SPRINGHILL, N.S. — Springhill and Cumberland County said goodbye to one of its biggest baseball supporters during a funeral at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre on Tuesday.
James ‘Pokey’ Melanson, 83, died Friday at the All Saints Hospital in Springhill. He was 83.
Melanson worked for 25 years with Corrections Canada, retiring as a supervisor.
In his younger years he worked in the Springhill coal mines, then joined the army. He was a baseball coach for over 35 years in Springhill. He was a past president of the Springhill Minor Baseball Association.
He was past president and coach of the Springhill Minor Hockey Association.
He received the Maritimer of the week award from CTV. Pokey was inducted in the Nova Scotia Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.
He was a retired member of the Springhill Volunteer Fire Department and was an avid Toronto blue Jay fan and Toronto Maple Leafs fan.
Melanson will be sadly missed by his daughter Sherry Roy (Kevin) of Hunts Point, NS, sons, Rick (Marilyn) of Springhill, NS, Jim (Sandra) of Greenwood NS, Kevin (Chrissy) of Springhill, NS; several grandchildren, & several great grandchildren,brothers, John (Eileen) of Riverview, NB, Jerry (Joyce) of Springhill, NB, special companion pet , Amy.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Jewell, son Bill., brothers, Wayne, Freddie, sister, Mona Pettigrew.
Those wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so to the Springhill Minor Baseball Association.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be made to the family by visiting Pokey's online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or though the A.H. Brown Funeral Home Facebook Page.
