beyond the crest.
There are rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb.
But together we can do it taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too
That as you give unto the World so the World will give to you.
If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain,
Then you can say to God at night “my day was not in vain.”
And now I am content, that my life — it was worthwhile,
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is down and feeling low,
Just lend a hand to pick him up as on your way you go.
When you are walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind,
I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when you feel the gentle breeze or
the wind upon your face…….
That’s ME giving you a great big HUG or just a soft embrace!
And when it’s time for you to go from that body to be free,
Remember you’re not going, you’re coming home to me.
And I will always love you from that land way up above.
Will be in touch again soon!
P.S. GOD sends His Love!
Laurie and Janet Clattenburg
Our deepest sympathies in your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Shawna McDougall
Shirley & Family,
My most sincere sympathy during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Donna and Mike West
Shirley and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you find comfort in the memories of the past.
Carol & Bob Wilkinson
Shirley & Family
You are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. HAB is now at peace and will live on in our hearts an memories.
Our deepest sympathy is with you.
Carol & Bob
NANCY ANTHONY
Shirley and family: I just learned of Hap’s passing, my sincere sympathy to all of you. Nancy
Chris and Cheryl Mansfield
To the family…..We just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Cheryl and Chris
Greg Killam
To Phil and Family,
So very sorry to hear of Hap’s passing. I often think, with fondness, of my many days spent around Hap and his family. He would always start with saying..”What are you boys doing today?” and end with a smile that I took to mean, I’m not sure your telling me everything but..your good boys..and I trust you.
To Phil, I know you have gained many great qualities from your father. This shows in the man you have become today. A loving, father, husband, a helpful community member and a great friend. Take care Tug.
Marilyn Huskins
I’d just like to let all of Haps family know, that I want to send my
condolences to each and every one of you. He was such a kind
and wonderful man. No matter where you were or any type of
weather, he’d always had a kind word or something funny to say
that made your day. He will be surely missed. God bless you all.
Marilyn Huskins ( Dorey )
Paul and Gail Lockwood
Shirley and Family;
Gail and I extend our condolences to you and yours during your time of loss. Having grown up with ‘Hap’ I remember him well, even tho’ we haven’t seen each other for many years. He will be missed.
Paul and Gail
Peggy Kelley
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow.
Nina Vaughn-Cooper
Shirley and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. I always liked “Mr. Melanson” when I was growing up in Charleston. He was always such a kind man to us kids. May he now finally rest in Peace……
Rus 'Rusty" Melanson
Dear Shirley and cousins,
I just learned of Hap’s passing recently, and wish to extend my sincerest condolences. During my visits to Nanny & Grampie Melanson’s, I always had to visit with you and Hap in Charleston; I will never forget the warmth with which you welcomed me into your home.
May you find peace and comfort in the coming days.
Love,
Rusty