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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BOUDREAU, Melvin Robert - age 97, of La Villa Acadienne, Meteghan, formerly of Meteghan River, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020 in La Villa with his daughter by his side. Born in Wedgeport, he was a son of the late Terrance and Madeleine (Pothier) Boudreau. Melvin, a veteran of the Second World War, served in the Royal Canadian Navy aboard the minesweeper HMCS Kenora during the landings that began the liberation of Europe. Opening routes for the ships that would land at Juno Beach was dangerous work for those on the minesweepers. Melvin was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52, Saulnierville. Upon returning from war, he was married to Rosaline d'Entremont on June 17, 1946. On June 18, 2015 at La Villa Acadienne, Melvin was awarded France's Legion of Honour Medal for his role in the liberation of the country during the 1944 D-Day landings at Juno Beach. Melvin wore many hats during his working years. He worked at Meteghan shipyard, opened and operated Acadian Overalls, was postmaster of the Meteghan River Post Office, drove a school bus, and sold monuments for Heritage Memorials for many years. He also worked at his father-in-law's store "La Shoppe a Leonard". His wife Rosaline proudly worked by his side throughout their working years. From time to time he also helped his brother-in-law Victor Deveau at Meteghan Funeral Home. During his spare time, he enjoyed trout fishing, hunting rabbits, deer, and moose and especially looked forward to his moose hunting trips to Newfoundland, and Cape Breton. He also enjoyed going tuna fishing with his brother Delisle Boudreau, Dr. Robert Belliveau, Dave Jubis, Micheal Deveau, and many others. He, along with his wife Rosaline, enjoyed travelling, playing cards, and golfing. They truly enjoyed their life together. He was a very generous man with a kind heart, not only towards family and friends, but he was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Melvin was a devoted and loving husband, papa, father-in-law, grandpère, great-grandpère, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He is survived by daughter, Jeanne-Louise (Albert) Saulnier, Saulnierville; sister, Alice Boudreau, Berwick; granddaughter, Amanda (Gilles) LeBlanc, Ottawa; great-grandchildren, Kenley and Grayson; and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by wife, Rosaline; brothers, Gerald, Delisle, Reginald; sisters, Françoise, Claire. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Meteghan Funeral Home. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private burial will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery. A funeral mass and veteran service will be held at a later date in Église Sacré-Coeur, Saulnierville. Donations may be made to the Parkinson Canada Maritime Region or to a charity of your choice. The family would like to say a special thank you to his villa family for the care given to Melvin over the past nine years and for the compassion and care given to Melvin and Jeanne-Louise during his final moments. He will be sadly missed by his family, but forever will be in our hearts. (Halifax Chronicle-Herald 17 Apr 2020)
Ships served in:
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For Posterity's Sake 
