Melvin Justus Given McMullen
1903 – 1999 – Inducted in 2013
Category of Political Leader
Mel McMullen also know by his stage name “Len Vintus” was born on June 19, 1903 in Shoal Lake, Manitoba. In 1914 he arrived in Winnipeg with his parents Catherine (nee Bennett) and William A. McMullen.
He came to Transcona in 1931 when he was hired as Manager of the North American Lumber in Transcona. After which he then became very involved in the community. He served as President of the Board of Trade in Transcona, Chairman for the Historical Booklet Committee for Transcona’s Silver Jubilee Celebrations. He was elected as School Trustee in Transcona, a position he held for 6 years and later was elected as a Town Councillor, serving five terms in office. In 1950 Mel acted as a main organizer for Transcona’s 1950 Flood Relief effort. He chaired the Historical Booklet Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebrations.
In 1997 he was awarded the Paul Harris Award from the Transcona Rotary Club for his long involvement in the Transcona community.
Mel was also active in the other communities and groups; he co-founded the International Brotherhood of Magicians in 1922 which has become the largest magician organization in the world. He had been enthusiastic about magic from a young age. He performed with his partner “Jerry” on stage many times. Ge was the Manitoba Manager of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. In 1958 Mel was appointed the Provincial Deputy of Industry and Commerce. He was hired as the Manager for the Manitoba Travel and Convention Association to promote Manitoba. He was well known as Mr. Manitoba due to his unfailing enthusiasm for the province, its heritage, and resources.