It is with profound sadness that the family of Nathan “Nate the Great” Phil Meltzer announce his peaceful passing on February 2nd at the age of 70 years. At least 30 years too soon in the minds of his family and friends.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Lorraine; children: Reesa and Justin; sisters: Shirley Pressman, Clare McArton (Frank); brother, Rubin Meltzer; his four adoring nieces and their families; sister- and brother-in-law Sylvia and John, lifelong friends Marion and John; as well as other loving relatives and friends.
Nate was predeceased by his parents: Max and Sarah as well as his brother-in-law Baillee Pressman.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Nate was known in the North End for his athletic talent, his enormously kind heart and his mastery of the billiard hustle while playing hooky from school. Nobody is quite sure which of those elements attracted the love of his life, Lorraine, to him, but it was his warm heart that convinced her to stick around. Nathan had a heart of gold, which took many forms in all areas of his life. From his career that was dedicated to working with the elderly and people with mental illness, to his unwavering love for his children who were his pride and joy, to every stray cat that managed to turn up at the front door and inevitably became the newest member of the family.
Nate was a fiercely loyal sibling and ensured that the familial bond was solidified through summer vacations dedicated to visiting his sisters, nieces, and brother and Lorraine's family in Winnipeg. Many a memory was created and now shared amongst the whole family, because of the commitment to the bond that he helped encourage. Nate will be missed by his Peretz childhood kinder golf buddies (especially Brian), poker crew, hockey team and his beer drinking, blues-listening long-time friends.
He was a man with many interests, a plethora of Dad jokes, a sympathetic soul, generous, thoughtful and selfless beyond comprehension. The world has lost an incredibly special human, but his legacy will live on in every life he has touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial Donations may be made in Nathan’s name to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Suite 905 – 1130 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4A4
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Royal Columbian Hospital Intensive Care Unit for their care and compassion and for allowing Lorraine, Reesa and Justin to be at Nate’s side to comfort him as he peacefully passed.