Michael Melnychuk was born on August 28, 1923 in the Hamton district of SK; a son of George and Mary (nee Pelabroda) Melnychuk. He was raised on the family farm and received his schooling in the district. As a young man he enlisted into the Royal Canadian Army, receiving his basic training in western Canada and Ontario. Mike and his brother Alex went overseas with the forces. Following his discharge Mike returned to Saskatchewan. He then moved to British Columbia to find work, and resided at Squamish, Armstrong and Revelstoke, where he was employed in the plumbing trade and also worked for a time in the mines. He was married for a short time but his wife Florence passed away from cancer at a young age. Mike continued to reside in BC until returning to Saskatchewan about ten years ago. He resided in Yorkton until poor health required him to become a resident of the Gateway Lodge in Canora in October of 2007. Mike passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. He was 88 years of age. Mike will be remembered as a quiet but kind individual who kept mostly to himself. He enjoyed travelling around the country in his younger years. Predeceased by his parents; brothers John, Alex, George, William and Nick; and by sisters Helen Kryski and Sally Hornick. He is survived by several nieces and nephews and their families. The funeral service was held on Friday, February 10, 2011 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home. Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky of Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church officiated, the responses were led by the Cantor, William Kozey, assisted by Parish Choir members. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, General ALexander Ross branch #77, Yorkton performed the Legion Tribute Service. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home (baileysfuneralhome.com)
