Melvin Ernest Laboucan, 1942 -2010

On July 11, 2010, Melvin Ernest Laboucan passed away in High Prairie, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
He was 67.
Even though there was pain in his departing, his family drew strength from the knowledge that Melvin had lived and loved well his entire life.
Melvin was born in McLennan Sept. 20, 1942 to Elise and Joe Laboucan. Since his father worked for the railroad, Melvin’s family moved from town to town. As a boy, he developed the skill to make and keep friends easily. This trait carried him well through life, as everyone knew Melvin no matter where he went.
In November 1962, Melvin married Gladys. Their union brought forth sons Michael, Lee, Jeff and Niel. Patricia was their only daughter. As his children grew and had relationships of their own, Gladys and
Melvin were blessed with 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Melvin was very much a family man, encouraging all to dream big and be successful. Whether success was graduating high school or being drafted in hockey, Melvin was there to support and cheer on his kids and grandchildren.
Perhaps the greatest gift he gave his family was the love of sports. When he was a younger man, Melvin was very athletic. He once swam in a race at Winagami, swimming the lake’s full distance and winning first place. Melvin was also a very talented boxer in his time, winning the Alberta Golden Gloves championships. He also boxed to packed houses throughout Western Canada.
It could be said that Melvin’s favourite sport was hockey. He played several years in the North Peace Hockey League for the Grimshaw Huskies and Hines Creek Oilers. He also played for the High Prairie Thunderbirds and Flyers hockey clubs, which were coached by his brother, Harry Laboucan. He played so well that he earned the nickname “Melvin Orr”.
As his family grew, Melvin focused more on local sports. He coached a woman’s hockey club, played local baseball and organized many sporting events which brought a lot of people to High Prairie. Although he was a fan of local sports – he had his favourite teams he supported in professional sports such as the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Blue Jays – he was the biggest fan to his grandchildren. Often, he would risk his life, travelling the worst road conditions to cheer them on. He always said the kids were worth the sacrifice.
Melvin was also remembered by his family for his generosity, his sense of humour and his love of politics. One time, his son Jeff flew down from Montreal for a visit. He had bought a pair of designer jeans with rips on the legs. The jeans went missing and Jeff looked all over the place. Jeff eventually found out that Melvin had gotten hold of the jeans, looked at the holes and fixed them with patches and speed sew. When Jeff told Melvin that was the style of the pants, all Melvin could do was laugh. However, he continued to patch many a pair of jeans after that.
Jeff also remembered a time when he jumped into a conversation that his mom, dad and sister had about an event. Jeff didn’t remember the event and asked Melvin why he had no memory. “Where was I?” Jeff asked. “You were still in my left nut,” was Melvin’s reply. Everyone at the table had a good laugh.
Melvin can also be remembered for his love of politics. Locally, he was involved in assisting Pearl Calahasen’s campaign in her first term, which garnered a victory. He also sat on the board of the Alberta Housing Committee and the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre. Melvin was also instrumental in getting the Enilda Hall (Eagle’s Nest) built. As years went by, Melvin no longer sat on boards or committees but kept his passion alive by keeping abreast of world politics. President Barack Obama was his favourite politician.
On July 16, 2010, in the High Prairie Catholic Church, friends and family gathered to pay their last respects to Melvin. In tribute his grandsons, who were honourary pallbearers, wore hockey jerseys. His wife Gladys placed a wreath of 18 yellow roses on his casket in honour of their favourite song. His sons placed boxing gloves, a Blue Jays cap and a Boston Bruins No. 4 jersey with “Melvin Orr” on it. He was surrounded by memories, surrounded by song and prayer, surrounded by love. He will be greatly missed.