We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Ovila Joseph Melanson, CD (Ret'd) peacefully, at the age of 75 on Wednesday, 4 May 2016, at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Amherst, NS.

Born in Cap Pele, NB, Ovila served with the Canadian Military Engineers for 20 years. He was a Combat Engineer with both Heavy Equipment and Airborne specialties and was among the charter members of 5^e Escadron du génie du Canada in Valcartier, QC when it formed in 1968.

Visiting hours will take place on Friday, 6 May 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at the Furlong-Jones Funeral Home, 70 Church St, Amherst, NS on Saturday, 7 May 2016 at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place in the River Hebert Cemetery. A reception immediately following the committal will be held in the Joggins Fire Hall.

Those wishing to make a donation in Ovila's memory may do so to the Kidney Foundation, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family through the online memorial at www.furlongjones.ca or through https://www.facebook.com/FurlongJonesFuneralHome, the Funeral Home Facebook Page.  ^{khMay2016}