MELVIN ELIUK

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MELVIN ELIUK Melvin passed away peacefully at Vita Hospital on Saturday, June 21, 2008. Mel leaves behind to mourn his passing and celebrate his life his children Oriana, Russell (Sandi), Rhonda, Bradley (Roberta) and Melanie, also his cherished and beloved grandchildren of whom he was so proud - Jenine (Rob), Austin, Rebecca and Richard. Most special to his life was his precious Helen, companion and love for the last 11 years who added sunshine to his life and brightened his days. Melvin was born in Arbakka, Manitoba in 1931 to George H. and Vaseleha Eliuk. One of 10 children Agnes, Jean, Marion, Ruby, Anne, Wilma, Olga, Vincent and William who lost his life in the Second World War. Melvin moved to Charleswood in 1934, was educated at the original Loudon School on Loudon Road, and then went on to Chapman High School. After high school he worked for Canada Cement and was Foreman at the Searle Grain Seed Plant after the Second World War. Upon going to Victoria, BC he was employed by the BC Government on the H.M.C.S. Estevan Merchant Navy as an engineer. Melvin and Elizabeth Eleanor Peck were married in Victoria, BC in 1950 and were blessed with one daughter, Oriana. The family moved back to Charleswood and farmed in the area before being blessed with another two daughters, Rhonda and Melanie and two sons, Russell and Brad. Mel retired from farming and worked for Soo-Security Motorways and Security Storage as a Garage Superintendent before going on to work for Kleysen Cartage as a Mechanical Field Expeditor. Mel attended Red River Community College to upgrade his education before joining the City of Winnipeg Works and Operation Division in District 6 Street Section, and then went on to the Training Division in Works and Operation as a Field Instructor before advancing to Chief Field Instructor. Melvin received top position in the training branch as Equipment Operator and Tradesman Instructor for Equipment and Materials Service Branch. He served out 25 years leading to his retirement. Melvin was a Boy Scout councilor for the Charleswood 53rd Scout Troop and was the first scout troop to win first prize in the Klondike Derby held at LaBarriere Park. He was an active member of the Roblin Park Community Centre as an Entertainment Coordinator. An active longtime member and Past Noble Grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows - Manitoba Historic Lodge #1 and the EL MAHDI SANCTORUM NO. 50 Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans. Melvin was an active member of the Board of Directors for the Charleswood Horticultural Society, a Past Vice-President and an honorary life member. He was also an active member and Vice-President of the Charleswood Historical Society and honorary life member. He was a committee member of Caron House and for the new Welcome to Charleswood sign. Melvin sat on the committee for the Charleswood War Memorial Cairn, which was erected on the corner of Berkley and Roblin. On Melvin's recommendation the Society accepted his proposal to name the park, where the Cairn sits, to Charleswood Park. Dad was an exceptional man - a real gentleman of the old school. Hard work, honesty and doing a job right the first time were the credos he lived his life by. He believed in doing the right thing and that family should come first and taught us that we should always stick together and help each other out. He loved the outdoors and nature. In his younger years fishing and camping were his favourite pastimes. We have many fond memories of fishing out at Pointe du Bois and Great Falls and he could tell lots of fishing stories. The neighbours on his street were used to seeing the flocks of deer that would show up every evening to be fed by him. In later years, his greatest joy was the times he spent with Helen out at the farm puttering on his beloved machinery and traipsing through the bush mushroom picking. Dad reveled in the sights and sounds of the numerous birds who were attracted by his many bird feeders. He was truly one in a million and we are proud to call him our Dad. The family would like to thank Dad's neighbour Morley for his dedication and friendship. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. with the funeral service to take place on Thursday, June 26 at 12:30 p.m. with viewing half hour prior to the service and a reception to follow. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. CHAPEL LAWN 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 24, 2008