Obituary of Melvin Lloyd Garland

MELVIN LLOYD GARLAND- F.O.,R.C.A.F., B.Sc.(Hon.), M.B.A., P. Eng. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Melvin (Mel) Lloyd Garland, in his 85th year, on September 3, 2007, beloved husband for 60 years of Marguerite Mae (Allen). Dear father of Linda (Jim) Collacott of Chippawa, Jane Garland of Flesherton, Pat (Rene) Desaulniers of Fort Saskatchewan, Greig (Jayne) Garland of London, Jennifer (Chris) van den Berg of Keene, and David (Kim) Garland of Toronto. Lovingly remembered by his 15 grandchildren: Katie (Chris) Heikoop, Heather, Matthew Collacott; Rhya, Kaurel, Kazys Tamasauskas; Allison (Chris) Vrabel, Beau Desaulniers; Robbie, Kevin, Stephanie Garland; Sarah, Kaileigh van den Berg; Nathan, Zoey Garland. Son of the late John and Agnes Garland of Port Dalhousie. Dear brother of the late Jack Garland of California. His greatest source of pride was his family. We are a generation raised by heroes. Mel served as a Spitfire pilot with Squadron 403 R.C.A.F. 1941-45, receiving 39-45 Star/France/Germany, and was a member of the Caterpillar Club. His experience included being shot down, captured and escaping from German troops. He graduated from Queens University in 19481/2 with a Bachelor of Science (Hon) in Electrical Engineering and from Harvard University School of Business in 1951 with a Masters in Business Administration. Throughout his career, Mel held progressively senior positions with companies including General Electric, Ford, Kimball Systems Ltd., General Bakeries and International Tool Limited (Windsor). In 1974, he joined the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Trade, serving as Executive Director of Industry, Executive Director of Industry and Trade and Executive Director of Trade. As the head of the ministry's trade development branch, he traveled the world working with ministry foreign offices. His interest in education led to a third career when he served as Durham College President from 1980 until his retirement in 1988, when he focused on building Haygar Enterprises, a company he co-founded, supplying fundraising products to service clubs. He also served as chairman of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Education Committee when the Ontario Community College system was established; Windsor Industrial Commission (vice-chair); University of Windsor Research Institute (director); and held membership with Rotary International, Queen's and Harvard Alumni Associations. Active in the community, he enjoyed tennis, lawn bowling and golf. Grateful thanks to the caring staff at the WillowGrove in Ancaster. Mel's family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Thursday, September 6, 2007 from 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. A celebration of his life to be held at St. Andrew's United Church, 92 Main St. in Port Dalhousie, Friday September 7, 2007, at 2 p.m. Interment Victoria Lawn Veteran's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society or a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.