Melvin Woychyshyn

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Melvin Woychyshyn, peacefully on September 6th at the Hamiota Health Centre. He was born at his family home in the R.M. of Rossburn on November 15, 1932. Melvin was the second child of Mike and Anna (Trakalo) Woychyshyn.

He attended Byrd School, which was located just across the road from his home, from grade 1 to grade 8. He was fortunate to have the teachers live at his home and could use them for help with homework.  He was encouraged to quit school in grade 9, to help out at home. Raised on the family farm, Dad was accustomed to hard work. He would often mention walking 2 miles twice a day to get the cows for milking.  Picking roots, plowing fields with a 12” furrow plow and operating an international tractor that took 5 acres to turn around were just some of the chores he did as a young boy. 

At a young age, Dad worked for a local sawmill for $3.00/day for a 12 hour day.  Times were tough and Dad worked hard. He often mentioned that he would come home and have to wait for his clothes to thaw because they were frozen. He described his worst day as one that he had to cut and carry wet black poplar logs that were 10-12” wide and 10’ long in knee deep snow. 

On Easter Monday at a dance in Oakburn, Melvin met the love of his life, Olga.  From there the relationship grew and they were married 2 years later in Shoal Lake on June 11, 1960. 

Their first home was located just east of dad’s childhood home.  In 1963, they purchased a ½ section of land and a home in the Vista area.  They ran a mixed farming operation with cattle, chickens, pigs and grain.   

Mom and dad were blessed with 4 children.  Evange, Terence, Nadine and Darcy.  Farm life was busy and dad was sure to involve all of us in the chores. In addition to farming, he took courses on farm management and introductory electrical training, always trying to improve his knowledge and find ways to bring money into the family home to make ends meet. He also drove a school bus for the Pelly Trail school division for 17 years.  

Dad was very strong in his faith.  He was a devoted member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Rossburn. Following his father’s footsteps, dad became the Church Elder.  He was proud to serve the priests and never missed a service.   He was honored to pass this role onto his grandsons when he was no longer able to.  Dad was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and took great pride in becoming a 4th   Degree Knight.  Caroling with friends was a Ukrainian Christmas tradition that carried on for several years. 

In 1995, mom and dad moved off the farm to Shoal Lake.  Dad kept busy by working for farmers, hauling anhydrous and driving the local handi-van. Woodworking became a passion for dad.  He made several items for his children and grandchildren as well as items for the church which remain today with his name on them.  We were most impressed when in his 70’s, dad enrolled in a woodworking course at the Assiniboine Community College and would drive twice a week in the evenings.  One project that dad enjoyed being part of was the restoration of the Budda’s in Olha.

Mom and dad loved to dance.  They joined a square-dancing group and would travel for performances throughout Manitoba.  They also had the opportunity to travel to Arizona, Branson Missouri, Australia, Alaska and some bus tours.

In 2007, our family was faced with the tragedy of losing our brother Terence.  This was very difficult for our entire family, but especially for dad in losing a son, a son who had just recently purchased the family farm, a few short weeks prior to his death.     Dad enjoyed coffee with friends and when he was no longer driving on his own, he was grateful to have his scooter to get him there.  Everything would be put on hold, when it was time for coffee.

Family was very special to dad.  On family gatherings, dad would always express his appreciation for     everyone around the table and a tear would be seen in his eye.  When visiting, you would always be thanked for coming and as you walked out the door, dad would say “come again”.  He especially enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and catching up on what they were doing.  Whenever possible, he attended their concerts, sports games, graduations and weddings.  Most recently he enjoyed visits from 5 great grandchildren.

Dad is survived by his wife Olga of 62 years, children Evange (Edwin), daughter-in-law Lisa (Kevin),  Nadine (Darwin),  Darcy (Veronica), 12 grandchildren Dylan (Lianna), Maddi (Markus), Mackenzie, Riley (Randa), Reegan, Blake, Brittany (Kole), Jayln (Danny), Braiden (Calista), Brendon (Jessica), Danielle (Jarod), Jaxten, 5 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many coffee friends.  

Dad was predeceased by son Terence, infant children Lesia and Rodney, parents Mike and Anna Woychyshyn, sister  Nellie Bidochka and brother-in-law Bill Bidochka.

Your work here is done dad.  Vichnaya Pam’yat.