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Donald Meloche
April 5, 1941 - May 31, 2020
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<div itemprop="description">MELOCHE, Rev. Canon Dr. Donald Apr. 5, 1941 - May 31, 2020<br><br>Don passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. Born in Port Arthur, Ontario to Marjorie McGuire and Phenix Meloche he was the adventurous older brother to Pat(Cathy), Marianne(Dave), Terry(Sandy), and Colleen(Clarence). At an early age, Don demonstrated a passion for learning and helping others. This led him to complete an impressive seven degrees from the Universities of Ottawa (BA 1964), Toronto (BEd 1966), Montreal (BA translation1972), McGill (MA French Litt & PhD Linguistic), Notre Dame (PhD Counselling) and Mtl Diocesan Theology College (LTH, Dip Min). <br><br>Employment opportunities brought him to Quebec in 1967 where over the next seventeen years, he served many people as a teacher, linguist, principal, and eventually Director General of the Cree School Board. Ordained Priest in Sept 1984, Don ministered amongst Cree people in Mistassini Lake. He spent the last twenty-six years of his career as Head of Pastoral Services at the Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH). His calm demeanor and caring approach supported the children, their families and countless staff in their time of need. Don always found ways to reach out to families of all faiths or no faith, providing comfort to all. His time at the Children's was, in his words, "the most fulfilling and rewarding period of my working life." It was a position that allowed him to apply all of the skills and knowledge he acquired throughout his life, and one that continued to challenge him and allow him to grow. The Children's really became home to him. He was dedicated to developing a pastoral services department that answered the needs of everyone. Just before his retirement a friend from the hospital said to him, "So, it's been quite a trip, hasn't it?" He replied, "Yes, it has and more than that. It has been a pilgrimage, a pilgrimage full of sacred moments with special people." <br>Beyond his work at the Children's, his ministry and desire to be of service to others was hugely important to him. He spent many years as Honorary Assistant at St. Mark's and St. Andrew's Church, Dorval and later St. Stephen's, Lachine. Given that he spoke seven languages, Don was a sought after pastor who presided over thousands of services and celebrations. He also served as a member of the Diocesan Ethics Commission, member of the MCH Ethics Committee, the Child Protection Committee and Committee against Violence and Abuse in the workplace. He was awarded the MCH Interculturalism Prize for his work with Aboriginal People and the MCH Professional Staff Award of Excellence. <br><br>Don was quiet spoken and quicker to listen than to pronounce. His presence radiated great peace and a certain grace seemed to follow and envelop him. Don lived life with a conviction and purpose, he often ended letters, cards and sermons with the following saying: "Follow your Bliss". He truly believed that this philosophy would lead all to happiness and life fulfillment. <br>His greatest achievement however was being the loving husband to his wife of thirty-nine years Janet, devoted father to his sons David and Carl (mother Nicole Laberge) and his daughter Catherine, embracing father-in-law to Alicia and Jeff and proud grandfather to Jasmine, Sasha and Lucas. Kind, compassionate and a friend to all, Don will be missed by all those who had the opportunity to break bread or cross paths with him. <br><br>His family wishes to thank his caring nurses Li and Jennifer and Dr. Terret-Hans from the CLSC for their outstanding care. They also wish to thank his longtime family doctor Dr. Barry Slapcoff for all his care and support, especially in the last few months. A celebration of Don's life will be held a later date when his life can be properly honoured. For those wish to pay tribute to him, donations may be made to The Montreal Children's Foundation at https://fondationduchildren.com/en/fundraising/in-memory-of-father-donmeloche<br> <br></div>