Birthplace: Port Arthur, Ontario

MEL BACKEN It is with great sadness Marilyn, Jeff and family announce the sudden passing of Melvyn "Mel" Roy Backen at the T.B.R.H.S.C on Monday, December 21, 2009. Mel was born in Port Arthur, on February 20, 1937. He resided in Thunder Bay his entire life, traveling and working for T.C.P.L. for nearly 40 years. His career took him from Alberta to Quebec and Vermont. He also worked in Algeria. He retired from T.C.P.L in December 1996 as the Regional Construction Supervisor. He was a member of the Quarter Century Club. Mel enjoyed golfing over the years. He also did some curling until health problems forced him to stop. He enjoyed watching all sports, golf being his top priority. He was a great cook and you would always find him in the kitchen or preparing for his B.B.Q'S. Mel leaves us all with many happy memories. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife Marilyn and son Jeff, sisters-in-law Stella and Cindy Backen, brother-in-law Rick Belle and their families. He is also survived by numerous relatives. He was predeceased by his parents Asle (1979) and Lempi Backen (2008), niece Lisa Belle, brothers Norman and Robert and sister Carol Belle, father and mother-in-law Carl and Helmi Lane. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A celebration of Mel's life will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 2:30 pm in the Chapel of the SARGENT & SON FUNERAL HOME, 21 N. Court Street with Pastor Matthew Diegel of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church officiating. Following the service a reception will be held at the Sargent Family Reception Centre. Should friends so desire memorial donations may be made in Mel's memory to St. Joseph's Foundation, the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation or the charity of one's choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.