MELVIN JOSEPH WACHTLER of Lethbridge, AB, beloved husband of Marilyn Saunders, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on January 19, 2012 at the age of 67 years.

Born February 3, 1944 at Broxburn, AB, Melvin grew up on a farm in the Milk River area before pursuing his lifelong career as a heavy duty mechanic first in Calgary and then in Lethbridge, where he worked for Finning for 32 years. Besides using his green thumb in his garden, Mel enjoyed many outdoor adventures including fishing, hunting, camping and rodeo. Above all, Mel took pride in his work and his family.

Besides his loving companion, Marilyn, Melvin is survived by his daughter Patti (Merv) Caven and his son Rob (Jennifer) Wachtler, his step children, Deanna (Tim) Saunders, John (Christine) Hantson and Nick Saunders and his grandchildren Brandon, Jenna, Dylan, Joshua, Dustin, Ethan, Lea, Khloe and Kienna. Melvin is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Russell (Janet) Thielen, Gordon (Barb) Thielen, Burniece (Leland) Orcutt, Ken (Janice) Wachtler, Rosie (Doug) Helwig and Lenore (Wayne) Grover, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish may make a donation to the Kidney Foundation, Suite 400, 740 - 4 Ave South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N9 in Melvin's honour.