Oyen Briefs: Former Acadia School Division superintendent Melvin Fenske dies at 94

By Diana Walker

BCAS 50/50 Raffle unclaimed

The 50/50 Raffle ticket #18155535 (AGLC Lic. #76788) drawn at the Crossroads Beef Expo on Sunday, February 15, remains unclaimed. If you have that ticket, please call me at 403-664-6600.

Former Acadia School Division superintendent passes

Recently, Bernie Krewski and Pat Siferd told me of Melvin Robert Fenske’s death in Edmonton on January 15, 2026, at the age of 94.

Mel will be sadly missed by his wife of 68 years, Beth, his children, Neil (Tracy), Keith and Susan (Warren), his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren, his brother, Loel, his sister-in-law, Florence, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

This is Bernie’s response to my question: What years was he superintendent in Oyen?

The Acadia School Division published a 50th Anniversary Calendar, 1937-1987. The upper page of December 1987 lists the School Superintendents and Secretary-Treasurers. There are 20 superintendents listed for those 50 years. M. Fenske was the superintendent from 1961 to 1967.

Editor Emeritus celebrates early Family Week

I was absent from my Echo office on February 11. The day before, I drove to Strathmore, where I stayed with Amanda, Craig and family for five days. Lee Ann took me to a medical appointment in Calgary, after which we visited Kaylin at her office and later enjoyed lunch with Shaina and Matt. I had lunch one day with Lee Ann and Sheldon at their ranch, had supper one evening with Brittany, and had lunch another day with Peggy (Fred’s caregiver when he was at Sagewood).

On Valentine’s Day, I attended a double memorial service for Kay and Al Schmidt of Edmonton at Mountain View Funeral Home in Calgary. The eldest daughter of my aunt and uncle, Lemar and Margaret Anderson, Kay died suddenly on January 30, 2026, at age 78. She was predeceased by her husband, Al, on May 9, 2025, at age 82. Kay was our bridesmaid 59 years ago last October.