Steve MELNYCHUK

STEVE MELNYCHUK It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather Steve Melnychuk on Monday, Nov. 8, 2004 at Rainycrest Home for the Aged. He leaves to cherish his memory his four children: Walter of New Hope, MN; Gerald (Kathleen) of Minnetonka, MN; Susanne (Tim) of Winnipeg, MB and Stephanie (Glenn) of Sartell, MN; twelve grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren; three brothers, Metro (Vivian) of Surrey, BC; John (Nellie) of Penticton, BC, and James (Lorraine) of Regina, SK, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Steve was predeceased by his wife, Edith, in April 1993, his daughter-in-law Mary in 1996, his parents George and Vasilina, brothers William, Nick and Tom and sisters Polly, Helen, Anne, Kay, and Mary. Steve was born on January 7, 1914 to George and Vasilina Melnychuk and raised in Buchanan, SK. In 1935, during the depression, he moved to Fort Frances, ON. and found work in the lumber industry. It was in Fort Frances that he met Edith Krishka and on March 14, 1937, they were united in marriage and spent 56 years together. Steve commenced work with Boise Cascade Paper Mill in Fort Frances, ON, on March 6, 1943. He joined the army during WWII serving with the Royal Canadian Engineers until January of 1945 when he received an honourable discharge. On his return, Steve continued employment with Boise Cascade until his retirement as a Groundwood Supervisor on January 31, 1979 with over 35 years of service. During this time, Steve was active in union affairs and served as President of Local 92 of the United Paperworkers International Union. He also served one term on the Fort Frances Town Council and in 1974 was appointed Grand Master of Granite Lodge No. 446. In 1976, during the first year of operation for the Kitchen Creek Golf Club, Steve’s close friend, Merdo Krawchuk introduced him to the game of golf and what ws to become his passion. In 1977 Steve beat out Merdo to win the McTaggart’s Match Play Invitation. He went on to become a Masters Club Champion at the age of 86, to win the Super Seniors’ Crown in 2000 and won the Tom Onichuk Memorial Plaque in 2002. At the age of 87, he became the only club member to have his name engraved on the “Carded His Age” plaque in the clubhouse, along with his crowning glory, “Shooting a Hole in One” from earlier years at the age of 85. From then on he was known as “Ace” Melnychuk. Steve was fortunate to enjoy good health, enabling him to take several golfing trips to South Carolina and spending numerous winters in Phoenix, AZ. Steve was an active member of the Kitchen Creek Golf Club; Alberton Chapter No. 152 of the Royal Arch Masons of Canada, the Granite Lodge No. 446; the Khartum Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., Winnipeg, MB., the St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and Ukrainian Literary Society. The family would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Cameron Moorhouse and all the staff of the East Wing of Rainycrest Home for the Aged as well as the nursing Staff of St. Andrew’s Ward and CCU at the Riverview Health Centre for their excellent care and compassion during Steve’s illness. A special thanks to his “coffee” group and to his “church” group for their companionship and friendship over the years and to Merdo Krawchuk for being a terrific friend. You help and your daily visits were most appreciated. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ont. Rev. Fr. Michael Kopchuk will officiate with interment in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances, Ont. Friends may visit Thursday evening from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Prayers will be offered at 7:30 p.m. followed by the Masonic Granite Lodge Memorial Service. The active pallbearers will be Jason Doering, Eric Kiihn, Rob Kiihn, Mark Melnychuk, Michael Melnychuk and Bill Rooney. Honourary pallbearers will be Merdo Krawchuk, Conrad Lemieux and Members of Steve’s Coffee Group. Should family and friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, P.O. Box 444, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 3M8.