Obituary of Melvin Carl Bingeman

Melvin Carl Bingeman was born March 2, 1942 in Consort to Marshal & Katherine Bingeman. School years started in St. Julien, then on to Esther followed by New Brigden. Post secondary was taken at U of C and U of A. He graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture.

Coming home to the farm brought many changes: larger tractors & seeding equipment, and finally, to everyone’s surprise, Linda in 1972. Three energetic boys, Grant, Carl & Mark soon completed the family. Melvin really had to increase farm income to feed all those growing bodies.

Melvin was an innovator and was not afraid of new technology. He bought a new large tractor and air seeder, the first of its kind in Alberta. Thus began his journey into no till continuous cropping. The first day he seeded with the new outfit, all the neighbors came to watch. Many predicted he would be bankrupt in a few years. Curiosity led him to cooperate with his uncle, Carl Bingeman, by allowing DuPont Chemicals to have sizable research plots on the farm. He was also willing to cooperate with CARA on research projects. The cattle sector did not escape his notice as he embraced many exotic breeds. Finally he settled on Simmental.

Community was a large part of Melvin’s life. He was proud to represent this area as a representative on the Special Area Advisory Council for over 20 years. In this capacity he was proud to be involved in Doctor and Dentist recruitment as well as development of greener ways to deal with waste. He was a founding member of the committee that to form the Dry Country Gas Co-op and the Acadia Seed Cleaning.

Children were Melvin’s “happy place.” As a 4-H leader for more than 30 years, he was always up for a joke. The members knew it was okay to play jokes on him and even when he caught on would not give them a hint. Many times he was the recipient of a pie in the face or a shave by a giggling blindfolded 4-H’er. Involvement in 4-H convinced him that we needed a facility to host a variety of 4-H events. With the support of the Big Country Agricultural Society, plans for the Crossroads Centre began. This was a long time-consuming but rewarding endeavour.

Melvin loved to have fun. He really enjoyed music and played in a local dance band for many years. His sense of humor was great and he loved playing with words.

Grandchildren brought complete and utter joy to his life. He loved to play with them and tease them. He spoiled them with attention.

In retirement he branched out and went salmon fishing with friends Dave Malloy and Roy Pratt. For a prairie boy afraid of more than a quarter of an inch of water, the ocean was a thrilling, scary experience, but oh did he enjoy the trip each summer! He loved bringing home 40–50 pounds of salmon, halibut and cod.

He is survived by his wife Linda, sons Grant (Shelley), Carl (Lynette), Mark (Amber) and four grandsons, Hayden, Jessey, Nixon and Ethan.