Melvin Holkestad

HOLKESTAD- Melvin Martin, born September 18, 1925, passed away
suddenly and peacefully in Vancouver General Hostpital
April 10, 2002. Predeceased by parents Mathilde and Marelius
Holkestad. In 1960 Mel was predeceased by his young wife,
Betty (Smith). Mel was loving father of Ross Holkestad and
Leslie (Rowlands), and son-in-law, John Rowlands and daughter-
in-law, Cindy Secord. Beloved broth of twin brother and sister
Helge Holkestad and Aussie (Bishop) and brother Rupe Holkestad.
Devoted Grandpa to grandchildren: Tyler Eby, Paula, Joe and
Hayley Rowlands, Denika, Kelsey and Nicole Holkestad. Along with
adoring nieces and nephews. Long distance relatives reside in
Norway and Minnesota. Mel will be dearly missed and remembered
by precious friends in Prince Rupert and along the B.C. Coast.

He was born and raised of Norwegian parents into a fishing family
in Prince Rupert. He served in the Royal Norwegian Navy in WWII.
A costal legend, Mel was well known and prospered in the
Commercial Fishing industry. He took great pride in his boats and
crew. Recently he drew up a list of forty-three different boats
he fished and packed on, including those he skippered and owned.

In 1974 he built the M.V. Leslie Ellen. In 1978 he built the
M.V. Royal viking with his son Ross. He was most proud of his
fishing boats, the M.V. Signal, of which he was chosen to carry
and excort The Royal Party of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and
Princess Ann in Prince Rupert Harbour in 1971 and of the Leslie
Ellen which he skippered until he retired.

His lengthy career on the B.C. Coast saw him follow the fishing
seasons from Alaska to Vancouver. Mel knew every inch of the
B.C. Coast and had an incredible memory. He could match every
costal landmark with a story and his knowledge was boundless.
A great teacher, a kind and generous man, thoroughly funny. He
continued to enjoy the solitude of his summer cabin at
Lakelse Lake near Terrance B.C. with his family and friends. His
heart always with the fleet, he was never far away from the ocean
and the Skeena River. In later years at his Vancouver home for the
winter he was always on the move regularly checking the docks in
Steveston and along the Vancouver waterfront, having coffee with
his fishing friends. He attended every Vancouver Canuck hockey
game he could along with his grandchildren. He loved Sunday family
dinners both in the North and in the South and was a man fulfilled
to the end. An incredible life, we honour and miss you Dad.
Rest in Peace.

The family would like to express it's sincere thanks to Dr. Benny
and Dr. Buskard for their extraordinary care and devotion to Dad
and to their assistants and the nursing staff of V.G.H. No funeral
service by request. However, all friends and family are invited to
a celebration of Mel's life Friday, May 10th, 4:00 p.m at the
Highliner Inn, 815 1st Ave W, Prince Rupert.

Please bring your favorite stories of Mel to be compiled in a book.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations can be made to the
B.C. Cancer society of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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