Steve MELNYK

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MELNYK: Steve. August 15, 1914 to November 26, 2014 (100 yrs. + 103 days). It is with heavy hearts that we announce a quick and peaceful passing of our Dad (aka Gido). Dad's earthly journey has come to a close and he has moved on to be with our Mom who passed away on April 30 of this year. They would have been married 72 years on November 21. Dad was born in Angusville, MB to Mike and Ann Melnyk, one of eight boys and five girls. All have predeceased him except for one sister Isabel of Victoria, B.C. Gido attended Ruthenia school and graduated with a Grade Three certificate…maybe Grade Two and Half. He was not a believer in a big education, but believed in good work ethics and understood the meaning of hard work. His early years were spent working on the family farm and also working for other farmers as a hired man. He spent several years in the Canadian Army. Upon coming home, Dad married Verna Stadnyk on November 21, 1942. Together, they moved to the Grandview District where they farmed until they moved to Brandon in 1967. Still too young to retire at age 53, he got a job with Parkdale builders. With his new 1967 Chevy one ton, he worked for the builder for many years and ended as their painter, having painted many houses in Brandon's West end. He also worked for the RM of Oakland operating a backhoe installing culverts. When he finally retired, Dad and Mom travelled throughout most of Canada and the USA in their truck and camper. They also had a summer home in Watrous, Saskatchewan at the famous mineral spa. On Dad's 90th birthday, the family surprised him with a birthday party. 75 family and friends came out to celebrate with Dad and enjoyed a full course meal. At the end of this, Dad looked up at us and said, “Well boys…this was good! So what are you going to do for my 100th birthday?” On his 100th birthday, with Mom now gone, 60 people came to a barbecue to honor this milestone. Dad once again said, “Thank You Boys.” Dad and Mom moved into Fairview Home in January of this year. With Mom's passing in April, Dad was basically lost without her. He was very fortunate to have the wonderful staff on the fifth floor of Fairview Home. We know he will miss you all but not as much as he missed his beloved wife. They are now together forever. He was a Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-grandfather, but to most…he was GIDO. He is survived by his eldest son Mike and wife Pat, son Fred (Patti), grandsons Michael and wife Sandy, Tim and wife Colleen, Steven and wife Brittany and granddaughter Katherine, as well his great grandchildren Mikaila and Nicholas Melnyk. Prayers were at Memories Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2014. Funeral Service was held at the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Friday, December 5, 2014. The Very Rev. Fr. Michael Skrumeda officiated. Pallbearers were Michael Melnyk, Tim Melnyk, Steven Melnyk, Katherine Melnyk, Mikaila Melnyk and Nicholas Melnyk. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.Eternal Rest – Vichnaya Pamyat

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 06, 2014