Rodney MELNYK

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MELNYK: Suddenly on Sunday, April 30, 2017, Rodney James Melnyk passed away in Brandon, Manitoba. He was born on July 29, 1952 in Rossburn, Manitoba to Tony and Olga Melnyk. At the age of 2, he moved to Birtle where he remained until he completed high school. After high school Rodney went to Thompson where he worked at INCO. A few months later he found employment with Manitoba Telephone Systems and remained with them until his retirement in 2002. He started his career with MTS in Flin Flon where he met his wife Margaret Bage. They had two girls Crystal and Kimberly. In 1982, Rod's career took them to Thompson for 3 years and in 1985 the family moved to Brandon where they remained. Rodney enjoyed playing hockey, ball, golf and pool as a child and well into his adulthood. He continued to play golf and play pool until his death. He was a member of the Glen Lea Seniors Men's League. He loved watching all sports on TV and was a lifelong fan of the Montreal Canadians and Saskatchewan Roughriders. In 2005, Rodney became a grandpa to Morgan and he loved her so much and was so proud of her Ukrainian Dance achievements. Rodney and Marg spent 10 winters in Weslaco, Texas where he developed a passion for the game of shuffleboard. South Texas was Rod's happy place in the winter and many new friendships and memories were made. Rod was predeceased by his father Tony, grandparents Peter and Mary Melnyk and John and Anne Lazuruk and his father-in-law Ralph Bage. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret; daughters Crystal (Rodney Leshchyshyn), Kimberly and granddaughter Morgan; mother Olga Melnyk; sisters Sheila Bazlik, Maleon (Ron Kostick); brothers Kelvin (Cheryl), Perry (Carole); mother-in-law Betty Bage, as well as his in-laws Bill Bage (Karen), Lana (Ed Chalmers). He is also survived and will be missed by aunts, uncles, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Celebration of Rodney's Life took place on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Monterey Estates Recreation Centre. Donations in memory of Rod may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, Unit 301-1 Wesley Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4C6 or to a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on May 13, 2017