Melba McAlpine

Melba Lorraine Arthurs McAlpine, daughter of Stella and Tom Nord and John Arthurs, was born on March 7, 1939, in Melville, Saskatchewan. She passed away after a short illness on December 28, 2019 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre at the age of 80 years.

Melba grew up in Dubuc where she enjoyed a close-knit family, spending time with her Weir cousins, riding bikes, and swimming at the lake. She excelled at sports and made lifelong friendships through CGIT and school.

After school, Melba entered the work force. During her 10-year career, she held numerous positions with Army and Navy, Zellers and the Metropolitan Stores. Melba worked in Regina, Winnipeg, Calgary and was transferred to Kelowna for a short time where she worked in the office of the newly opening Met Store. Melba was a valued employee who advanced from entry level positions to office management with the Met before she returned home to Dubuc in November 1964.

Melba married Ronald McAlpine on December 5, 1964, in the Dubuc United Church. Following their wedding, Melba and Ron lived on Ronald's farm where they began their family and farm life together. They farmed 900 acres of land and raised cattle, pigs and chickens over the years.  The McAlpine farm was always host to family and friends alike, with many relatives learning about and helping out on the farm. Melba and Ron had three children: Rhonda, Sean and Michelle.

Melba and Ron were both very involved in the community including serving with the Dubuc Recreation Association and the United Church for several years. Melba was a member of the Ladies Curling Club and UCW. Melba and Ron enjoyed participating in sports, in particular ball, curling and later golf. Summer sports days were a favourite activity where Melba was known to be a legendary hitter on the Dubuc Women’s team.  In winter, Melba was famous in the surrounding communities for bringing teams to annual ladies bonspiels.  She and her teams injected a lot of fun and laughs into the events with themed outfits and general wackiness.  You didn’t have to be a great curler to play on her team, but you had to be up for some fun and adventure.  Melba introduced curling and its unique culture to many who were new to the area and deserves credit for growing the game.

In 1990, Melba and Ron began planning for their retirement, selling four quarters and farming the two home quarters until 1997. They resided on the family farm until they moved to Dubuc in 2001.

Melba was very active in politics her entire life. Besides working for the Progressive Conservative Party in various capacities she also worked at polling stations for both provincial and federal elections. Shortly after moving to Dubuc Melba was elected Mayor and struck an unofficial partnership with the Mayor of Vancouver. Highlights of her tenure include hosting Lt. Governor of Saskatchewan, Lynda Haverstock, at Dubuc’s 100th anniversary celebration, hosting the Dubuc School Reunion in 2003 as well as several town infrastructure upgrades.

Melba was very proud of her family and there would be few missed opportunities to brag about her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She met her newest great grandchild at her granddaughter’s wedding this summer and she did not miss any graduations or weddings, and attended many birthday parties and sporting events, particularly at the skating rink. Melba celebrated her 80th birthday in March of this year with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her favourite sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Melba is survived by her children Rhonda McAlpine-Haubrich (John Haubrich) and their children Rhys, Peyton (Kendall), great grandchildren Harley and Atlas, and Marty; Sean McAlpine (Deborah Priestley-McAlpine) and their children Leigh and Ian; and Michelle Nagy (Dion Nagy) and their children Derrick (Jaime Nagy), great grandchildren Leander and Elliot, and Stephanie (Shane Fitzgerald); sisters Rosemarie Baker and Paulette (Jerome) Herperger and brother H. Scott Arthurs (Janet); and numerous nieces and nephews from both the Arthurs, Nord and McAlpine families. Melba is predeceased by her husband, Ron McAlpine, her parents and step-father; brother Jim Arthurs and sisters Annette Beerling and Kathy Arthurs.