PETER MICHAEL MELNYCHUK

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PETER MICHAEL MELNYCHUK It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our Dear Father and Grandfather. Dad passed away peacefully on January 31, 2008, at home with both his daughters at his side. Dad was born in Silver, MB, on June 25, 1926, where he lived all his life. He married the love of his life Mary (Myrtle) Golanowski on October 20, 1956. He was predeceased by his wife on January 20, 2003; his brothers, John, Paul, Nicholas and his sister Nettie. He is survived by his children, Andrea, Patricia, Dennis and Randy (Peggy); as well as his grandchildren, Harlan, Austin and Morgan; also survived by his brothers, sisters and many nieces, nephews and friends. Dad attended Fyrer school east of Silver until grade 6 and then helped out on the family farm until he was called to military service in the Second World War. He trained in Winnipeg and due to an injury never saw active duty overseas but remained with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles until his discharge at the end of the war. Dad then had a variety of jobs. He worked in a mine at Geraldton, ON, picked tobacco near Tillsonburg, ON, cooked on a freighter on the Great Lakes, was a fireman and truck driver for KIK Cola in Winnipeg. After a few years of working away from home he started a road building and land clearing business. His company cleared thousands of acres of land and built hundreds of miles of roads. His many projects included the Red River Floodway in the 1960s, Oak Hammock Marsh in the 1970s, many highways including parts of the Trans-Canada Highway and bridge overpasses on Highway No. 12 at Ste. Anne, MB. Dad also continued with the family farm until he retired. Dad volunteered his knowledge, skills and equipment for many community and worthwhile causes and people in need. Dad loved animals, the land and saw beauty and purpose in all things God created; his special nature, his love of reading, keeping up with current events. His intelligence and impeccable memory were enjoyed by all with the stories of his past experiences. He loved children and had a special place in his heart for the underdog. During Dad's retirement he remained active helping his children and friends. He loved calving season and all the activities of the farm. He treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren. Caring for his yard was a special passion, riding his lawn tractor, planting fruit trees and feeding the birds. Dad's sense of humour was true and genuine. He was a very loving father, grandfather and friend and will be sadly missed. He has left a legacy of love and memories we will never forget. A prayer service will be held Thursday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m., at the MacKenzie Funeral Chapel in Arborg. Funeral service will take place at St. John The Baptist Church at Silver on Friday, February 8 at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at the Parish Cemetery. Rest in Peace Vichnaya Pamyat Arborg (MacKenzie) Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 07, 2008