Our Mother Karin, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2021 in New Westminster. She was born November 17, 1925 in Hasenpoth, Latvia and emigrated to BC with her son Len. She met and married her lifelong love, Robert H (Bobby) Melville while working in Penticton, BC. Moved to Victoria and soon after came...Sue (1952), Tim (1954) and Angela (1956). In 1957 we all moved into our family home in New Westminster. It was here that they raised us 4 children while building RH Melville Co.
In 1975 Karin and Bobby sold the New Westminster house and the business, to follow Bobby's dream. Otter Bay Marina on Pender Island became their home and the center of activities not only for our family but for their whole community of friends and relatives.
Now winters were spent in their RV in Mexico, their haven.
In 1991, they relocated to St Andrews Golf Course near Penticton where they enjoyed many golf games and continued to host a steady stream of family and friends. Winters now in their RV in Mesa, Arizona.
Another move in 2007 had them back in a lovely North Vancouver condo with a large rooftop rose garden. An oasis with a view of the harbour.
After Bobby's death in 2011, Karin downsized into a condo at the New West Quay until moving into Thornebridge in 2019. While here, Mom continued to enjoy many cruises.
Mom was never one to dwell on the past...she was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her mind was as sharp as always while her body slowly wore out. She lived an enviable life filled with travel and change.
She will be greatly missed by her 4 children, her 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a long list of family and friends.
IMAGINE….all the years gone by
Since nineteen twenty-five
IMAGINE...how the world has changed
In her ninety-five years alive
There aren't so many folks alive
Who've lived those years so well
The rest of us... IMAGINE
And hope for them to tell
Their memories of years ago
Of love and war and strife
Of memories collected
Enough to fill a life
Mom never was the person
To dwell on years gone by
She'd rather that we celebrate
The many reasons why
To everyone who knew her
And every life she touched
She made us a little better
With the love she shared so much
And even though she's passed away
I'm sure she listens still
We'll hear her voice inside our hearts
I know we always will
Written by Tim.