ORSER: On August 31, 1999, Melville "Mel" James Charles Orser passed away with his wife and three daughters by his side after a short but courageous battle with leukemia. Mel was born in 1926 in Souris, Manitoba to the late Melville and Marguerite Orser (nee Watson). He was employed by the Canadian Pacific Railway for 41 years. This employment took him from Bredenbury, SK to Brandon, Winnipeg, Montreal, PQ where he retired in 1985. The following year Mel moved back to Brandon to enjoy his golden years. Previous to his employement with CP Rail, Mel resided in Vancouver where he enjoyed boxing in the "Golden Gloves". Another pastime that he enjoyed was whistling which grew to be a well-known talent among his family, friends and acquaintances. Mel willingly shared his talent while working, in Church, at social gatherings and once in a talent show on television. In his retirement, Mel was involved in the Kiwanis Club in Brandon for 12 years and was a past president. He helped to get the Kiwanis Kar Derby started (featured on television). He was also an associate member of the Royal Canadian Legion #3. Mel enjoyed curling, golfing, playing crib with his friends, and short trips to casinos in Canada and the USA. He was a family man and enjoyed many holidays with his family. The most recent holiday was a celebration of 50 years of marriage to Corie, when the family enjoyed a Carribean Cruise. Mel enjoyed his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to attend their many activities and graduations. Mel was loved by all who knew him and went out of his way to be thoughtful and kind to people. He touched many hearts through his generosity and happy-go-lucky nature and will be sadly missed by his many friends. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Corie Orser (nee Steenbruggen) and three daughters: Melorie (Glen) Ormiston, Corinne (Steve) Vince and Darlene (Jack) Bosworth; his grandchildren: Carmen and Christopher Orminston, Terry Kreller, Jeff and Jason Bosworth; his great-grandson, Justin Wood; and his great-granddaughter, Alexa Ravestein. Also surviving are his sisters: Doreen (Bob) Kilpatrick and Norma Jean Coates both of Brandon; his aunts Mabel Stuart of Brandon and Pearl Swan of Souris; his sisters-in-law: Alida Vass of Estevan, SK and Joan McCumber of Trail, BC; his brothers-in-law: John (Cora) Steenbruggen of Carnduff, SK and Bert (Edith) Steenbruggen of Carievale, SK; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Mel was a member of Central United Church for many years and made many friends there. A Celebration of Mel's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 3, 1999 at Central United Church, 327 - 8th Street. Rev. Gordon Stevenson will officiate. A private interment will be held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Mel may be made to the Brandon General Hospital Foundation for Palliative Care, 150 McTavish Ave. E., Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel, 727-0330.