Born March 2, 1940, Mel passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2006, after a long life of hard work and a short bout with cancer. Mel is survived by his loving wife, Teresa, his mother, Edna, three children, Alice, Tracey and Gary, grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Shaylee, Charles, Tammy, Brandon and Zebulun, great grand children and Cricket. He is also survived by his siblings, Elmer, Teresa, Clarence, Irene, Alan, Clifford, Kathy, June and Colleen, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Marion, and brothers, Neil and Glen. Mel was born in Williams Lake and raised in the Bridge Lake area. He attended Bridge Lake School for as long as he had to, then went his own way to earn a living working the land. He worked at road-building, logging, hay farming and operating a gravel pit. Hard working, reliable and worthy of the greatest respect, Mel will be sadly missed by his wife, family and friends. A celebration of Kayo’s life was held at Interlakes Community Hall on Tuesday, February 14, 2006, and he was buried with fellow pioneers in Lakeview Cemetery overlooking Roe Lake. Thank you to the 100 Mile House Home Care Nursing staff for their care and consideration, to Pastor Neil Mansell and 100 Mile Funeral Service Ltd. Thank you also to the many family and friends offering assistance and kindness during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Society, 100 Mile District General Hospital (Palliative Care) or Lakeview Cemetery.