Obituary of Melvin A. W. Vincent

It is with a sense of peace and surrounded by his loving family that we announce the passing of Melvin A. W. Vincent on January 25, 2018 at the Loch Lomond Village. Mel was the son of the late George and Lillian Vincent and is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Bette), and their five children: Mel (Pam), Jill (John), Mike (Terena), Amy (Stephen) and Elizabeth (Scott), 12 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, several nieces and nephews, his brother Roy, sister Frances and was predeceased by his sister, Helen. Mel was born on January 22, 1941 in Saint John, NB. He grew up in Little River and spent many days at the ball park near Mispec Beach, which later became his favourite place for family picnics. Mel’s love of ball continued to grow throughout his life. The Saint John Alpine Ball Team became a second family to him and he was inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, an accomplishment he was very proud of. Mel loved harness racing and enjoyed spending time with his children at the track. Mel’s love of politics was evident in his service as a Saint John City Councillor for 30 consecutive years, the longest serving councillor in the history of Saint John. He was a member of the PC Party of NB and always enjoyed a passionate conversation about all things political. Mel was dedicated to the Fire Services and retired from the Provincial Fire Marshall’s Office in 1997. After retirement, he founded FICPA (Fire Investigations, Consulting and Practical Applications). His fire investigation courses were considered some of the best around and were enjoyed by many. Mel had a strong faith as a member of Park Avenue United Church for many years. He lived his life with the passion to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people and with that in mind we say, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant, well done." Special thanks to the staff of the Loch Lomond Village. The exceptional care Mel received while there was second to none. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27 from 6 pm – 8 pm and on Sunday, January 28 from 2 pm – 8 pm. A Masonic Lodge Tribute Service will be held on Sunday at 6:30 pm. A funeral service will be held from Glenview United Church, 8 Uplands Road, Saint John, NB on Monday, January 29, 2018 at 12 Noon. Remembrances to the John T. McMillan Jr. Memorial Foundation, the Masonic Lodge Camp Good Time Program, and the Loch Lomond Villa Foundation would be appreciated by the family.