Melvin Durant
1939 - 2025
As published in the September 1, 2025 World-Spectator
Mel Durant of Moosomin, Saskatchewan, passed away suddenly at home Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Mel was born in 1939 at Quill Lake Saskatchewan to Orval (father) and Vera (mother) Durant. He attended school in Quill Lake and was involved in various sports clubs and curled on the High School Curling Club.
Mel worked at Perry’s Furniture in Estevan for nine years before moving to Moosomin in 1965. While in Moosomin Mel began a career as a business owner and opened his own furniture store “Durant’s Furniture” which operated until 1977. Mel shifted careers and went to work for the Saskatchewan Traffic Board until he retired in 2000.
Mel loved to serve and joined various benevolent groups while in Moosomin including the Kinsmen Club where he was both a member and president. He also took on a leadership role as president of the Moosomin Chamber of Commerce. He was a longstanding member of the Moosomin Elks Club since 1966 until his passing in 2025. Mel took on the role of exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge twice (1975 and 1976) and (2005 and 2006). He was District Deputy of the Saskatchewan District from 2011 to 2015.
Mel was a member of the Moosomin School Band Association, and the Masons. He was manager of the Moosomin Elks Senior Homes for many years until his passing, a role that kept him busy and fulfilled.
Mel and Hazel enjoyed many bus tours together through the years, as well as trips to Nashville, Alaska, the Maritimes, and Norsk Høstfest in Minot over 16 times. Numerous trips visiting with their family and many friends were a highlight. He enjoyed fishing with his brother Goldwin, curling and carpentry work. Mel loved sports, spending many hours watching curling, hockey, and the Blue Jays on TV.
Mel married his high school sweetheart Hazel in 1959. They had three children—Shane (Lori), Michelle (Derrell) and Tracey (Dave) and four grandchildren. Mel had four brothers and two sisters—Fred (Margaret deceased), Goldwin (Loretta deceased), Carol (Don), Ralph (deceased), Ivan and Marilyn as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mel and Hazel were proud of the family and life they grew together. They built a life modeling hard work and practicality which they passed on to their children. Their hard work enabled them to assist all three children to attend university, something that gave them great pride.
As per Mel’s wishes, no funeral services will be held, though a double interment will be held in Quill Lake Cemetery at a later date.
For those who so desire, memorial donations may be made to Moosomin Elks Lodge #340, PO Box 795, Moosomin, SK, S0G 3N0 in memory of Mel Durant.
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