Obituary of Melvin Norum

Melvin Alfred Norum was born in June, 1937 to Carl and Gertrude Norum. He was the sixth of seven children. He grew up on a farm in the Saint James area. He attended the Byng School where he had many fond memories of his childhood and often shared his stories. Melvin met Jean Hodgson while she was working for Sasktel in Naicam. They were married on July 19, 1957. They were blessed with four children: Debbie, Brian, Garry and Gwen. They lived and worked in Saskatoon for 19 years. From there, they decided that they wanted to become business owners. They owned many businesses throughout the years. They moved to small towns, either to open their own business or to work for the Co-op. Melvin purchased the Shop Rite store in Porcupine Plain, SK. He and Jean knew this was going to be their last move. They loved the area, with all the wildlife, trees and the community. Melvin decided he wanted to try something new, so he bought some land. Living in the country was a big change for them. They enjoyed gardening and raising pigs, chickens and sheep throughout the years. They loved spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jean passed away on March 31, 2011. Melvin had an empty place in his heart and met his new love, Dianne. Dianne and Melvin loved to visit others on many day trips. They also had hobbies that they would work on: Melvin with woodworking and Dianne with her sewing. They also enjoyed listening to music while they worked on their hobbies. Melvin’s last stop was at Diefenbaker Place in Melfort. As his health began to fail, he spent his last days at the Melfort Union Hospital where he lost his battle to cancer on March 30, 2022. Melvin was predeceased by his wife Jean; his infant son, Garry; his son, Brian; his granddaughter, Martina Levick; his parents, Carl and Gertrude Norum; his brother, Leonard; and his sisters: Beatrice, Thelma and Leona. Melvin is survived by his daughters: Debbie (Willy) Dufault, and Gwen (Dwight) Levick; his daughter-in-law, Clara Tessmer (nee Norum); his grandchildren: Nicole (Keith) Rathgeber, Jenelle (Dean) McNab, Monique Dufault (David Brecht), Brett (Angel) Norum, , Barrett (Aaron) Norum, Brock (Chantel) Norum, and Maryanne Norum; his great-grandchildren: Kara, Kaylee and Brayden Rathgeber; Sophia and Owen McNab; Ashton, Cameron and Dameon Norum; Kenley and Talen Norum; Paisley, Harlyn, and Kolsen Norum; Rebecca and Trevor Levick; his sisters: Erma Craig and Marlene Benz; and many nieces and nephews.