CROSS, Melvin Courtney "Mel"

Of Dartmouth. We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear father at the age of 96, on December 29, 2020, just two days after the passing of his younger brother Les. Mel was a son of the late Harris and Minnie (Woodworth) Cross; living his early years on Cross’s Island and later Harrigan Cove so the children could attend school. He had a 40-year career as an electrician with the Fire Control Shop at the Naval Armament Depot in Dartmouth, retiring in 1981. He married the love of his life, Jean (Barrett) in 1949 and they shared 69 beautiful years together. He enjoyed family camping, pitching horseshoes, bowling, and in later years playing three games of Scrabble every evening with Jean. He had a deep faith and love of the Lord which was evident in his service as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and as a volunteer in various other positions in Stevens Road United Baptist Church and within his community. Mel lived his faith with a kind gentle spirit, an unlimited amount of patience and was loved by all who knew him. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Jean; siblings, Guy, Dorothy, Della, Shirley, Les, Ken and Terry; and great-granddaughter, Lena in infancy. Melvin is survived by his children, Wendy Clay (Philip), David (Cynthia), Cathy Porter (Laurie Taylor) and Debbie Brekelmans (Ted); grandchildren, Matthew Clay (Sandra), Adam Clay (Nicola), Stephanie Clay, Kate Page (Dan), Ken Cross (Amy), Leah Whitehead (James) and Bethany Porter; great- grandchildren, Joshua, Angela, Alexander, Madelyn, Isaiah, Eli, Elise, Pippa, Haddie, Tessa, Vivian, Alison, and Olin. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Charlie Joudrey; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Barrett and Phyllis Gilby; and many nieces and nephews. A private family celebration of his life will take place in Stevens Road Baptist Church, 2 Stevens Rd., Dartmouth on Thursday, December 31st at 11 a.m., Pastor Christopher Drew officiating. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the service will be by invitation only. To view this Live Streamed event, please visit the Stevens Road Facebook page at service time. Burial to take place in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Stevens Road Baptist Church. The family wishes to thank the compassionate and loving staff in Glasgow Hall at Parkland for their care of Dad in his final years. Online condolences may be made by visiting:

www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com

Dartmouth Chapel.