FATHER MELVIN LLOYD GEORGE CROPLEY passed away after a lengthy illness on Monday, August 25, 2008 at the age of 74 years.

Father Mel was born in Lethbridge on September 20, 1933 to George and Cecile Cropley. He was the youngest of 4 children and while growing up helped his parents, brother and sisters at the Tourist Camp by Henderson Lake (present location of the Lethbridge Tennis Club). Melvin completed his formal education in Lethbridge. From 1953 to 1960 he attended The Holy Rosary Seminary in Ottawa and was ordained a Catholic Priest in 1960 at St. Patrick's Parish in Lethbridge. Father Mel devoted his life to his Faith and ministering to Canada's First Nations People in B.C. and the Yukon. Later he helped council inmates in prison and helped the homeless in Vancouver.

Father Mel will always be remembered for his story telling, great senses of humour and his infectious laugh.

Father Mel was predeceased by his parents George (1950) and Cecile (2000) Cropley, sisters Lucille Orich (1973) and Doris Schoening (1999) and brother Irwin (Buster) Cropley (2002).

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 28, 2008, at St. Albert Parish, St. Albert. Interment will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, August 29, 2008 at the Oblate Cemetery in St. Albert.