Mel was born to Edgar and Anna Thiessen on August 22, 1956, the second of three children. Mel lived his entire life in the Abbotsford/Mt. Lehman area where he married and had two daughters. Mel worked for Otter Co-Op for 36 years and ran the family farm for 29 years. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, two daughters, son –in-law, and remaining family and friends.
On the outside, Mel was a light-hearted, easy-going man. He was best known for his super-cheesy jokes, supersized coffees, country music, lawn tractor racing, thumbs ups, and “That’s just awesome!” Mel was also known for his generous spirit. Quick to help in a time of need, Mel touched the lives of many people; he always helped when he could, made people laugh when he could, and hugged when he could.
But on the inside, Mel was being tortured by his own mind. He fought a long and bitter battle against depression, turning more and more frequently to alcohol for solace. On September 4, 2020, when drink was unable to numb the pain and despair, Mel took his own life.
Mel wasn’t able to express what he was feeling because he had never learned how, and he refused to seek counselling because he’d been taught it was a s sign of weakness. Depression is not weakness; it’s an illness that slowly steals the best parts of your life. Asking for help is not weakness; it’s exactly what you would do for any other kind of illness or injury.
Mel left this world believing he was beyond help and we’d all be better off without him; he was wrong. If that’s how you’re feeling; you’re wrong too. There are no words to describe the pain and devastation of those of us left behind. Your life matters!
Please learn from Mel’s story and fight back against the darkness. This first step is both the simplest and the hardest; tell someone how you’re feeling.
Mel lost his earthly battle with depression, but nothing can separate him from the love of God:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
In lieu of cards or flowers, please reach out to the people around you and remind each other of these three truths: You are precious. You Have purpose. You are Loved.
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