Melvin Theophilus McCollin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5KklvU4SCg

Surrounded with lots of love from his family, Melvin Theophilus McCollin transitioned from this life to everlasting life in Heaven on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Melvin was born to the late Charles and the late Eudora McCollin on May 23, 1944. The 6th of 10 siblings, he brought added joy to the McCollin clan. A loving and vivacious child, with a ready smile, he was well liked by his family and his peers.

Melvin received his early education in Barbados at Richmond’s Secondary School. He was a certified carpenter who used his carpentry gifting to be a blessing to many satisfied clients, family and friends. He was always willing to assist anyone in need. He immigrated from Barbados to the United States in 1971. He worked at the Holiday Inn in Boston in Housekeeping. After earning a certificate in Electronics from Mass Radio Television School of Electronics in Boston, Melvin joined Honeywell Corporation in Brighton, MA as a technician and later became a trainer. Melvin enlisted with the U.S. Army National Guard in 1975 and was a member of the 182nd Infantry Division. He trained in Fresh Pond in Cambridge, Camp Edwards Air Force Base in Cape Cod, and Fort Devens in New York, to name a few. Melvin ended his career as a houseman at the Ritz Carlton where he also served as union representative for many years and earned the 5 star of the year award. He retired in April 2018 after 26 years of service.

In 1981, Melvin married Yvonne Ifill, from this union four children were born. Although Melvin and Yvonne had been separated for many years, they maintained a friendship until his passing. He affectionately loved his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed quality family time—conversing, watching his grandchildren play, enjoying a sports game, movie night or playing a game of cards. Melvin was a caring father and brother who loved family gatherings especially when extended family came to visit, and he was the life of the party—ready to have fun. He always had time for a good joke, especially if it was on you. He enjoyed delicious bajan food, and his sweet tooth put any candy at risk when he was around. He was passionate about politics and enjoyed a lively exchange of perspectives. An avid New England sports fan, he was loyal to the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics. He could be heard yelling at the top of his lungs when his teams scored; not to mention when they “messed up.”

Aside from spending time with his family, Melvin was at his happiest when he was fishing. Armed with his fishing line, bait, and a bite to eat that his sister Carmita prepared, he made the drive to Cape Cod in the early hours of the morning, and waited until it was time to board the ship. He was well known by the captain, crew and regulars. He would spend 4 to 8 hours fishing and always returned home with a great catch of fish—mostly porgies—that he freely shared with family and friends. Melvin loved to fish! And he loved to give!

In his final years, Melvin became a member of St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge where he fellowshipped with his children, grandchildren, sisters and the members. His sweet and musical “whistle” alerted you that Melvin was nearby—coming in the door, or around the corner. One of his favorite songs that he whistled and sang was “You Raise Me up.” His melodious 1st tenor vocals could be heard flowing throughout the home as he sang this song and other favorite hymns.

Unfortunately, when Melvin became ill, life changed for him as his family knew it. Hewas loved and tenderly cared for until he peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Melvin will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his first son, Glen; his parents; and brothers: Ezbon, George, and Joseph (also known as Tony).

Melvin leaves to cherish his legacy, his children: Karon, David, Susan and Annette; grandchildren: David, Adam, Jaiden, Isabella and Athaliah; sisters: Sylvia “Carmita”, Phylis (Sylvester) and Marcia, all of Cambridge, MA; brothers: Christopher (also known as Mappy), Wilfred (Barbara), and Ralph all of Barbados; sister-in-law, Esther of Belle Glade, Florida; uncles John and Gordon of Brooklyn, NY; nieces, nephews and cousins, in Barbados, Florida, Brooklyn, NY, and Boston, MA; his buddy Anthony; and a host of family and friends. We will miss you dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, nephew, friend. Rest in the Master’s arms.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin Theophilus McCollin, please visit our floral store.