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Mel Howell, Site 41 stalwart and musician

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In Council Watch
Aug 28th, 2015
10 Comments
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AWARE News Network

Mel Howell, one of the leaders in the fight to stop Dump Site 41, passed away peacefully at his Horseshoe Valley home on Wednesday, August 26, 2015. He was 76. He is survived by his wife Ruth Ann and children Tracie, Lisa, Steven and Angela. Mel and Ruth Ann were stalwarts at the Site 41 protest camp. Mel was born in North Bay. His family moved to Oro when he was a child and he has lived here all his life. He was a musician, playing guitar and singing country music. He was also a truck driver, worked in construction, maintenance and a variety of other jobs. A celebration of his life will be held at the Edgar Community Hall, 1167 Old Barrie Road West, on Saturday, September 12 from 1-4pm.

10 Responses to “Mel Howell, Site 41 stalwart and musician”

  1. Ann says:

    So sorry to hear of Mel’s sudden passing.
    My sincere condolences to Ruth Ann & family.
    R.I.P. Mel. You will be missed!

  2. […] A notice of passing from AWARE Simcoe News service at Mel Howell, Site 41 stalwart and musician: […]

  3. Lisa Howell says:

    Thank you for your kind words. My dad was so proud to be a part of this, and he treasured the friends he made while protesting. We are so happy that he made a difference, and touched so many people. Thank you.

  4. Julie barke says:

    Ruth Ann, please receive a virtual hug from Julie. Much gratitude – to both of you – for your inspiring faithfulness to Site 41 and all the other much needed work of AWARE. Migwitch Mel!

  5. Lynda Johnston says:

    Bob and I are very sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. We really enjoyed being with everyone at Site 41 and usually saw Mel and Ruth Ann and Bob and Carol Beatty. R.I.P. Mel. Thinking of Ruth Ann and family.

  6. Elaine & Walt Stephenson says:

    We were shocked & saddened to learn of Mel’s passing. Thoughts & prayers to RuthAnn. Mel was always the smiling face at Site 41 & all the related events afterwards. He will be missed by us all.

  7. Kelly says:

    Sad news:( I remember his cheerful smile and positive attitude during the long and often stressful battle to stop the proposed waste dump at Site 41.

  8. Stephen Ogden says:

    Was a privilege and honour to have stood along side of Mel and Ruth Ann throughout the Site 41
    battle to protect our environment. I will remember Mel as a great hero who gave
    tirelessly for the betterment of all.

  9. Gisela M. Benke says:

    Mel, we never heard your music during the battle of S41 and yet the kind music of your heart will live on in all who knew you …
    My sincere sympathy to Ruth Ann, Tracie, Lisa, Steven and Angela.

  10. Steven E Silver says:

    I decided to check online as I wanted to contact Mel regarding something automobile related. I was saddened to come across this post announcing that he had passed away last August. I bought a car from him in 1988 and we had kept in touch after that. He played in the Kingston area a few times and we went to hear him. Of course I saw him every year at the Barrie car show as well. My belated sympathies to his wife and family.

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