Melvyn Frederick Whitehouse 'Mel' (13 Aug 1946 - 4 Aug 2026)

In loving memory of Melvyn Frederick Whitehouse 'Mel' who sadly passed away on 4th August 2026

Mel was born in Nottingham on 13th August 1946, the youngest of three children born to Raymond and Ivy Whitehouse. His father, Raymond, worked as a rose grower before becoming a miner, first at Radford Pit and later at Cotgrave Pit, where he eventually became an under-manager. His mother, Ivy, worked at the Players cigarette factory.

Mel grew up with his older sister, Yvonne, and his brother, Leslie. He attended Berridge Road School and, when he left, he certainly did not follow a conventional path.

He began his working life as a steeplejack with a company called Furs, before spending a short time as a Grenadier Guard. He then travelled to Safax in Tunisia with his brother Les, where they worked on 150-foot chimneys.

When he returned home, Mel turned his hand to property development, building houses with Les in Todmorden, Yorkshire. He later started Dolphin Pools, which became a major part of his life. For many years, he tiled and built swimming pools, applying his skill, determination and hard work to everything he did.

Mel liked to keep busy, and once he had made up his mind, he was not easily persuaded otherwise. He could certainly be stubborn when he wanted to be. But alongside that stubbornness were his wonderful sense of humour, his caring nature and his willingness to do anything for the people he loved.

Mel was incredibly proud of his family and thought the world of his daughters. As a father, Mel was stubborn, funny, caring and protective. He would do anything for his family. Above all, he loved deeply and made it clear how much his daughters meant to him.

Mel also had many interests outside his family.

He loved the sea, particularly deep-sea diving and deep-sea fishing. He enjoyed trips to Devon, Cornwall and Bridlington. He had a speedboat, which he took to Devon and also enjoyed along the waterways around Gunthorpe and Farndon.

Then there were his cars.

Mel loved classic sports cars, including his green Triumph Stag Convertible and his lime-green E-Type Jaguar. He also had a Volkswagen Touareg, another car he was very fond of. These cars suited Mel perfectly — distinctive, stylish and impossible to ignore.

He also enjoyed horse riding, particularly when he were living in Redmile. He would head out riding with them wearing his flat cap and Dr. Martens — a look that was unmistakably Mel.

Mel took pride in his appearance. He was always well dressed and well spoken, and he enjoyed the good things in life: holidays abroad, good food, good company and making the most of his time.

Towards the end of his life, some of his happiest evenings were spent at Springwater, enjoying a couple of pints of Fosters and family meals. It was the simple things — good food, familiar faces, a drink in his hand and his family around him — that brought him happiness.

When we think of Mel, we will remember the hardworking businessman and builder; the man who loved his cars, the sea, fishing, diving and horse riding; and the man who took pride in his appearance and enjoyed life.

Most of all, we will remember him as a husband, father, friend and a deeply loved member of his family — stubborn, funny, caring and fiercely protective of the people he loved