Obituary of Melvin Clark

CLARK, Melvin, - 91, Dartmouth, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2014. Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late Archie and Susan Clark. During the Great Depression the family moved to Shubenacadie. At the age of 18 Mel joined the Army and was a veteran of the Second World War serving with the 1st Div. / Hasty P's First Field Co. Engineers as a "Sapper", commando and explosives expert. After the war he became a diesel mechanic, worked on an ore carrier on the Great Lakes and repaired tug engines at the Construction Equipment Co. in Halifax. He sold heavy equipment throughout NS and NL until 1978 when he started his own saw sharpening and gunsmith business. Mel was an expert model builder: steam engines, airplanes, trains, ships and dioramas. He collected WW2 memorabilia and by the 1980's there was enough material to start the Somme Branch 31 Legion Military Museum in Dartmouth. He served as museum curator for many years. Dad was able to repair almost anything that broke, from fine watches to cars. He was always there for family members for support when needed. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dot, son Jim (Bev), grandchildren Anthony (Angela Hayes) Angela (Blake) Dunn, great grandchildren Morgan, Caitlyn, Tyler and Edward "Teddy", several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Edie Ettinger and twin sisters in infancy. Cremation has taken place under the direction and care of Ettinger Funeral Home, Shubenacadie. A private family committal service will take place in Brookside Cemetery, Mill Village. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Mel's Life, to be held 11am Saturday July 19 at the Tinsmith Museum, Highway 2 Shubenacadie, across the street from Ettinger's Home Hardware. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Maritime Heart Centre, 508 5991 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 1Y6 or to the Tinsmith Shop Museum, 2854 Hwy. 2 Shubenacadie, B0N2H0. Condolences, words of comfort and remembrances of Mel may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com