Melvin Telstad

Mel left a treasure chest of memories behind for his wife, Odessa; son, Scott (Alma); daughters: Heidi & Clara (Jason). He was Grandpa to Dylan and Drusila and Chase. Mel was also a brother to Nancy (John); Uncle to Gail and Mark.

Mel was born in Seattle, Wash. to parents Wanda and John Telstad. At age 14 Mel and Nancy 12, came to live with Aunt Gertrude Telstad and Sigurd near Abee, AB. After 2 more years of grade school, Mel took a course in auto and diesel engines, worked in the oil fields for 7 years, then 8 years for Don Garven’s Auto Ltd. in Edmonton as shop foreman, having earned his Dominion and Provincial mechanic’s ticket. No job was too big or too small. He was also an accomplished self-taught carpenter. He and his wife moved to Newbrook, AB in the late 60’s renting shops from Megley’s and Pelensky’s.

Mel had a shop built on their ¼ section farm between Abee and Newbrook where he continued his mechanic work along with farming with his wife and three children for another 40 years.

Mel would spend 2 weeks (mostly January) visiting sister, Nancy and family in Florida. They stayed close buddies over the years. He enjoyed camping, hunting, curling and planting trees and was a Ford enthusiast, belonging to a club “The Originals”. Mel also spent several years in the Edmonton Flying Club.

Mel’s health started to decline at the age of 82 years being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. No Funeral by request, ashes to be placed in a plot in the Abee Cemetery. A family graveside reading in the spring of 2023.

Thank you to all Mel’s relatives and friends who impacted his life’s journey in a positive way.

The Telstad Family