Obituary of Laurie Joseph Melanson

Surrounded by his entire family, Laurie Joseph Melanson slipped gently into the good night. Born in Saint John, N.B. on February 12, 1948, to the late Albert and Rosalie (Vautour) Melanson.

Laurie is predeceased by his parents, his brother, Michael; sister-in-laws, Gail, and Mary; brother-in-law, Edward Shephard; his nephew, Bruce Melanson, and niece Leah Theall.

Laurie is survived by his childhood sweetheart, Carmella (Denton) his wife of 55 years, his children; Michelle (Dave) Cosman, and Brad (Maureen) Melanson, his grandchildren; Jonathan (Cherish), Mikaila (Jared), Meghan, Kirkland, Jared, and Grace; his two great grandchildren; Dannik, and Scarlett, and his siblings; George (Roseann), Paul, Roseanne Shephard, Jack (Kim), and Billy (Brenda), as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Growing up in Milford, Laurie established his many lifelong friendships playing hockey. He also loved working on cars, especially loved his 1957 Chevy. He established some of his lifelong friendships in Milford and Randolph.

Laurie began his career at the Irving Pulp and Paper Mill as a Stationary Engineer. Despite his father-in-law’s displeasure, he quit the Mill and quickly became a very well-respected entrepreneur, becoming a pioneer of the waste management industry. The proud owner of Melanson’s Waste Management Inc. and later, Ready John Portable Toilets. During those 28 years, he developed many friendships both professionally and personally which he has cherished until his death. After the sale of Melanson’s Waste Management Inc., his love of equipment brought him into the excavating business, Melanson & Son’s General Contracting while partnering in development of both Saint John and Fredericton’s first Septic Dewatering Plants. Laurie was passionate, educating the public about the protection of the environment. His wealth of knowledge in the industry lead him into his next adventure, advanced treatment units. Even after retirement, he kept busy, helping his son and grandson with their businesses.

Outside his passion for business, he enjoyed spending time with his childhood sweetheart, Carmella. They spent many memorable weekends at their camp on Deer Lake, travelling and dinner parties with friends, Saturday night dances and most recently, reminiscing of their life together. Laurie valued his time at the camp, with his lifelong and more recent friendships, hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling,ATVing, golfing, playing pool, all while laughing, creating memories, and relaxing. Laurie shared a special bond with his brothers, and sister. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren watching them develop with pride and his most recent additions, his two great grandchildren. To Laurie, Family always came first.

Our family would like to thank the angels who cared for Laurie to the end of his life with love and compassion, Laurie’s family physician, Dr. William O’Brien, and Dr. Wildish, Cory and Jennifer Ryan of the Medicine Shoppe, and Extra Mural. They went beyond the call of duty to make Laurie’s wishes come to fruition.

Laurie never considered his illness a battle but accepted it and went on with his life stoically. He golfed with his brothers until the end of the season, then moved on to pool until very recently.

The Christmas season is upon us; therefore, the family has suggested that in lieu of donations, we could all be more generous of spirit in the word and deed to help make our little corner of the world more peaceful.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (506 634 1701). There will be a Celebration of Laurie’s life at the Lancaster Legion Branch # 69 on Thursday January 4, 2024, at 1:00pm, the eulogy given by David Cosman, Laurie’s son – in – law, will take place at 2:00pm. Light refreshments will follow the service. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date.