With great sadness we announce the passing of our Melanie, while in the loving embrace of her husband Brian and mother Sharon, on April 26, 2020.

 

Mel will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by Brian Sparrow and their children Vivien & Louis; mother Sharon (Bill Martin); brothers Jan (Melissa) and Ethan; father Arend-Jan; aunt Gail Paseska; mother and father-in-law Diane and Bob Sparrow; brother-in-law Ben Sparrow (Lisa); nieces and nephews McKenzie, Mae, Lucas, Sophie and Jacob, as well as many, many close friends.

 

Our Mel grew up on a hobby farm near Marchand, Manitoba. She spent countless childhood hours outdoors with her brothers and friends, playing, exploring and camping in the nearby forest. The farm provided endless adventures and delights for Mel, from the farm’s multitude of animals (horses, goats, chickens, dogs & cats), to learning to drive at age 10, shooting in the forest, and helping with the construction & wiring of the “new” house.  Hours were spent with her brothers Jan & Ethan playing in an old Dodge Power Wagon, which acted as a play structure and ‘babysitter’ when young, eventually progressing to something exciting to drive. 

 

Mel’s bright kind smile, infectious laugh, caring and thoughtful nature formed close and everlasting friendships from childhood to today. Mel attended grade school in La Broquerie, and graduated high school from Ste. Anne Collegiate. She spent her high school years with a close-knit circle of girlfriends, playing basketball, talking, and driving around the countryside, laughing together.

 

Mel went on to receive a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manitoba (1998) and then began her long and successful career at Standard Aero. During this time Mel’s easy going, reflective nature, and irresistible smile formed even more lifelong friendships. This time was populated by plenty of laughter, fun-food filled bbq’s, camping & beach trips, dancing, long conversations and adventurous car rides (watch those corners Mel) always culminating in a stop for ice cream. 

 

Mel established her first home in Wolseley, sharing it with her Toby cat and then her beloved rescue dog Truman. She filled her home with light and flowers, always welcoming family & friends with a big hug, good food, and a cup of tea in her sunroom. Mel’s adventures continued in her travels with friends to Mexico, ‘Girls Gone Wild’ trip to Spain, Portugal & Amsterdam, and a bike trip through the south of France.

​

Mel rekindled an old friendship in meeting Brian again, which blossomed fueled by mutual respect & love for family, travel, long walks in the park with their dogs, and a devotion to cooking & eating great food together. Mel & Brian married in June 2011, and together experienced a dream trip to Botswana and Cape Town, South Africa. Mel & Brian built a family together, celebrating the arrival of their beloved children Vivien (2013) and Louis (2016).

 

More than anything Mel loved being a mother, and their home always rang with the sound of Mel’s wonderful laugh as she played with her children. Mel & Brian spent cherished time surrounded by nature & family at their Little Deer cottage and in annual family trips to Florida. They filled their home with love, cuddles and reading stories to Vivien & Louis.  Time with Brian, her kids, mother Sharon & Bill and mother/father-in-law Diane & Bob, reinforced the foundation and meaning of family for Mel.

 

Mel worked at Standard Aero for 20 years and during that time she made an extraordinary impact on so many. She provided thoughtful guidance, mentorship, established technical collaboration with Red River College & the U of M, and through it all celebrated & promoted women in leadership. 

 

Family and friends were extremely important to Mel, she surrounded herself with love and gave of herself freely, never forgetting a birthday, and always reaching out with a visit, a yoga class or a shared meal. Mel’s everlasting smile will continue to shine on us.

 

During the 2 years of treatment post diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer, a threat to young women, Mel received incredible support from her large group of friends, staff and friends at Standard Aero, her ‘Breasties’ and Metastatic Breast Cancer Support groups. Thank you to everyone for the love and support! Her family also thanks the staff at CancerCare, Palliative Care, Riverview Health Centre and the two transport drivers (Manitoba Stretcher Services) who provided such special care.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mel’s memory can be made to the Melanie Mulder Bursary for Women in Engineering or to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

 

A Celebration of Life will be announced later when we are able to come together as family & friends.