Mel passed away unexpectedly Saturday, November 8, 2014 in Devil's Lake, North Dakota while returning from a trip to Branson, Missouri. He was predeceased by his parents, Kristian and Alice Eggum; in-laws, Arden and Ingeborg Sorsdahl; brother, Reginald (Edna) Eggum; brothers-in-law, George, Ron, Ralph, Pete and Walter and sister-in-law, Joan (Don) Cooke. Mel was born on a cold January day in 1942 on the family farm near Halbrite to his parents Kristian and Alice Eggum. Mel was the youngest brother of eight siblings, with one older sister, two younger sisters, and four older brothers. They were all raised in a three room farm house. The children were taught to live honestly, simply, work hard and value family. The harsh lessons of the 1930s were fresh in Mel's parent's memory, and the family learned to be resourceful, respect what they had and be thankful for it. This humble and practical upbringing served Mel very well in raising his own family and being a valuable resource for his career and community. Mel began his education at Whiterock, a rural one room schoolhouse with the school bus being a horse and wagon driven by one of his older brothers. He finished his elementary and high school in Halbrite, graduating in 1960. Mel had plans to continue his education and went to work in the oilfield to help fund his university ambitions. In 1961 Mel entered the University of Saskatchewan - Regina campus for one year. Mel and Sharon were married on September 1st 1962 in Midale. He entered the Teacher's college in Regina for a one year course. With teaching certificate in hand, Mel accepted a position in Ceylon where they resided for two years, and he became principal, before moving north to spend one school year at Tyvan. In 1966 Mel accepted the Vice Principal's position at Queen Elizabeth Elementary school in Weyburn and became Principal the following year. All the while Mel was teaching and building his career, he kept advancing his education through correspondence as well as night and summer school, arriving at his goal of a Bachelor of Education degree in 1972. Mel was principal at Queen Elizabeth School for 26 of the 27 years he taught there. The QE School was for rural elementary students and several generations of farm kids gained from his guidance. Part of his success in working with the families and teaching their children came from his own rural roots and ability to relate to their world. Superannuation came to Mel in 1993. He left his profession as a true Icon of the Weyburn education community. His 30 years of teaching were very fulfilling for him. Not ready for retirement, Mel and Sharon launched Redcoat Innovations which operated from 1993 until 2005. This was not the end of Mel's construction work, as he kept taking on family, community and personal projects to the present. Working and communicating with people came naturally to Mel. He was constantly involved with community organizations as a volunteer and/or an executive board member. He served on the Lutheran church council for several three year terms, often as chairman. He taught Sunday school and volunteered for remodeling and renovation projects of the church. Service to the Weyburn Credit Union Executive in every capacity for 31 years, including President, earned him the Saskatchewan Credit Union Order of Merit award and highlighted his accomplishments as a community builder. Other community involvements included, being a Boy Scout leader, Minor Ball coach and volunteer on many other committees including Canada Day Celebrations and Adopt-A-Highway. Their first trip to Arizona was in 1994, and they have returned many times since. In 1996 Mel and Sharon traveled with members of Mel's family to visit Norway. Along with meeting family, they visited the Eggum farm where Mel's father was raised and learned of the Eggum Rock. This is a significant archeological stone discovered on the Eggum farm in Norway, now on display at a museum in Bergen, Norway. More recently, they enjoyed traveling with family, new and old friends. From camping to cruising, they vacationed across Canada and abroad. Memories were made in so many places, most recently Hawaii, Panama, the Caribbean, Italy and Greece. Travel had become very regular and Mel and Sharon were always planning their next trips. Mel will be remembered for giving generously of his time and talents to his church, community, and for being a mentor and role model for countless students in the Weyburn area. Most importantly, his love and guidance for his family will forever be cherished. Mel will be lovingly remembered by his, wife of 52 years, Sharon; four sons: Al (Vanessa), Clint, Nevin (Cindy) and Troy (Rachel); grandchildren: Matthew, Ashlyn, Brenden, Shelden, Jessica (Iain), Tyson and Jayden; brothers: Norman (Helen), Kris (Sharon) and Nels (Elaine); sisters: Dora King, Ellen Fehr and Gladys (Ernie) Lokken; sister-in-law: Marilyn Restau as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Memorial service was held on Friday, November 14 at 1 pm at Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn with Pastor Martin Olson officiating. A private interment was held at Westphalia Cemetery, Midale. All seven of Mel's grandchildren were Urn-Bearers. Donations in Mel's memory can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Diabetes Association. Condolences may be left at: www:fletcherfuneral-chapel.com.Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
