Mervyn Melnychuk

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Mervyn (Merv) Melnychuk on October 1, 2014.

Mervyn Metro Melnychuk was born on July 28, 1941, in Lestock, Saskatchewan, the first son of Metro and Edith (Kraynick) Melnychuk. His early years were spent on the family farm and he attended Westmoor School. The family moved several times in the next few years, finally settling in Margo, where he attended high school and graduated in 1959. After graduating, Merv entered the Psychiatric Nursing program in North Battleford. Shortly after graduating from nursing he decided he needed a career change and he joined the Canadian Air Force. While in the Forces he was stationed in Vancouver, Trenton and Kingston. He obtained his lab technician certificate while he was a member of the air force. In 1964 after leaving the air force he was employed as a lab technician in Kingston, Ontario, and St. John's, Newfoundland.

While in Newfoundland he met Yvonne Smith and in 1968 they were married. In 1969 they moved to Saskatoon and Merv was employed by Fort Garry Industries. Yvonne and Merv moved to Prince George, B.C. in 1977. He was employed in a few positions before finally accepting a position at Prince George Motors as Fleet Manager (Ford sales). Merv remained in this position for the next 23 years until his retirement.

In 1987 his marriage to Yvonne was dissolved. He met Lola, his friend, his true love and as health issues became a concern, his caregiver. In 2007 Merv and Lola moved to Canora, Saskatchewan, to spend their retirement years.

Merv had many interests and hobbies. He loved antiquing and he was especially proud of his collection of several restored John Deere tractors, which he reluctantly had to sell when they moved to Canora. Another hobby was woodworking and anything he made was made to perfection. Mariah and Martina (granddaughters) have chests that Papa Merv made for them. They are treasured by the girls, and will be a very fond remembrance of Papa. He enjoyed music immensely and for several years Lola and Merv had a DJ business which kept them very busy on weekends. Travelling and participating in short wave and Airstream functions as well as attending music concerts were always highlights. He enjoyed photography, reading and watching TV, mostly doing this with the company of his beloved Jack Russell terrier, Merlyn.

His brother, sister, nieces and nephews, as well as his step-sons and their families were the absolute love and delight of his life and they reciprocated that love.

Merv will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife Lola; his father Metro; sister Sharon Lay (George); stepsons, Randall Kashmark (Patti) and Darin Kashmark (Terry); his nieces, Tannis Shewchuk (Stewart), their children Tristen and Sydney; Kimberlee Lay-Street (Scott), their children, Aurora, Lillawhin and Riller; Colin Lay (Nicole); and his granddaughters, Meghan, Mariah and Martina Kashmark.

Merv was predecesed by his brother Merle Alexander in March 1975; mother Edith, September 1978; brother Kenneth Wayne, May 2013; and step-mother Anna, October 2013.

Merv's larger-than-life personality, his pride in being a Canadian and a veteran, his generosity and caring for others are qualities that we will always remember.