It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stefan Melnyk, on January 9, 2022, at the age of 100 years and 9 months.
Beloved husband of Anna Klym, and the late Maria Panas. Cherished father of Iryna (Gaétan Nadeau) and the late Oksana (Oleh Szklar). Stefan was also preceded in death by Anna’s daughter Sylvia Wasylyshyn and has left grieving Anna’s other daughter Doris (Stefan Diachuk). Devoted grandfather of Marika, Eva and Philippe, Gaétan’s son.
Stefan’s lifetime journey was filled with many challenges which he fought the best way he knew how.
He was born April 9,1921 in Koropets Ternopilska Oblast, Ukraine. The son of Ivan Melnyk and Petrunelia Gudzowska, brother to the late Anna (Semniankiw) and the late Helena (Kuryliak). He will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews and relatives in Ukraine.
At an early age it was discovered that Stefan was gifted with a strong tenor voice. Any visions of developing his talent was cut short with the outbreak of the second World War. In 1943 Stefan left home to volunteer to fight for Ukraine by joining the Ukrainian Galician Division. At the end of the war, not able to return home, he found himself in an internment camp in Salzburg, Austria. During these uncertain times, Stefan found joy of once again being able to return to singing. One of his quiet secrets was having sung as a tenor soloist at the Mozarteum in Salzburg.
In 1947, Stefan was given a chance to move to Canada. He was hired to work in northern Ontario, to help build a dam near lake Nipigon. At the end of his contract in 1948, he decided to move to Montreal. Here he met his soon to be bride Maria Panas. Together they had two children, Iryna and Oksana.
In 1960, Stefan and Maria decided to purchase a grocery store where they resided in Pointe St. Charles, Montreal. Together they grew the business exponentially, fully taking joy in sharing their lives with their neighbours who were also their customers. Once more, life hit a bump for Stefan. His young wife fell ill and passed away.
The store known as Steve’s soon became known as Tato’s. For 17 years Stefan’s life revolved around bringing up his two daughters after Maria’s passing. On the streets of Grand Trunk and Richmond it sounded like Stefan’s family had expanded to no end. He became Tato (dad) to everyone. One of his biggest prides later in life was to encounter someone on the street wherever he was and be addressed as Tato. He kept saying I have a big family.
Upon retiring from the store, in 1988, Stefan decided to marry Anna Klym. He kept busy helping to organize the Prosvita Ukrainian Golden Age club, helping the Holy Ghost Parish taking the role as church cantor, and continuing to sing as a first tenor in Montreal Ukrainian choirs. In 1992, an unimaginable event took place. Stefan returned to his native Ukraine to visit his place of birth but mainly to stand proud in the streets of Kyiv celebrating the first-year anniversary of an independent Ukraine. He found it important to live his life maintaining the traditions of his birthplace Ukraine. Emotional tears flowed freely during this trip.
Stefan was blessed to have lived with his wife Anna in their home for 33 years and having only a brief hospital stay in the end. He transitioned peacefully following a month long, valiant battle trying to survive a broken hip operation. We mourn the loss of a good man, who humbly demonstrated decency, reliability, honour and dignity. While we will miss Stefan dearly, we are comforted to know that Heaven’s choir has gained a beautiful tenor. Tato, we will miss you. Vichnaya Pamiat.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will hold a private ceremony.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Hôpital de Verdun for their wonderful support and care. A special thank you is also sent to Susan Temko Olijnyk who took her time to explain the medical terms and offered her encouragement throughout the last few weeks.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Holy Ghost Parish at 1791 rue Grand Trunk, H3K 1L9 (514) 769-3804 or the Ukrainian Youth Organization Plast Montreal, 3355 rue Dandurand, H1X 1M7, (450) 676-6885, would be appreciated.
Melnyk, Stefan 1921 – 2022
À Verdun, le 10 janvier 2022, à l’âge de 100 ans et 9 mois, est décédé Monsieur Stefan Melnyk, époux de Anna Klym. Outre son épouse, il laisse dans le deuil sa fille Iryna (Gaétan Nadeau), Oleh Szklar, époux de sa défunte fille Oksana, Doris, fille de Anna (Stefan Diachuk), ses petits-enfants Marika, Eva et Philippe (fils de Gaétan) et de nombreux neveux et nièces en Ukraine ainsi que plusieurs parents et amis.
Dus aux restrictions liées à la Covid-19, les services auront lieu en privé.
La famille tient à remercier le personnel de l’Hôpital de Verdun pour leur soutien et les bons soins prodigués.
Au lieu de fleurs, un don à l’Église catholique ukrainienne Saint-Esprit où Monsieur Melnyk a longtemps été chantre (1791 rue Grand Trunk, H3K 1L9, (514) 769-3804) ou à l’Association de la Jeunesse Ukrainienne Plast Montréal où ses enfants et petits-enfants sont membres (3355 rue Dandurand, H1X 1M7, (450) 676-6885), serait apprécié.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Stefan Melnyk 19212022..
Death notice for the town of: Verdun, Province: Quebec