Jan 08, 1959 - Oct 26, 2025
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Rick Mellor on October 26th, after a long battle with health issues. Rick was predeceased by his mother Anne. He will be missed by his father Wally, sister Laurie, brother Jeff and wife Maureen. Also mourning his loss will be his niece Caitlin and husband Jake.
Rick was a graduate from Frontenac Highschool in Kingston where he still has many friends. He attended Queen’s University where he earned three degrees- B.A, B.P.H.E and a B.Ed.
He taught at a number of Ottawa high schools and coached football, rugby and alpine skiing. He was well liked by his students and athletes.
With his excellent organizing skills, he was appointed co-ordinator of Athletics for Ottawa and Region (NCSSAA) schools. He held this position for his final seven years of teaching. During his tenure in his new positions, he organized a number of provincial rugby tournaments. Because of his leadership at the provincial level, he was awarded the Pete Beach Awards. This is the highest honour given by the Provincial body for high school sport.
Rick’s love of sport started at an early age. In high school, he was a good basketball, football and rugby player. He started skiing at age nine and was an excellent downhill skier. His career with the Queen’s Golden Gaels football team was cut short with injuries.
The athletic talent he possessed was no fluke. His grandmother was in The Kilrea family which had three sons and one grandson (Brian) play in the NHL.
Rick spent his summers at White Lake in a beautiful trailer park. He was a popular resident and friend to many. Because of his love of organizing, he arranged many theme activities which many residents enjoyed. He loved his time there and his many close friends.
Rick’s heart was as big as his smile. He was a true caregiver. He opened up his home and heart for friends who were in transition and had no place to stay until they got settled. Now that’s a true friend.
Rest in peace, Rick. You have brought joy and happiness to many people in your lifetime.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Mountain Creek Golf Course, Mountain View Road, Arn Prior, Ontario, K7S 3G9 on November 22nd, at 1-3pm.
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First Memorial Funeral Services
A Division of Service Corporation
International (Canada)ULC
Funeral Establishment
Operator-Class 1, FE-335
613.860.2424
info@firstmemorialfairview.com
259 St Patrick St, Ottawa,
ON K1N 5K4
© 2025 First Memorial Funeral Services Inc.
First Memorial Funeral Services
A Division of Service Corporation
International (Canada)ULC
Funeral Establishment
Operator-Class 1, FE-335
613.860.2424
info@firstmemorialfairview.com
259 St Patrick St, Ottawa,
ON K1N 5K4
© 2025 First Memorial Funeral Services Inc.
First Memorial Funeral Services
A Division of Service Corporation
International (Canada)ULC
Funeral Establishment
Operator-Class 1, FE-335
613.860.2424
info@firstmemorialfairview.com
259 St Patrick St, Ottawa,
ON K1N 5K4
© 2025 First Memorial Funeral Services Inc.
Dear Froends,
I believe Rick and I share the same birthday ( or very close ) and we were honoured for our 1st birthdays at Camp On-da-da-waks on Golden Lake near Eganville. Our fathers, Wally and Lou Labrosse, both legendary educators, worked as leaders at the summer camp. The old super 8 movies of the day captured this moment inside the fire pit area.
I attended Queen’s for my Bachelor of Education and Rick was instrumental as a co “ EDDIE “ classmate in making this year, for me and many others, one of the most enjoyable and inspiring of my life. ( His father Wally and Al Robertson also put on quite a grand show for us all )
Rick and I crossed paths many times as P E teachers, Athletic Directors, Ofssaa hosts, and on the occasional social gathering, where, here too, he excelled.
Rick was a magical, inspirational elf, with a heart the size of the Grand Canyon.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, many friends and colleagues and to the many students blessed to have been touched by his charms.
Rest in Peace my” brother “
John Labrosse ( and Denise )
Rick was the guy who brought together a bunch of guys who landed in to Queens Teachers College back in’82, and transformed them into an intramural powerhouse team. Through sport and pints, he created many fond memories for me and a few other Ottawa U buddies. My condolences to his family. Rest peacefully Rick.
