It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Melvin Oldford on Saturday, February 13, 2010 while in the care of his loving and devoted wife, Lucy Juanita. Predeceased by his parents, George Russell and Alma Oldford (nee Lane), brother Clyde and daughter, Rene. Left with fond and loving memories, daughter, Deborah (husband Tony) and son, Vernon (wife Elizabeth); four grandchildren: Michael, Sara, Nathanial and Brianna; sisters Evelyn Benson (Austin), Jeanette Adams (David), brothers Harvey, MacDonald (Verna), Ontario, Howard (Mavis), Carman (Shirley), Ira (Brenda), as well as a large circle of friends. Of special note are dear friends Debbie Belbin (Toronto), Lloyd and Linda Roberts (St. John’s), Bert and Marjorie Ledrew (St. John’s), Charlie and Emma Murray (England), Ian and Audrey Maynard (Toronto), Aram Safaei (Toronto), Mark and Nadine Stephens (Georgetown) and Anthony and Marie Michelle Albert (Toronto).


The family would like to thank all the Friends for their encouraging cards, visits and phone calls. Cremation has taken place.

Family will receive visitors at Lucy and Melvin’s residence at 211-4 Greentree Court, Toronto, Ontario, M6M 2A5, following his memorial service on Saturday, February 20th at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 5 Maple Leaf Dr. Toronto, Ontario. No flowers by request. Donations in his memory may be made to The Watchtower, Bible and Tract Society of Canada, Box 4100, Georgetown, ON L7G 4Y4.

Melvin retired in 1990 after 31 years of service as a teacher, with both the centralized and consolidated school boards with teaching commitments at Placentia Bay, Botwood, Catalina, Bay D’Espoir, Burnside, Eastport and lastly St. John’s where he spent 21 years as Principal of the Pleasantville Youth Correctional Facility where he devoted countless hours to both the academic and vocational programs for young offenders in Newfoundland. In 1990 Melvin decided to devote full time to the Ministry as a devout Jehovah's Witness. In addition to his appointment as an Elder in various congregations, he was also a member of the Hospital Liaison and Building Committees for Newfoundland. Melvin moved to Ontario in 2005 where he continued with his ministry serving as an Elder in Richmond central and Glencairn congregations. Melvin was known far and wide for his positive attitude and gusto for life. One of his most enjoyable pasttimes was time spent sailing with his closet friends. Melvin’s achievements also included poetry writing. He was very humble in that he only agreed to publish a few of his accomplishments as he deemed them for more private enjoyment by close family and friends.

Melvin is now at rest and to quote a passage from one of his cherished biblical references,
Isaiah 41:10 "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness."