Niagara Falls, Ontario Umpire Brian Mellish, Whose Career Spanned Over Four Decades, Has Died at 62!

Brian Vey Mellish, a beloved umpire and referee, passed away in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

The prime reason behind Brian Mellish’s sudden demise remains unknown so far.

Brian Mellish is survived by his wife, Alexandra (Sandy) Mellish, daughter, Stephanie, and grandson, Joshua. His sudden passing has come forward as a big shock to everyone who knew him.

His wife, Alexandra Melissa, affectionately known as “Duckie,” took to her Facebook to share Brain’s picture and wrote a short and sweet note that reads:

Your Happy Place
I promise I will get you there one more time 💕

Alexandra Melissa

She has been retired for over five years now. Alexandra retired on December 31, 2019, according to her Facebook.

Alexandra and Brian Mellish had welcomed their daughter, Stephanie, in 1981. She graduated from St. Francis High School in 1999.

One of his closest friends, Billy Gills, wrote a lengthy eulogy describing how great of a man he was. He wrote:

Brian, my umpire, my brother, my friend, my mentor, my family, my devil’s advocate, my hero. You were so many things to me but most importantly you were my friend.

“Now you no longer need me but I still need you. I am trying to be strong, but honestly, I am failing right now,” Billy expressed his raw feelings of feeling lost without him.

Amid the griefing, he admired Brian Mellish for always having his back at all times, saying:

Our friendship was ever-evolving into something better with every minute we spent talking, confiding in each other.

You have told me things, asked for MY advice on things, which I was truly honored to be part of.

“I will do my best to make you proud Brian. I may stumble from time to time, but I will think of you for guidance. You took a piece of my heart that can never be filled. Until me meet again blue eyes. I love you,” Billy ended the lengthy eulogy with a heavy heart.

To honor Brian’s memory, Billy has shared a collection of photos in the public group “In loving memory of Brian Vey Mellish.” These photos span different stages of Brian’s life, from school days to adulthood, including his wedding pictures and moments with his daughter.

Umpire Brian Mellish Was a Celebrated Umpire, Referee, and Educator with a Remarkable Four-Decade Career!

The decorated umpire, Brian Vey Mellish, had dedicated over four decades to officiating in Slo-Pitch National and Slo-Pitch Ontario.

Brian Mellish was also a volleyball referee for 15 years. He refereed the Niagara Volleyball League for several years in the A division at Princess Margaret.

In addition to his career as an umpire and referee. Brian had a long career with the District School Board of Niagara.

Throughout his 40-year career with the District School Board of Niagara, Brian made countless connections that enriched his life and the lives of those around him.

Similarly, Mellish dedicated an impressive 18 years to coaching with the Grantham Optimist Club.

Likewise, he also served as the custodian at Maplewood in elementary school. Lori Rose, one of his colleagues at Maplewood, remembered him writing an eulogy that reads:

I was lucky enough to work with Brian at the beginning of my teaching career at Maplewood School. As a custodian he took such pride in his job and made each student truly feel special. Over the past 25 years Brian reffed many of my volleyball games as both a player and a coach.

Lori Rose

In Case You Didn’t Know

• In addition to his immediate family, Mellish is survived by his mother, Joy Mellish, sister Cathy, her husband Dale, Uncle Mike, and his honorary daughter, Jessica Sawicki.
• Late umpire Brian Mellish was a fan of the Michigan Wolverines.