EMILE (MEL) JOSEPH HUTLET

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EMILE (MEL) JOSEPH HUTLET Emile passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at 86 years of age. He was predeceased by his parents, Gaston and Blanche; brother John; and infant sister Eva. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rose; children Richard (Del), Wayne and Michelle (John); grandchildren Jonathon, Nikki, Aimee, Kristy and Madison; and great-grandchildren. Mel was born on June 27, 1931, and was raised on the family farm in Bruxelles, Manitoba. In 1954 Mel married Rose Godin and they started their life together. After trying his hand on the farm and in other work, Mel's interest in retail took him and his wife to Dauphin and then on to Flin Flon. Mel and Rose, as owners of Ross' Style Shop, became respected members of Flin Flon's business and social community. Mel and family spent 35 years with 'the store'. Mel was an esteemed and active member of the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and 'Culture Club - Poker Gang'. Mel and Rose moved to Red Deer in 1993, enjoying annual visits to Radium Hot Springs with family and friends. In 2010 they moved to Winnipeg to be closer to family. Mel lived life to the fullest right to his last day. He was fond of his sports, especially baseball and hockey. Always up-to-date on all his favourite players and teams, he loved to share his thoughts and talk sports. Although not raised in the North, Mel was a true Northerner, seizing each day spent in Flin Flon and raising three children there. Mel shared his love of travel and the outdoors with his family, through many camping and other trips. Summers spent together at 'Shady Pines' in Denare Beach were extremely cherished by Mel and family. They could often be found any Sunday out on Beaver Lake where catching the limit of pickerel was the usual. Mel was well known for his love of food and the care (and time) he took in savouring a meal and a glass of wine. Sunday dinners, including barbecues and fish fries, continue as a long-standing family tradition. Mel was gentle and attentive, especially with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He took time to chat, play and go for little walks away from the grown-ups. For Mel, no one was a stranger: he had a knack for bringing people together to share a laugh. He was a master story teller who always delivered a good punchline. Mel will be greatly missed by the love of his life, Rose. For over six decades Mel and Rose embraced happy times and weathered storms, and they always did so together. As per Mel's wishes, a private family event was held and will be followed by a celebration of his life next summer.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2017