Alfred (Fred) Joseph Melanson, passed away peacefully at the Westford Nursing Home on January 31, 2026, at the age of 95.
Born in Sackville, NB, he was the son of the late Ferdinand (Fred) Melanson and Emma (nee Gould) Melanson.
He will be sadly missed by his common-law partner Bernice Moss; children, Brenda Hastie (Wade Ward), Stephen Melanson (Sherry Legere) and Sandra Melanson (John Belson); five grandchildren, Jason, Nicholas, Bradley, Brendan and Clara; eight great grandchildren, Madeline, Makayla, Mylah, Lexen, Rowan, Aubrey, Eli and Sage.
Fred was predeceased by his former wives Rhona Melanson (nee Kerr), Linda Melanson (nee Robichaud); five brothers Jude, Clarence (Kit), Raymond (Jake), Gerald, Walter (Dodo) and sister Dorothy Montgomery.
Fred retired after 42 years of employment with Atlantic Wholesalers Ltd. (Loblaws) of Sackville, where for many years he was manager of Information Services before being promoted to Systems Analyst.
He joined the Sackville Lions Club in 1976. Fred was also a Life Member of Lions Clubs International and a Life Member of the Lions Foundation of Canada. Throughout his career in Lionism, Fred held every office of his home Club and several offices and committee chair positions of the Lions District. In the District, Fred served as Vice-District Governor in 95-96, District Governor in 96-97 and as Council Chairman of MD41 in 97-98. He was the recipient of many club, District and International recognition awards for his dedicated service and leadership.
In his younger years, he was an ardent snowmobiler, golfer, curler and baseball player (member of 48 Sackville Legion Juveniles – Sports Wall of Fame Team). Fred loved being outdoors and enjoyed spending time at his camp on Joe Brook.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville, NB (506-364-1300). Honouring Alfred's wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held in the Sackville Cemetery at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Lion's Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs
Sharing of memories and condolence may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones funeral Home Facebook Page.