Obituary of Steven Melnychuk

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Melnychuk, a resident of Dawson Creek; formerly of Chetwynd, B.C. Steve passed away peacefully on January 18, 2016 at the age of 95 years with his family by his side. Steve was born in Saskatchewan, and as a young boy worked very hard as his father passed when he was only 7 yrs old. Steve, lovingly called Gigo, met his lovely wife Mary at a country dance near Erwood, Sask, they married & started a family. They lived in the area for many years, with 3 children they packed up & moved to Hixon BC. Steve worked for the forestry. In 1960 they packed up their Volkswagen bus, and the family moved to Chetwynd. Steve worked at Canfor for 25 years. Steve retired from Canfor but not from keeping busy. On their little hobby farm east of town, Steve & Mary, from bare land made themselves a beautiful yard, they planted over hundred trees, planted flower & vegetables gardens. They gathered their own wood, baled their own hay (with family help) and loved their cats & dogs. Steve was a farmer at heart, he could fix anything with wire, binder twine & glue. Steve & Mary loved it when grandkids and great grandkids came to visit. They would swing with them on the garden swing, pick berries and fish. Steve made great pots of soup, used his own herbs. Steve believed in natural herbs to relieve many ailments. When his wife Mary had to go Rotary Manor, Steve moved to be near her until her passing. He moved back to Chetwynd for a few years until it was his time to move to Rotary Manor. He settled into the Manor very well as he liked mingling with all the people around him. He could not hear very well but he had many stories to tell, and loved playing crib for hours. Steve enjoyed when he went for rides, either with the Manor bus or with his family. The Manor was a great place for Steve as he developed a very loving relationship with the staff. He was loved and cared for there, they loved when the family dressed up for all the occasions, won prizes and played many games. For our family this was his home. We cannot thank the staff enough at Rotary Manor. There were a few that went beyond being a caregiver, they were his friends. When dad he passed, many tears were shed with us, they were a great comfort .Many still speak of mom & her hugs. We also thank Surerus House, where he lived for a bit, his caregivers were great ladies, thank you. Cremation services were held at Reynars Crematorium. Family will announce a memorial service in the spring in Chetwynd. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium