Courtney, Melvin, 79. After a year long courageous battle with cancer, Melvin left us on March 11, 2007. Our heavy hearts are lightened only by the knowledge that his suffering has ended and his new life has begun. A man of gentle nature, patience, and strong faith, he was a loving husband to Hilda (MacLeod), father to Debbie (Gillis), Skye Glen, and Glenda, River Denys, and father-in-law to Bruce. His grandchildren, Trudy and Randy, will always remember him as their own personal provider of fun, laughter, and love. Born in Cape North, he was the son of the late Archie and Effie (MacAskill) Courtney. As a young man Melvin began as a machine operator in the Dingwall Gypsum Quarry, and retired from the Little Narrows Gypsum Company in 1992. Melvin has left us with many fond memories of stories of his childhood, work and all of his friends, but mostly with his favorite stories of his grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Florence, Cape North; brothers Norman (Effie), Cape North, and Dave (Margaret), Dingwall; sister-in-law Sis, Cape North, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Murdock, Jim, Donald, and Neil and sister-in-law Evelyn. Visitation will be held from 2-9pm, Tuesday, March 13 in the Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Whycocomagh. Funeral service to be held Wednesday, March 14 at 2pm in the River Denys Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Donald MacLeod officiating. Burial to take place in the Upper River Denys Cemetery. Donations may be made in Melvin’s name to the Palliative Care unit at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital. The family would like to send a special thank you to the nurses and staff at the Baddeck Hospital for taking such good care of Melvin. It did not go unnoticed as Melvin thought a lot of you all for your special kindness and friendly visits. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com. Father into your hands I commit my spirit (Luke 23:46)