Obituary of Melvin John Bast

To view the livestream of the service, please CLICK HERE

Mel, I Love You To The Moon and Back.

My wonderful husband Mel moved to heaven on Thursday, March 23, 2023. He left his home peacefully in Leamington at the age of 80. I am so truly BLESSED to have had such an amazing husband, lover, companion and best friend for so many years. 

His gentleness, laughter and wonderful conversations will be profoundly missed by his wife Catherine Bast of Leamington, his daughter Rachel Bast of Cambridge, his stepson Michael Harmer and his wife Shelle of Windsor, his sister-in-law Barbara Bast and her husband Jim of St. Jacobs, and his nephew Aaron Bast and his wife Natalie and their three children, Carter, Wynn and Mae of Kitchener.

Mel is predeceased by his son Lionel Bast (2022), his father Aaron Bast (1966), his mother Verna Bast (2004), his sister Miriam Bast (2021), his brother Philip Bast (2014) and his best friend Dean Davey (2020).

Mel graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Political Science Major with special focus on the Political Economies of Developing Nations; and a Minor in Communication Studies and Business Writing.  Additional studies were in accounting, commercial law and industrial organization through the Society of Canadian Management Accountants.

In 1985, Mel launched M.J. Bast Business Planning and Consultants. During the course of 37 years, until 2022, the company had provided financing assistance, strategic business plans, and consulting and problem solving to owner-operated small and medium sized businesses.  The clients serviced were from Canada, US, Brazil, Iran, India, China and UK and covered a broad spectrum of industries and many types of businesses, including the automotive industry, food service, health, fitness and beauty products, manufacturing, travel and tourism, franchises in wineries, pizza and sign companies, real estate, property management and construction and pigeon racing, breeding and training.  During the last 15 years Mel worked closely with legal immigration firms and provided hundreds of visa business plans for immigration visa applications with a success rate that exceeded 95%.  With all the many different accents from clients all over the world, God had given him a special gift and ability to understand what they were saying.

With his working knowledge of business and many other types of legal instruments, he often found himself writing drafts and letters for clients dealing with difficult, sensitive or critical matters.  Mel always said yes, I can do that for you, even if it cost him extra time.  He was completely professional and had a gentlemanly and diplomatic style when dealing with clients.  They found him easy to talk to and always willing to take the time to explain things they did not fully understand.  Mel cared about everyone and gave his time, wisdom and knowledge generously.

Mel was full of kindness and consideration toward others, his family, his friends and his clients.  Always quick to forgive and he did not hold grudges or resentments against anyone.  He believed that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him - his faith and trust in Jesus sustained him throughout many difficult situations.

Please help us honour and celebrate Mel’s life at a Memorial Service held in the chapel of the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 2 p.m. and please plan to attend the reception following the service in the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home. The service will be livestreamed and archived at www.erbgood.com

Condolences for the family and donations to a Charity of One’s Choice may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com