Melville Stewart Coutts
October 27th, 2019
Mel was born in New Westminster, BC the second youngest of 7 to James and Jessie Coutts. He lived there until joining the Army at the age of 18. He served 4 1/2 years with the New Westminster Regiment doing active battle in Italy.
After his discharge he came back home and met his wife Lois through the Gospel Chapel. They were married in June 28, 1947.
As a young family they moved to North Delta, BC where they raised their family of 4 children.
Mel served with Canada Post for the majority of his career. Starting as a letter carrier he was one of the first to drive the 3 wheeled “mail mobiles” in Surrey in 1959. He worked his way up through various positions and completed his service as a supervisor.
Mel loved to have fun. He loved to play games with friends and family like: tennis, golf, ping pong, pool, shuffle board, carpet bowling, card games, dice games and board games. It was a big part of his hospitality.
He took early retirement at the age of 59 and, along with Lois, continued to work as a contract rural route letter carrier for the next five years.
In 1975 Mel and Lois moved out to White Rock, then Langley, the lastly resided back in Delta at Deltaview Care Campus.
Mel and Lois were very active in the churches they attended, serving in a variety of capacities. They were charter members of Surrey Alliance, Peace Portal Alliance and they in their senior years supported Mountainview Alliance.
Mel is predeceased by his loving wife of 67 1/2 years, Lois, who passed away December 2014. He is survived by his sister Joyce Shatford of Prince George, BC, his 4 children, Stewart (Dorothea) of Tsawwassen, BC, Clifford (Patricia) of Abbotsford, BC, Darcy (Jill) of Edmonton, AB, Melody (Brian) Kilbank of Edmonton, AB.
Mel leaves a living legacy of 10 grandchildren:
Jonathan, David, Jeffrey, Robin, Darcy
Bradley, Jordan
Ryan, Aaron, Adam
And 17 great grandchildren:
Alesha, Elijah, Brady, Mattias, Rooke, Sawyer, Jesse, Ronja, Aske
Kezia, Linnaea, Elise
Emma, Kennedy, Matthew, Alexis, Nathan, Ashley, Michael
Mel had a deep faith in Jesus Christ for his personal salvation. He drew on this deep faith to carry him through the war and was always so grateful to God he was protected and survived. This faith continued throughout his life. Today he is enjoying a new day in heaven with his Lord.
A service celebrating his life will be held at Tsawwassen Alliance Church, 4951 12 Avenue, Delta BC. Friday, November 1, 2019 at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Shareword Canada at gideons.ca.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
My condolences to the family. Mel was one of my favourite uncles and I remember a lifetime of the fun he provided with games and visits/trips with my cousins. My father and mother spent many hours with both Mel and Lois in their various homes. My family moved and one of the main reasons included worshiping at the Surrey Alliance Church with your family. I have all memorable moments with Uncle Mel as he will be missed. I am sorry that I cannot attend the service due to medical treatment. Steve. r5krh
My condolences to the whole family. Oz and I spent many lovely times with Lois and Mel. I was so glad to,have been in the family for the years we were given. Mel surely was an honourable man, funny and loved his family.
I am sorry for your loss Cliff and family, but he has gone on to a wonderful place
My condolences to the family... Mel was one of a kind! His kindness, humour and energy was an example to all. He painted our house when I was a kid and I have never forgotten how he gave me a brush and showed me how to cut a line on window frames... His generosity of spirit, the example he lived, has stayed with me this day.