Obituary of Melvin Ott Aikens

On Saturday May 25th 2024 Melvin Ott Aikens went home to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, surrounded by the love of his family. Melvin was the son of the late John (Jack) Aikens and Lavinia (Mason) Aikens. He was born in Greenwood Pictou County on July 12, 1929. Dad met our mother, the love of his life, as a teenager. They celebrated 71 years of marriage together before our mother went home to be with the Lord in 2020. They adored one another and enjoyed sharing life together, from watching sports to picking berries. If there were berries anywhere to be picked they would find them. They lived a very full and happy life together loving, giving and sharing their faith everywhere they went. Mom was his everything. Dad’s early years of employment were working at Shaw's brickyard, driving taxi, and working for Irving for over 20 years from delivering oil to management positions. His final job was in management for The Pictou Regional Housing for over 13 years. The bible says "the righteous who walks in integrity, blessed are his children after him." We were truly blessed as a family having a father that walked in integrity. He put his hand to the plough when he accepted Jesus as his Saviour and never turned back. We have a great respect for our Dad. He was a wonderful example of a father. Dad loved the word of God. You could find him daily seated in his chair in the living room reading his bible. Dad's life demonstrated to us, his children, the importance of putting Jesus Christ first in our lives. Many people over the years have referred to our Dad as their hero, and he was definitely ours. He demonstrated qualities of steadfastness and dependability. He faithfully prayed for and supported his family, whom he loved being around. When we had a problem, he would always listen and encourage us with his great wisdom and compassion. Dad was lots of fun to be with and loved to laugh. He had a great sense of humour and loved to share stories as far back as when he was a child. He loved to give to others. He was very musical and would play the guitar so beautifully our mother said he picked it out so well you could hear the words he was playing. He enjoyed sports like fishing and hunting and also played on baseball and hockey teams over the years. His favourite hockey team was The Montreal Canadians who he met each one personally when he was 16 years old He was very active in his church. He was a board member, head usher, taught Sunday School, was the men's leader, led some Sunday Morning worship services, and was the sound man for the church as well as helping with many Living Christmas Tree presentations. Mel is survived by his children Carolyn (Melvin) Frosst, Linda (Bruce) DeYoung, John (Barb) Aikens, Alice (Kevin) Mattatall, Heather (Darryl) Arbuckle. He is also survived by brothers Donald Aikens. James (Margie) Aikens, 12 grandchildren, 28 Great -grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was predeceased by the love of his life wife Doris Aikens, (unborn child) a son, Brian, Amanda Cochrane (Grandchild) brothers Clarence (Ted), John (Jack), sisters Anna Wernicke, Thirza Frosst, Sadie (Sally) Golden, Josephine Redburn, Mona Taylor, twin brother and sister (George (Geordie) and Helen. We as a family would like to thank all those who lovingly cared for our Dad at Valley View Villa, including Sarah , who he was very grateful for and he considered his friend. Also, we would like to thank our brother Johnny who took care of our Dad after our mother passed.(Matthew 25:23) " His Lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” WELL DONE DAD!!! This is just a glimpse into a life well lived!!! Visitation will take place at H.W. Angus Funeral Home King Street, New Glasgow on Tuesday May 28th 2-4 and 6-8. His funeral will be held at the Christian Fellowship Church, Abercrombie Road, New Glasgow at 11am on Wednesday May 29th with Pastor Kevin Mattatall officiating. A reception will follow immediately afterwards. A private family burial will take place at Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to Compassion Canada or a charity of your choice.