Rick was my gym teacher, rugby coach, and ran our ski program at Nepean high school. He brough such an energy, humour and joy to everything he did. He also had a real understanding of his students, and enouraged many to grow and be better people. I will always remember walking through the halls, hearing Rick shout out “Bull what’s going on?” and him having a laugh and some banter. His great vibe on the ski hill was legendary. He believed in the kids he taught, had high standards for them, and wanted the best for them.
I had the pleasure of working with Rick as a colleague for OCDSB’s night school. His personality was appreciated by all who worked with Rick. He always brought positivity to all situations. I am honored to have known him.
Mr Mellor was an awesome PE coach, and an amazing Rugby coach. He will be forever missed!
Rick was a great classmate at Queen’s Teachers College.. He constantly gathered the boys to take part in intramural sports, followed by some pints afterwards. He also taught my two daughters at Nepean High school in Ottawa, much to their delight. Rest peacefully Rick.
I had the great pleasure of going to Queens with Rick. Our paths would often cross in our proffessional roles and each time it was if no time had passed. His humour, outgoing and gregarious personality were infectious making all those around him feel welcome and included. He was a positive force in a world that is in dire need of that these days. He will be missed.
Fond memories of Mr Mellon at NHS. The fun and goofy teacher who had your back
My Uncle Rick ♥️ Absolutely heartbroken that you are gone. You are so loved by everyone and I am eternally grateful that I got to have you as my uncle. I will miss you so much but your presence will always be with me. Thank you for all of the laughs and all of the love!
I had the pleasure (and it truly was one) of teaching at Nepean HS for many of the years Rick was there – a wonderful combination of prankster, humour, optimism, energy, positivity, and possibility … always ready to not only help, but to lead (and would joyfully take to the stage for those assemblies with his antics and pretty damn good dancing feet) … an ideal colleague and a uniquely gifted teacher
My tricky Ricky you will be so missed in my life but get the margaritas going I will be there soon ♥️♥️
The Phys Ed crew at Nepean High School was second to none during my time there (1996-2001) and Rick Mellor was a pillar. He left an indelible mark and I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
I had the privilege to have Mr. Mellor as my basketball coach in 1993. He was a great coach. I used to hang in the coaches office during lunch listening to the gossip. It was good energy. RIP Mr. Mellor
Ricky was a wonderful friend and union colleague. He did so much to protect the rights of teachers and education workers in Ottawa -Carleton. I will miss his humour and compassion for others. Love, Light and Peace, Ricky.
My deepest condolences to his family. I’m a friend of Laura’s his sister and I’m truly sorry for the passing of such a wonderful person.
You made working at Cabela’s fun Rick, you will be missed! Xo hugs to your family
Rick was a good friend and neighbor to us at White Lake R.V. Park. We have many good memories. Most of all we remember how much he cared for other people. We will never forget him or his smile that could light up a room.
All you did was share joy, laughter & love wherever you went. I had the privilege of coaching football with you for many years! The players learned the intricacies of the game, laughter, fun & success!
Your commitment to all the above afforded many young students the “Full On” experience of high school sports. Winning & losing with total class! The experience is what mattered and you moulded so many young people into incredible citizens regardless of where they landed.
Traveling to Boston, Cape Cod, Florida and cabin in Mont Ste. Marie were always so much fun!
Our hearts are broken right now but will be mended with great memories of all you did! Your efforts will live on for generations!
You are truly what Patch Adams did for healthcare only it was Ricky for sports and Ottawa Sports in particular!
We had to share with 2 of our 10 year old grandchildren and they were overcome with grief as “Uncle Ricky” was da man!
As an outsider coach (non-teacher) you welcomed me with open arms but truly, you helped educate me to proper school etiquette.
So many funny stories to tell but won’t. We love you dearly, thanks for happening in our lives!!! You my friend are the greatest!