Melvin Joseph Prickett

In Loving Memory of Melvin Joseph Prickett
October 21, 1932 – June 6, 2025

Melvin Joseph Prickett passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, at Humboldt Hospital, at the age of 92.

Born October 21, 1932, in Wilkie, Saskatchewan, Mel was the beloved son of May and Ferrel Prickett. He got his journeyman mechanics certificate and worked at Scotties Service Station in Saskatoon. He eventually purchased the service station and ran it for a few years before he purchased another service station and ran that till his retirement in 1977.

In 1962, he married the love of his life, Helen Gierl, and together they built a life rooted in love, community, and rural charm. After living in Saskatoon for nearly a decade, Mel and Helen followed their dream to the countryside, purchasing land near Grandora in 1971. There, they created a picturesque country chic home and horse barn, raising saddle horses and teams that brought joy to many through sleigh rides and community events.

In 1984, they sold the Grandora acreage, returning briefly to Saskatoon before settling in Langham, and later Watson, where they eventually moved into Helen’s mother Mary Gierl’s home. After Helen's passing in 2002, Mel later moved into Sunshine Manor in Watson, where he spent his remaining years surrounded by friends and caring neighbors.

Mel was a devoted community member and lifelong horse enthusiast. He was actively involved in the Saskatchewan Pleasure Driving Club and various other horse-related organizations. He and Helen also contributed their time and energy to the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon, preserving prairie heritage for future generations.

Once in Watson, the couple continued their civic engagement through groups like the Horseshoe Club, Watson Museum Board, Watson Housing Authority, and the Watson New Horizons Club. Helen and Mel enjoyed attending their nephew Bill Gierl’s stock car races and traveled with Maxine and Norman Gierl province wide to catch every one. Mel valued connection and community—whether at game nights on the farm, playing cards, or sharing coffee with friends at the Manor, he found joy in simple moments and good company.

Mel was predeceased by his beloved wife Helen, his parents May and Ferrel Prickett, his brothers Mervin, Gordon, and Donald, and his sister Gladys. He is lovingly remembered by his sister Ada of Kelowna, nieces Orena Gordon (Lloyd) of Candle Lake, Debbie Tindall Millard  (Rod) Erna Dingwall (Bill), Don Tindall, Sandi Kneller (Norm), Greg Tindall (Pam) and on the Gierl side of the family Pam Duncombe Gierl of LeRoy SK, and nephews Brian Gierl (Janice) Stonewall MB, William Gierl of Saskatoon, and Brydon Gierl (Jenna) Calgary AB., John Koep (Kathy), Tom Koep, Sandra Koep.

At Mel’s request, there will be no formal service. In his memory, a donation to a charity or cause close to your heart would be a deeply appreciated, a tribute to a life well lived.

Mel’s steady presence, generous heart, and deep-rooted commitment to his family friends and community will be dearly missed.