IVAN MELNYK

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IVAN MELNYK It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Ivan (John) Melnyk on March 13, 2006. Left to cherish his memory are his loved and loving wife Mary; his son George (Marie); his daughter Joanne (Mike); his son Michael (Kim); his grand-children, Jason Leslie, Michael; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ivan was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Anne, and older sister, and granddaughter Julianne. He is also survived by his sister Anne; nephew Ihor; cousin Vasyl; and their children, in Iwano-Frankiwsk, Ukraine. Ivan was born August 12, 1924 in Iwano-Frankiwsk, Western Ukraine. He lived in that region with his family until the age of 18 when he was taken, with thousands of other young men and women, by the army of Nazi Germany into forced labour. There he laboured for the remainder of the Second World War in the industrial centres of Dusseldorf and Cologne, Germany. After being liberated by the Americans in 1945, Ivan emigrated to Venezuela where he operated earth moving equipment in the development of roads, and the construction industry. In 1956, Ivan emigrated to Canada, and made Winnipeg his new home. Ivan was able to find companionship with Winnipeg's Ukrainian community, with many friendships that lasted to this day. Some of these friendships began in the forced labour factories of Germany. In 1957, Ivan married his wife Mary. They were married for over 48 years living in East Kildonan where his neighbours were also dear and caring friends. In Winnipeg, Ivan worked at C.C.I.L.; Simmons Construction; and later, until his retirement, with the C.N.R. as a Carman at the C.N. Transcona Shops. Ivan enjoyed life and was forever proud of his Ukrainian heritage and his Canadian citizenship. He was a good provider for his wife and family, and his hardworking character was evident to all who knew him; and to all who held his hand. Ivan was a strong and courageous man who loved art, music, singing, dancing, history, nature, sports, chess, cars, and was an ingenious handyman and mechanic. He enjoyed gardening, and the growing and grafting of his beautiful apple trees. He would always help friends, neighbours, and family and would unselfishly give of his time and energies to help and care for others. Ivan was a gentle and patient man who loved to learn and encouraged others to do the same. He was a wonderful friend and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Father had a deep sense of justice and would always be concerned with the seriousness of events in the world. All of his life Ivan had a strong faith and love of God which was proven in his abilities to transcend his adversities and consistently showed with his kind and gentle ways. We love you, Tato, forever. You are our hero, and we shall never forget you. Prayers will be said on Friday, March 17, at 7:00 p.m. at the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, corner of Watt St. and Munroe Ave. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, March 18 at 10:00 a.m. also at the church, with Rev. Fr. M. Winn officiating. Interment to follow in Holy Family Cemetery. VICHNAYA PAMYAT FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED KNYSH FUNERAL CHAPEL 582-0973

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2006