A gentle soul with a strong mind and will has yielded to his tired body and now at rest. Frank John Mele passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 9, at the Teck Pioneer Residence with his loving family and caring staff at his side. He would’ve celebrated his 86th birthday October 25, and his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife Lucy Ellen (Dowhey) in July.
The devoted father of Angela and Norman and father-in-law to Robert. He was so proud of their hard work and achievements in life. Also surviving are 4 loving grandchildren Isaak, Marissa, Bryce, and Georgia who brought so much fun into his life. He of course had to teach them to drive on the cottage road with his foot on the "dual break", defensive driving was so important to him!
Left to mourn are his dear cousins, Vince wife Joyce their children, Mark (Wendy), Joanne and their families, Amanda, Joshua, Kurtis, Lynne, and Danielle, as well as his cousin Ann husband Ludwig and their family in BC. Frank was predeceased by his loving parents mother Angela, and father Frank Sr., and dear cousin Vida, as well as many close relatives in Ohio USA.
Frank was a Northerner and loved his little town, he never wanted to leave! He was content and didn’t mind the cold weather, he played and enjoyed hockey for most of his life from a young age to joining the "Old Tymers" at the complex. Frank went to Europe twice to play with the X-KLers from Southern Ontario and coached many hockey teams for a number of years. He was a busy man from owning and managing real estate, to working in the tire industry, to teaching driver’s ED. Frank never complained of overwork.
The family are grateful to the wonderful and kind staff at TPR for making him feel so welcome and caring for him. Thank you, Tanya Schumacher, Dr. Jessica Moore, Jewel James, and all from office staff to nursing and PSW's, physio, dietary, activities, and cleaning, you all made a difference in his life!
And a big thanks to the great neighbours that we have in our area, who helped us so much over the months, and provided delicious meals, flowers, cards, phone calls, and support. That's what makes a caring community!
In lieu of flowers, if one wishes, donations may be made to the Teck Pioneer Residence or a charity of their choice.
Cremation will take place and a celebration of Frank's life will be held at a later date when all the family can get together.
A good man has left us,
May he rest in peace.
He was so loved!
And we are filled with sadness!
He was a kind man. Always encouraging to his students. I have fond memories of learning to drive with him. I will always appreciate the time and dedication he gave to teaching people how to drive safe. My heart goes out to the family . Truly a great Man.
Aww Lucy I am so sorry for your great loss.
You truly were the best wife to Frank always at his side.
Sending you a big hug and know you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Take care of yourself Lucy ! Xx
Our deepest sympathy Lucy to you and family. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Condolences to the Family at this very sad and difficult time. Will cherish all our memories of Frank for many years....so sorry for your loss
Hello Lucy…
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and the Mele family. Frank was prominent in the community for many years and will be missed by all who knew him.
Bernie and Tanya
I am sorry to hear of Mr Mele’s passing. I always enjoyed speaking with you both over the years, especially since you knew my family from way back.
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathies to all of Frank’s loved ones.
Many happy memories of Frank since my teens. God bless all of you .
We are very sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. Our family has so many fond memories over the years from the “Frank Mele School of Driving” where we learned to park a car in the tightest of parking spots, to the fun stories from the Oldtimer Hockey days. Memories we will always cherish.
To all the family, so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Frank lived a full and happy live, was always positive when we ran into him. May he rest in peace.
Pat & Lorraine and family
Frank will be missed. I know I have avoided more then one car accident because of the defensive driving he taught me. Thank you Frank, Rest in Peace.
I was saddened to read of Frank!s passing. Sending condolences to you Lucy and family. Sincerely Chris (Urbanczyk) Bivol
We are so saddened to hear of Mr. Mele’s passing. He was such a sweet, wonderful man. I loved watching your love and devotion to him Mrs. Mele, there you’d be, every day, faithfully and lovingly showing up to visit outside his window with your lawn chair during the lockdown. Dad and Uncle Len enjoyed his company at TPR as well and we’re often found chatting in the lobby with him.
He will be remembered for his kindness and amazing drivers-Ed teaching and his coaching so many in hockey.
We are thinking of you with love during this difficult time ❤️
I'm saddened to hear of Franks passing. He was a great person and I have many fond memories of him. We had good times hanging out, my condolences .
John D'Aloisio
You are a wonderful man and a great customer. Rest In Peace Frank.
Jim and Anita Haine
Thinking of you with the loss of your best Buddy. We will also miss his soft sole and quick wit. We have lost another Kirkland Lake icon for sure. Hugs to you and your family ❤️
So sadden to hear of Mr Mele’s passing , such a kind and gentle man, my children talked with respect about him teaching them drivers-Ed, very well liked. RIP Mr Mele.
The world lost a terrific man today and a great community citizen. I loved living around the corner for many years and that meant I could run into Mr. Mele and have some wonderful chats.
Deepest sympathy to the family and know that Mr. Mele had a live well lived.
Take care.
Lucy, I am so very sorry to hear that Frank has passed. He was a wonderful man, kind and gracious, and taught me so much about defensive driving. The lessons I learned from him have helped me avoid accidents over the years. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband. KL has lost a good man, may he rest in peace.
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our dearest condolences.
Mike and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. He was truly a kind gentleman, and will be missed. May you take comfort in the memories cherished and memories shared…xo
We are so sorry to receive the news of Frank’s passing! He was always such a good positive person who contributed much to the community and had so many humorous stories and anecdotes to tell . Our time together as neighbours and Oldtimer Hockey players gives us so many great memories we will always cherish. He was a kind and memorable KL’er who will be missed by so many.
