Martin W Melderis

1956 – 2026

On January 9, 2026 our little brother Martin passed away suddenly at his home in Telkwa, B.C.

Valda, Vita and Martin grew up in Port Alberni, children of Latvian immigrants after WW2. Martin knew back then that he would work in the great outdoors of B.C.

He had an exemplary career with the B.C. Conservation Service, starting in Castlegar in 1985, moving to Kamloops, Terrace, and then as an Inspector in Smithers, retiring in 2016. He loved working outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing with lifelong friends he made everywhere he lived. He was a skilled woodworker and gourmet cook. He loved dogs and had 2 German Shepherds. Rebel, and then Kilo. A perfectionist and mentor to those within his sphere, Martin will be remembered for his unique character and humour.

He had an amazing memory and could recall conversations and details from when he was just a child. We turned to him for gardening and cooking advice and opinions on everything. He was passionate about the environment and his Latvian heritage. A sibling trip to Latvia and meeting relatives for the first time was a huge highlight. He left so many plans and projects unfinished.

Always the cool uncle, he will be missed by his sisters and their families, friends and close neighbours.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

“Star that gleams on a moss—grey stone

Graven by those who love me—

There would I lie alone, alone,

With a single pine above me;

Pine that the north wind whinneys through—

Oh, I have been Life’s lover!

But there I’d lie and listen to

Eternity passing over.”

from Heart O’the North, Robert Service

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