It is with great sadness that the family of the late Melvin Obed Rideout of Pilley's Island, NL, age 86, announces his passing on December 24, 2019  at the Springdale Retirement Centre.

Melvin was predeceased by his son Stephen; parents Brigadiers Oded and Pearl Rideout; sister Eileen; brother Jack. He will be greatly missed by his beloved Wife Betty Jean (Rowsell); his sons Paul, John, Jeff; daughters Lorraine (Brent) and Trudy (Anna). His beautiful grandchildren Melissa (Matthew), Alisha, Brady (Candace), Steven, Jane and Jacob; two darling great grandchildren Anna and Kayden. Sister Lillian Bridger.

Melvin was a quiet, hardworking family man. Born in King's Point, his family was originally from Long Island. Growing up, he travelled around Newfoundland with his parents Brigadier Obed Rideout and Pearl (Sheppard) Rideout who were Salvation Army Officers.

Melvin ultimately settled in Pilley's Island when he fell in love with Betty Jean and was married in August 1958. There they raised their six children living next to the ocean. He was a Carpenter by trade and later worked with Lundrigan's and Hewlett's Construction. He was a great handyman so when Melvin wasn't away working he was often found working at something around the house or outside in the garden. He truly loved spending time in boat or in the woods as he always cut his own firewood, often tended a vegetable garden, and built a new house himself in 1991. However, Melvin was never too busy to play a game, build a playhouse, or shovel off a skating rink on the harbour as he dearly loved his children.

As his family lays him to rest and celebrates his 86 years of life they lovingly remember Melvin as a kind and gentle husband, father,  and grandfather.

The Celebration of Life Service was held from Green Bay Funeral Home, Springdale, on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 2:00 pm with Major Lindsay Oxford officiating. Interment was at The Salvation Army Cemetery, Pilley's Island. The pallbearers were sons Paul Rideout, Jeff Rideout, John Rideout; daughter Lorraine Rideout Starkes; son-in-law Brent Starkes; granddaughter Melissa Rideout. Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Harry Oxford of Green Bay Funeral Home, Springdale.

The Rideout family would like to thank the caring staff at the Springdale Retirement Centre for wonderful care he received since May.

Forever remembered. forever loved!