PRODAN, Mel

It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Mel
Prodan on St. Joseph Island, Sunday, May 25th 2008. Beloved husband and best friend
of Jan. Proud father of Tom (Natasha) of Pearland, Texas, Greg (Christie) of Sault
Ste Marie and Mark of Calgary. Loving "Pops" of Stephanie, Hailey and Tori. Son of
the late Tom and Margaret Prodan of Elliot Lake. Beloved brother of Allen (Linda)
of Bar River and Dennis (Carole) of Elliot Lake. Brother-in-law of Pauline Pedersen
(Frank) of Hamilton and Ralph Wheeler (Lynn) of Sault Ste Marie. Loved son-in-law
of Marjorie Wheeler (late Charles) of Ingersoll. "Uncle Mel" to many. Mel was an
admired educator. He spent most of his teaching career at Central Algoma Secondary
School where he was loved by and loved hundreds of students. Many of his students
became life long friends. At CASS he introduced a wrestling programme that grew to
become one of the best in Northern Ontario. He also coached many other sports
teams. Later in his career he headed the Co-operative Education Programme where
countless students followed on a career path through his efforts. For many years
Mel was a long distance runner and more recently turned his interests to cycling and
cross-country skiing. He and his neighbour also built a 10km cross-country ski
trail on their properties for community use that has been enjoyed by many. Mel loved
Northern Ontario. He was a passionate fisherman, famed archer, canoeist, kayaker,
and an enthusiastic environmentalist. For years he had been an active member of the
local Ontario Hunters and Anglers Association serving many years on the Executive
Committee and organized many fund raising activities. He also served at the
District level with this organization and taught the Pleasure Craft Operators
Course. His community was important to him. He was a member of the St. Joseph
Island Lion's Club, a volunteer with the St. Joseph Township Fire Dept., a member of
Harmony St. Mark's United Church, a leader of the St. Joseph Island Branch of the
Boy Scouts of Canada, served on the Board and as Director of Camp McDougall, and
initiated the infamous "Cornfest Run". He was well known for his green thumb,
bountiful vegetable gardens and his waterfowl carvings. His duck decoys were made
of wood native to St. Joseph Island and Northern Ontario, some of which were
commissioned pieces and can be seen on display at the Roberta Bondar Building. Mel
was loved by all and will be sadly missed.

Friends and family may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on
Thursday, May 29, 2008 from 2-4pm and 6-9pm. Funeral service in the Chapel on
Friday, May 30, 2008 at 11am. Rev. Eun Joo Park officiating. In lieu of flowers,
please consider a donation to The St. Joseph Island Hunters and Anglers, Camp
McDougall, Harmony-St. Marks United Church, or a charity of your choice.