Our deepest condolences—Brian and Gale
I was up to visit a friend at TPR today and was saddened to learn of Franks passing. I have known Frank and Lucy for many years and was always amazed at how dedicated they were to one another. They could often be seen down town on their daily walks and between us we could always drum up a great conversation. I know how much Frank will be missed by his family and my heart breaks for all of them. We will definitely miss running into you Frank. RIP my friend. Gloria Semple
So sorry for your loss
Our deepest condolences
Andrew and Jean snowdon
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on your loss of dear Frank. We always enjoyed our chats with him.
Lucy I am so very sorry for your loss. Frank was such a caring man and a great drivers ed teacher....I will always be grateful for what he taught me. RIP Frank.
Dear Lucy,
Bill and I are so heartbroken to hear of Frank’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May friends and family surround one another to offer the needed strength.
Louise and Bill McCurdy
So very sorry for your loss.
So saddened to hear about the passing of Frank.What a great person he was and he will be sorely missed by all of us.My condolences to you Lucy, Norm, Angela and the rest of the family.God bless and we are thinking of you during this difficult period.
David Zivkovic and family
My condolences on Frank’s passing…he will be missed by all who knew him..the Slovenian community never had a better ambassador
We were saddened to hear of Mr. Mele's passing. Sincere condolences to you all. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Deepest condolences from Ginny and I - R.I.P. Frankie will never forget our 25 or so trips to Vages with Billy, Des, Strachan and the boys
I’m so sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. The brothers & I always looked forward to having a chat with Frank while we were visiting dad at TPR. He was always in such good spirits. My condolences to the entire family during this difficult time.
On behalf of the Spahich family ; my father John and myself, please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of Frank. Bled (Slovenian) community was a strength with him in it. He was an wonderful man and I will remember him fondly since he pushed me hard to get my drivers license. That Volvo station wagon and his contagious laugh has a special place in my heart.
Frank, as you drive around in heaven ...say hello to my grandparents (Niko and Ana) for me. Also , slow down and shoulder check as you drive around the clouds with angels as your passenger .
God bless you Frank.
Ivan
Condolences to the family. Frank is missed so much at work. So happy I got to know him at TPR. Rest well Mr. Frank.
We were so sorry to hear that Frank has passed away. He was a great person in so many ways. Thankfully you had sixty years of wonderful marriage and he has left you with a beautiful family.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Don and Jean Pysklywec
Our sincerest condolences to the Mele Family. Growing up on First Street and playing street hockey with Frank and the neighborhood kids is still one of my fondest memories. Frank was a great role model who demanded fair play and was a lot of fun to learn from. Rest In Peace Frank. You will be missed.
Marlene and Duncan Middlemiss
Very sorry to hear of Franks passing have known him for years and always found him to be an interesting hard working guy. He was true KLer.
My deepest condolences Lucy to you and your family.
Deepest sympathies to the family and Lucy, our families had been neighbors for years, he was a gentleman and a teacher and will be missed RIP Frank
Those of us who are members of the XKL Hockey and Luncheon Group are so sorry for your sad loss!
Frank was an important and respected member of the community and a gracious, positive person who leaves behind many wonderful and fun memories- especially to those of us who knew him for so many years.
Our deepest sympathy to the family from his XKL friends.
So very sorry for your loss.
Hélène (Harvey) and Don Studholme
Lucy, my heartfelt condolence to you and Family. Hold cherished memories close to your heart.
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Mr. Mele’s passing…. He was a wonderful person. I am keeping you close to my heart at this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathies are sent to you on Frank's passing. Frank was always upbeat, positive and a good friend. Frank's love and support for our home town was second to none! May the memories of the many great times with Frank comfort all of you.
Fondly remembered,
Gord Hamden
So very sorry to hear of your loss Lucy! Frank was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. Deepest condolences to you and your family.
I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Mele's passing. I definitely have such fond memories from both drivers ed and from being an amazing neighbor just a short walk away through our backyard. Deepest condolences to Mrs. Mele and the entire family.
I was sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Lucy, Frank and you were always the best neighbours for us during our years on First Street. My family appreciated your help and kindness to all of us.
Eleanor
So sad to hear of Frank’s passing.
Great friend. Great neighbor. Great business man.
Such a talent.
I always think of Frank when I’m negotiating that wicked hill at the corner of Kirkpatrick and Prospect.
Frank will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. Frank helped all three of my daughters obtain their driver’s licences. He must have had a great deal deal of patience and nerves of steel to teach so many inexperienced beginners.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family on the passing of Frank and trust that you all have memories to cherish! I recall many chats with Frank that would eventually focus on the local hockey scene, one of Frank's true passions. He loved Kirkland Lake! God Bless!
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Frank was such a gentle soul and l always looked forward to our visits. He has left many special memories.
Sending hugs and prayers to support your grief.
I was so sad to hear of Frank's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the wonderful memories you shared during your years together bring you much comfort.
I was so sorry to hear of Frank's passing . My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May the memories you shared during your many years together bring you comfort. RIP Frank.
I remember Frank fondly. He lived across the street from me and he gave me driving lessons. I remember his words "use your mirrors!" I never forgot that and always look in my mirrors. The driving instructor said to me "you must be one of Frank's students, you looked in the mirror a lot!" My deepest condolences to the Mele family for the loss of this amazing man!
So sorry for your loss ! Thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss his smile.