WILL

With sadness we announce that Melvin “Mel” Gerald Will of Red Deer County, Alberta passed away unexpectedly at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Mel was born on June 26, 1938 in Wimborne, Alberta to Philip and Mary (née Fuchs) Will.  He was one of six children.  After leaving home, Mel settled in Olds where he met Patricia Donovan.  They were married on January 16, 1960.  A few years later, Mel and Patricia purchased land near Bluffton, Alberta, where they farmed and raised livestock for many years.  Together they raised three children.

Mel was always a hard worker, taking on extra jobs in the oilfield during the winter months.  His unique gift for building and inventing things was a valuable talent.  In the early 80s, Mel took on the challenge of building a drilling rig.  It was an achievement his family was immensely proud of.  In his later years, Mel continued to pursue his passion for creating and fixing things.  He also enjoyed spending his time camping, quadding, and racing down rivers in his self-built jet boat.  Family and friends were extremely important to Mel, and he cherished the time spent with them.

Mel will be lovingly remembered by his children Roger (Janice) Will of Red Deer; Mary Rose (Dale) Barr of Rimbey; and Barbara Ann (Duane) Tschritter also of Red Deer; as well as his treasured grandchildren Crystal (Steve) Robertson, Phillip Will (Helen Gu), Jenny (Jonathan) Malloy, Kirena Barr (Bret Dyrland), Aaron Barr, Evan Barr, Andrew Will (Annie Kowarschik), and Brett Tschritter; and two precious great-grandchildren Jayce Heck and Julia Robertson.  He will also be lovingly remembered by his brother Dan Will; in addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.   

A private Family Graveside Service took place in the Wimborne Cemetery on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Mel’s Life will be held at the Balmoral Community Hall, located at 20–26553 Highway 11 East, Red Deer County, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.  If desired, memorial donations in his memory may be made directly to the charity of one’s choice.  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page. 

Burial Arrangements for the Late Melvin “Mel” Gerald Will entrusted to the care of