Melvin Briese

Briese, Melvin (Mel)

Mel passed away peacefully at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie on Tuesday January 8, 2019 at the age of 95. He was the beloved husband of Liz Tell and the late Emma (Mahon) and proud father of the late David (Susan) Briese and the late Carl Briese. Cherished grandfather of Michael (Suzanne) Briese, Carla (Sam) Fulton, Shannon Briese, Peter Briese and Liz (Brad) Hollands and great grandfather of eight. Loved and fondly remembered by many extended family members.

Mel worked as an electrician and plumber but was known as a Jack of all Trades. He fondly recalled getting his start working for Brown's Electrical before venturing out on his own. He was dedicated to a strong work ethic and continued to work until forced into retirement in his early 90's. Mel responded consistently to the needs of family, friends, neighbours and others throughout the community. He could be found out in his plow moving snow, under a cottage turning on someone's water, fixing cars until the middle of the night, and working to put together the newest gadgets for his grandchildren on Christmas morning. For a time, Mel acted as the local Fire Chief and was a proud member of the Port Carling Fire Department for over 35 years. He is sure to be remembered as a man that you could count on.
In his free time Mel enjoyed curling, snowmobiling, being up at the hunt camp with the boys, playing cards and darts at the Legion and listening to old time country music ("If there's no fiddle, it's not music"). The cottage was a place he loved to be and he always had a project on the go. In his later years, Mel enjoyed getting away to Florida where he'd keep busy maintaining his vacation home, bowling, playing bocce ball and actively participating in life at Indian Creek. His friends and neighbours are sure to miss seeing him on his daily ride through the park on his three-wheeler. With Liz by his side, Mel had many adventures visiting family out west and cruising Alaska, towing the camper to the east coast of Canada, checking out the Las Vegas strip and even making several trips to Walt Disney World. Quieter days were spent at home with his dog by his side and working in the garden. Mel always had a thirst for knowledge whether it be reading through the latest electrician's manuals, following political happenings in the news or learning about a new approach to wellness. After losing much of his eyesight, Mel got much enjoyment from talking books provided by CNIB.

Mel faced many challenges in life but always worked towards finding a way to move forward. We are grateful for the lessons he taught us in tenacity, perseverance, kindness, gentleness, dedication and living a full life right to the end.

Throughout the past few years, many people have supported Mel's wishes to remain as healthy as possible and at home. A special thank you to Dr. Phillips, Dr. Kappos, and the many nurses and PSW's who helped care for Mel.
To honour his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to the SMMH Foundation or CNIB.

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