Mel Deydey is the perfect definition of Volunteer Extraordinaire.   This retired teacher is kind, knowledgeable, and ready to help in any situation. One can’t miss his fine sense of humour.

Since retiring in 2012 from a 39 year career in education, Mel has been an active member in
MHADRTA recently serving a 6 year term as branch president.  He continues to write a branch newsletter which he started in 2017. Mel is also the Media and Communication person (and newsletter editor) for the Medicine Hat and District Horticultural Association. He was recently elected as a board member on the ARTA Communication Committee. Besides writing, he is interested in photography and computers. During his career,
he belonged to two ATA Specialist Councils while coaching school football and volleyball--as well as taking on the roles of Vice-Principal or Principal within Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education.

A farm boy who grew up in Manitoba, Mel graduated from both Brandon University and the
University of Manitoba. He began his teaching career in Manitoba for the first five years and
continued in Alberta until his retirement from Medicine Hat. He is married to the love of his life Christine, mother of two boys whom he is proud to call his stepsons.

Mel thrives on outdoor activities, gardening, cooking, and spending time in their cabin in the Cypress Hills with his wife and family.

Mel is a worthy recipient of this ARTA Volunteer Award! MHADRTA and all your many friends
and family congratulate you!

Nominated by Delle Lovig--Proud member of MHADRTA and ARTA