MELVILLE SAMUAL NARVEY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MELVILLE SAMUAL (MEL) NARVEY Mel Narvey passed away peacefully at Deer Lodge Centre on November 11, 2015, Remembrance Day, at the age of 96+tax as he said with a twinkle in his eye. Mel was raised in Portage la Prairie by loving parents, Mary and Barney Narvey. He raised four children with the first love of his life, Esther (nee Palansky) to whom he was married 26 years. When Esther passed he felt blessed to find another love, Sooky Tadman to whom he was married 41 years. He derived great joy and pride from all six children and as time progressed, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and as he liked to say with a smile, look what I produced! Mel was predeceased by his parents; wives Esther and Sooky; daughter Sandi Narvey; sister Esther Weinstein and brother Harold. He is survived by his children, Roberta and Fred Kravitz of Minneapolis, Carol and Larry Hoffman of Commanda, Bernie and Barb Narvey of Winnipeg, Marty Tadman (Laurelle), Shelley Tadman, and Arthur Tadman of Winnipeg; 7 grandchildren: Esther (Jay), Joel, (Jill), Bryan, Eli (Adele), Shayna, (Jeremy), Jack (Leanne), and Emma; nine great-grandchildren: Lauren, Marisa, Michael, Alexandra, Emma, Bella, Zoey, Solomon, and Earl. Mel was an RCAF veteran of the Second World War and the last survivor of his squadron. He and his brother Harold were proud owners of Narvey's Clothes for Men in Portage for almost 50 years. He was actively involved in community service organizations and was honoured by the province for his years in Rotary. He loved to golf, bicycle, and snowmobile; he was passionate about music and played piano, organ, keyboard, violin, whistles, harmonicas, and melodica (all by ear); and sang in a barbershop quartet and choir. He was a sought after MC and entertainer. Mel delighted in bringing smiles and laughter to all with his quick wit and great sense of humour. He taught by example with his honesty and integrity, being a loving and considerate husband, a caring and devoted father, and a Zaida and great-Zaida supreme. The family would like to thank the Nurses and Aides at Deer Lodge Centre, and express a very special thanks to his companions Colleen and Jolita. Donations in Mel's memory may be made to the "Mel & Sooky Narvey Fund" at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204-477-7529) or (jewishfoundation.org), or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2015