CROUSE, Melvin Dale, 75 of Bridgewater, passed away on February 19, 2023. Born in Italy Cross, to parents Fredrick and Gertrude (Slauenwhite) Crouse, he was many different things to many different people. To write one obituary, meant we could have written 100 more, completely different.

To some, Melvin was the young man who climbed trees, raced on back roads, worked on the ocean and raised a little hell. He was brother to others, sharing all the connections and history only siblings can understand.

He was friend and adventurer, moving to the US working in a Lumber Mill and then serving in the American Army.

To many, he was the face who laid your loved ones in their final resting place: his long term career before retirement, being the Manager of Brookside Cemetery in Bridgewater.

He was beach lover, bonfire maker, true crime buff. He was a hunter, the record collector, the avid gardener. He was a man whose love language was cooking. He was a father, he was a dad.

Melvin is survived by his sisters Alice and Velma "Sam"; children Cheri, Dayle, Diane and Mackenzie; grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his partner of many years, Donna Dorey; his brothers Eugene, Darrell, Malcolm; sister Rose in Infancy, Doris and Marjice "Marjorie".

Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation at the Funeral Home. A Celebration of life will be held Thursday April 27, 2023 between 2-4pm at the Bridgewater Legion.  Memorial donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Mental Health Association or the SPCA. On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.corkumfuneralhome.ca