Mel Narvey

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 liked to say with a smile.

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 for 26 years. When Esther passed he felt blessed to find another love, Sooky Tadman to whom he was married for 41 years. He derived great joy and pride from all 6 children and as time progressed, 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren – and as he liked to say with a smile, look what I produced!

Mel was pre-deceased 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, Shelley Tadman, & Arthur Tadman of Winnipeg; 7 grandchildren: Esther (Jay), Joel, (Jill), Bryan, Eli (Adele), Shayna, (Jeremy), Jack (Leanne), and Emma; 9 great-grandchildren: Lauren, Marisa, Michael, Alexandra, Emma, Bella, Zoey, Solomon, and Earl.

Mel was an RCAF veteran of WWII and the last survivor or 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 a 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.

Funeral service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Winnipeg, MB.

Donations in Mel’s memory may be made to the “Mel & Sooky Narvey Fund” at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba - 123 Doncaster Street, Suite C400 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3N 2B2 jewishfoundation.org  or to a charity of your choice.