JOHN EDWARD MELNICK SR.

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JOHN EDWARD MELNICK SR. John passed away October 16, 2015, aged 90 years. Darin Hoffman, Funeral Director, in care of arrangements. Mosaic Funeral Chapel, 1839 Inkster Blvd. (204) 275-5555 - www.mosaicfunerals.ca
Publish Date: Oct 31, 2015

JOHN EDWARD MELNICK SR. April 16, 1925 - October 16, 2015 It is with immense sadness that our family announces the passing of John Edward Melnick. Beloved son, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather. Cherished cousin, uncle and godfather. Loyal friend and neighbor. Proud fire fighter and veteran. Irreplaceable soul. On October 16, 2015, shortly after midnight, at the age of 90 years, our Grampy went home to reunite with our Nanny. Predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Frieda Helena Corley Melnick in December of 2013, John is survived by his children Pauline (John), Susan, John Jr. (Janet), Beverley (Carlos), and Christine. He leaves behind five grandchildren Rhonda, Cynthia, Mandi (Sal), Lisa (Brent), and Johann (Kelly). He also leaves a precious great-grandson Sebastian (son of Johann and Kelly) whose presence brought so much joy to his heart in his final days and a soon-to-be great- grandson (son of Mandi and Sal) who we know he will watch over from afar. Predeceased by his parents Stefan and Pawlina and seven of his eight siblings, he is also survived by his dearly loved sister Ruth. John was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His heart truly belonged to Meleb, Manitoba where his parent's homestead stood and where his father donated the land on which the church and school were built. We shared many happy memories in Meleb. We are grateful that John could take part in a family reunion there this past summer. To even begin to summarize the life John lived in a space as short as an obituary is truly an impossible task. The lessons he taught, the knowledge he shared, his generosity and compassion, his impeccable memory, and the way he told our family stories will echo in our hearts and minds for a lifetime. We were so blessed to have him as our patriarch . Over the years he enjoyed many wonderful memories with neighbors, friends, and extended family all across North America and around the world - from England and Mexico especially. Thank you for all your support and prayers. A source of great pride for John and his family is his 40 year service with the City of Winnipeg Fire Department. He was an integral force in the amalgamation of the department and proudly served as President of Local 867, The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg from 1972-1976. John was able to negotiate a pension plan which is still admired by unions across North America. He also served as one of three Canadian trustees with the International Fire Fighter's Association. In recent years he was honoured with a Queen Elizabeth the II Diamond Jubilee Medal as well as an honorary President Emeritus Award from the brotherhood he valued so highly. Our family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Victoria General Hospital as well as Dr. Hayward and Dr. Woo for the care they provided. We would also like to extend thanks to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (Camille), and Home Instead (Julie and staff), for their resources and support. Your assistance helped us keep Grampy where he wanted to be- his beloved home in St. Vital where he lived for over 50 years. A special thank you to Mariama who helped care for John at home for the last one and a half years. Thank you for being our angel. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rossbrook House or simply take the time to do a good deed for someone in honour of Grampy. This would celebrate the true essence of who he was. At John's request cremation has taken place and a celebration of life for both him and our Nanny will be planned for sometime in the spring of 2016. Your life was love and labour. Your love of family true. You did your best for all of us. We will always remember you. Vichnaya Pamyat. For online condolences, or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 1006 Nairn Ave. 204-275-5555
Publish Date: Oct 24, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2015