Ivy Fern Melvin Obituary

Ivy Fern Melvin was born on December 13, 1929, in Dauphin, Manitoba to Cora and Melville Fair. She was the eldest child and big sister to siblings, Wilfred, Reta, Lyle, Keith, Bryon, Myrna, Arleigh, Diana, and Dawn.

In 1944, when Fern was 15, the family moved to Port Moody, BC. To help support her parents, she began working at a cedar shingle mill. Shortly afterwards, she met Clifford Melvin at a birthday party. They married on March 27,1947. They had four children, whom they raised on a small dairy farm in Maple Ridge, BC.

Fern made her choice to serve God in 1950 at the age of 20. She continued faithfully in her service to God until her passing on September 21, 2025. This was the fulfillment of her life, bringing peace, joy, and hope.

Fern valued hard work and had a strong work ethic. Over the years, she was employed at various Maple Ridge businesses including Bruce’s Market, Riverside Meats, and Pederson’s Sausage Kitchen. With the Pederson’s, Fern and Cliff also operated a small grocery store.

After retirement, Fern and Cliff spent winters in Hawaii, where they made lifelong friendships. Fern enjoyed Needlepoint and created over a hundred pieces in her lifetime. She also loved baking and cooking for family, friends, and neighbours.

Fern was predeceased by her husband Cliff (2000), her son Dennis (2022), and her granddaughters Karla (1991) and Elma (2024). She was also pre-deceased by her parents, brothers Wilfred, Lyle, and Keith, sister Reta, and brothers-in-law, Hector Laird and Doug Lindenthal.

Left to mourn her passing are her sons Brent (Rita), Dale (Sandy), her daughter Arden (John), her daughter-in-law Barbie, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Also mourning her passing are her brothers, Bryon (Kathy), Arleigh (Heather), sisters Myrna, Diana (George), Dawn, sisters-in-law, Louise and Marjorie, and many extended family members and friends.