Pastor Melvin Leon Otterbein - After a courageous battle with cancer, Melvin Leon Otterbein, 67 years old, Kitchener, entered his Heavenly Home on March 15, 2008 at Lisaard House in Cambridge. He was born in Breslau, Ontario on May 7, 1940 to Edgar and Mary Otterbein. He was their third child, brother to Howard and Cliff Otterbein. He was married on July 1, 1966 to Mary Otterbein (nee Schwartzentruber) and was a cherished husband for 41 years. They lived together in Nairn, Brampton, Collingwood and, most recently, Kitchener. He worked as a teacher, pastor and retired in 2005 from his job as a facility service man for the Waterloo County Board of Education Centre. Following his retirement, Mel continued in ministry with a focus on seniors. Mel was the beloved father of Melri Denise and her husband, Mike Wright, of Clarksburg, Ontario and of Derek Melvin and his wife, Ellen, of Kitchener, Ontario. He was a wonderful grandfather to MJ and Michelle Wright who live with their parents in Clarksburg. He will be missed by his brothers, Howard Otterbein (Ruby) and their family of Ailsa Craig and by Cliff Otterbein (Erma) and their family of Bright and by Mary's sisters, Fern, Ruth, Carol Joy and their families. Many friends from the Evangelical Missionary Church family will also miss his presence. Mel will be fondly remembered by colleagues from the Waterloo County Board of Education. Mel enjoyed sharing his artistic abilities through visual arts, singing and playing his guitar. His dedication to physical fitness and healthy diet were commendable. He cared about people and loved conversing with others. His smile and laughter will be missed. The family wishes to express deep appreciation to Dr. E. Ross Kennel, all those at the Grand River Cancer Centre and the staff and volunteers at Lisaard House. You have been a huge support to all of us during this journey. Mel's family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home , 507 Frederick St., Kitchener 519-749-8467 and will continue from 1-1:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the church. The funeral service will be held at Bethany Evangelical Missionary Church (160 Lancaster St. E., Kitchener) on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 2 p.m. Donations may be made to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre and Evangel Community Church.