NICHOLAS MELNYCHUK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

NICHOLAS MELNYCHUK It is with great sorrow and sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Nicholas Melnychuk. Nick passed away at his home on January 5, 2005. He is survived by his beloved wife Leona; sons, Mark (Beverly) and Grant (Alexandra); grandson Matthew; and stepgrandchildren, Brittney, Nathan and Nicky. Nick is also survived by his brothers, Peter, Steve (Sharon) and William; sisters, Lena, Ann (Nick), Teenie, Mary, Valerie (Paul), Sophie (Ted) and Eva (Bob); sister-in-law Sophie; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Paranka; brothers, John and Paul; sister Nettie; brothers-in-law, Ted, Fred and Bill; and sister-in-law Myrtle. Nick was born and raised on the family farm near Silver, MB. He attended the nearby Fryer School before moving to Winnipeg to complete high school at Isaac Newton School. He was a dedicated, accomplished and respected high school teacher for 37 years. From 1950 to 1956, Nick spent time teaching at the New Valley School near Arborg, the Meadowdale School near Clandeboye as well as in Gardenton and Rivers, MB and the Kirkfield Park School in St. James. In 1957, Nick settled in Gimli where he taught at the Gimli Composite High School for 32 years, 13 of which also serving as the Vice Principal of GCHS. While teaching, Nick attended evening and summer classes at the University of Manitoba and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962 and his Bachelor of Education Degree in 1965. He also received his Principal's Certificate from the Department of Education in 1965. In 1965, Nick also married his partner and best friend, Leona (nee Babych) of Edmonton, AB. Nick and Leona spent over 39 years together, becoming more inseparable as the years passed. In 1989, Nick retired from teaching and embarked on his new career as a small time politician. He sat two terms as Councillor for the Town of Gimli and three terms as a trustee for the Evergreen School Division. Nick managed to keep just as busy during his retirement as he did during his careers as a teacher and politician. He was an avid golfer that spent enough time on the golf course to make any golfer envious. In the winter he enjoyed taking long walks, swimming and aquacizing, skating and helping Leona and her friends at the Church make perogies. He was a generous, caring and proud husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Red Cross to provide aid for victims of the recent tsunami in Southeast Asia. A prayer service will be held on Monday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Gimli. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, January 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, Gimli, with Fr. Peter Chorney officiating. Interment will follow in the Holy Ghost Cemetery. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2005