Celebration of life held in North Cowichan for beloved COVID-19 victim

The Cowichan Valley saw a large celebration of life for a well-loved father-son and husband who was a victim of COVID-19.

The 39-year-old died in September and soon after hundreds of people got vaccinated in his memory.

his family held off on a large-scale memorial service until friends and family from far and wide could attend.

Close to 100 trucks and tractors went by Josh Mellor’s former home Saturday, as his wife, children and family watched as they drove to the celebration of life for the heavy-duty mechanic who was loved by so many.

“I’m doing okay at the moment. It’s not as raw as it was six months ago so it’s a little nicer for it to be happening now that we can all kind of see through it. Josh would’ve loved this. He was all into these tractor and truck parades,” said Jeannie Mellor, Josh Mellor’s mother.

Mellor, a father of two young daughters, tested positive for COVID-19 in September. He was not vaccinated and had asthma. He battled Covid for more than two weeks before dying in hospital. His wife immediately recommended people seriously consider getting vaccinated.

Josh’s death motivated friends, family and even complete strangers to get a Jab for Josh.

Many of them were at his memorial.

“I got the jab for Josh two days after he passed away. I was fortunate. I got two doses of Pfizer and I have not been sick,” said Brandon Westhoff, who came from Colorado for the memorial.

“I also got jabbed for Josh right after because I hadn’t got the vaccine right away,” said Casey Maguire, a friend from the Yukon who now lives in Calgary.

His friends say Josh had the ability to make friends with anyone.

“Josh was just such a great person. He cared about everybody,” said Westhoff.

“Heart of gold, [he] would give you the shirt off his back and just a great personality. He was a little rough around the edges but always wanted to joke,” said Maguire.

It’s estimated hundreds got a Jab for Josh.

“It’s very much a legacy. He will be remembered for a long long time and talked about for a long long time,” said Jeannie Mellor.

Hundreds packed out Mellor Hall for the celebration of life, where his mother spoke about how Josh loved his family, farming and fixing trucks along with giving out the middle finger salute.

She says he also loved Jesus.

The Mellors say they’re grateful for how incredibly the community has supported their family through Josh’s death.

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