Obituary of Melvin Harold Chambers

It is with great sadness that we announce that Melvin Harold Chambers, 69, of Salmon Arm, British Columbia passed away peacefully on February 24, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Melvin was surrounded by family and loved ones throughout his battle and they were a major source of comfort and strength through his journey.

Born to Harold and Gertrude Chambers on March 18, 1953, in Drumheller, AB. Melvin attended Delia School throughout until university. Melvin graduated from the University of Calgary in 1975 and received a Bachelor of Science in Geology with Honours. He had a rewarding career in Oil and Gas for 45 years. Where he started out in the Northwest Territories exploring for minerals by helicopters and small airplanes, from there he became an Exploration Geologist mapping and discovering oil and gas plays throughout Alberta, Northwestern British Columbia, and Montana. Aside from being a devoted family man he also had a passion for volunteering and was very involved in community projects, most notably serving as the President of the Homestead Antique Museum in Drumheller, Alberta and President of the Hawkwood Community Association in Calgary, Alberta. In his retirement years he shared his time between his home in Salmon Arm, BC and Peoria, Arizona.

Melvin is survived by his daughter Denise and son Matthew, fiancée Cori Wenaus, sister Marilyn Wattenbarger, nephews Philip and Dean Wattenbarger, niece Thirza Ashe, as well as numerous friends both far and wide. He is also survived by his fiancée Cori’s extended family, who from the first time he met them, considered them his own family.

Melvin was predeceased by his wife Sandra Chambers, brother-in-law Louis Wattenbarger and nephew Calvin Wattenbarger.

Melvin was very dedicated to those he loved and committed himself to their welfare and made every experience a fun and valuable one. Those in his life could always expect that an interaction with him would be fun and adventurous. Melvin was an avid animal and nature lover, had an incredible imagination and a boundless thirst for knowledge and adventure, this sense of adventure led him to take numerous trips to all corners of the world. He was also quite fond of hiking and exploring and loved to point out geological features and history to anyone and everyone. He loved the trips he would take with his friends that he made with his hiking club in Arizona. Melvin was also known for his one-of-a-kind personality, humour, charisma, and meticulous nature. Melvin would quickly make fast friends everywhere he would go. Melvin had strong beliefs that all things in this world are connected, and that life never truly ends and that it simply evolves into a new journey and the next adventure.

Melvin wanted everyone to know that he lived a life with no regrets. He says he has enjoyed the ride and thanks you for being a part of it, he looks forward to the next part of his journey and the adventures that are in store.

The family sends their thanks to the compassionate staff at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre and the Pasqua Hospital Unit 3B.

The Celebration of his life will be held at the Ross Payant Centennial Home in Assiniboia, SK on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. An additional celebration of Mel’s life will be held at Bowers Funeral Service in Salmon Arm, BC on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Melvin will be interred in the Mount Ida Cemetery in Salmon Arm, BC.

If friends desire, memorial tributes in Melvin’s name can be made directly to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan or the Hospitals of Regina Foundation.