It is with great sadness that the family of Melvin Kettle announce his passing. Peacefully he left his earthly home to meet his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at 3 am Friday, January 31st, 2025, at St. Clare's Mercy Hospital in St. John's. Leaving to mourn is his loving wife of 37 years Carolyn, – children: Natasha, Aleasha (Brad), Bryan (Linkai), Stephen (Rachel), Jason (Andrea), – grandchildren: Theodore (Teddy), Cadence, Peter, – brother: Nelson, and – brother-in-law: Doug Lomond.

Predeceased by his parents: Wilson and Dolly (nee Buttery), – sister: Sheila Lomond (nee Kettle), – brother: Stuart, – sister-in-law: Florence.

Melvin was born on June 5th, 1950, to Wilson and Dolly Kettle. He was the youngest of four children. Melvin spoke fondly of his childhood growing up in Port aux Basques. He often reminisced about the five summers he spent fishing with his father, and hunting trips to the bush with his brother and friends. When asked about his favourite childhood memories, he responded "Getting out of school in June… Fishing off the wharf with my bamboo pole."

Melvin studied Marine Mechanical Engineering at the Marine Institute and embarked upon an esteemed career in Marine Engineering. He rose quickly through the ranks and became a Chief Engineer by the age of 26. He worked for the US Gypsum, Canadian Coast Guard, Dome Petroleum, Husky Marine Services, Algoma and Canship Ugland. He worked on oil tankers, drill ships, weather ships, icebreakers and coast guard ships. Melvin's career brought him around the world, through the Arctic, and to shipyards in South Korea and Turkey. His career highlight was managing the construction of the 'Mattea' in South Korea and sailing it on its maiden voyage. Melvin also taught at the Marine Institute and led a major restructuring of the Marine Engineering Diploma Program. Melvin was known for his exceptional work and being well versed in all aspects of Marine Engineering. He was greatly respected and highly esteemed by his colleagues, students, employers and coworkers. Melvin was the 'calm in the storm'. He was known for always keeping a steady hand and remaining cool and collected in the greatest challenges and emergencies.

He married the love of his life Carolyn in September of 1987 and settled in Portugal Cove-St. Philips. He then welcomed and raised five children whom he adored. He was known for his love of Christmas, cribbage, Toronto Maple Leafs and trips to the cabin.

His children were his pride and joy. He was not only proud of their accomplishments in their respective fields, but for the loving and kind adults they have grown into. He felt so blessed to also become a grandfather to three beautiful grandchildren whom he adored.

Melvin spent his life on the water. From fishing with his father, to sailing around the world as a chief engineer. In his later years, he captained his two sailboats the 'Trident' and 'Cloud 9' which he sailed in Holyrood with his family. The ocean was his home. They say eyes are windows to the soul and his were blue like the sea. Whether in South Korean shipyards or at home in the living room, he would always be building boats big and small.

Melvin loved the Lord and had a close relationship with God. He spoke of his mother reading him scriptures during childhood. He grew up to study the scriptures for himself, which brought him peace. He is now reunited with his heavenly father. Melvin was a gentle, patient, kind and caring soul. He loved his family dearly, and he was loved dearly. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Port-aux-Basques: The family will receive visitors at East Haven Funeral Home, Friday, February 7 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Anglican Church on Saturday, February 8 at 11am.

St. John's: The family will receive visitors at IHOR 7th Adventist Church, 30 Aldershot St, Tuesday, February 11 from 2-4pm. A celebration of life service will be held at IHOR 7th Adventist Church on Wednesday, February 12 at 12 noon. Donations to Parkinson's research can be made in Melvin's memory here.