August 12, 1936 - June 24, 2024
In loving memory ~
William Melnyk passed away peacefully at home in Penticton on Monday, June 24, with his loving wife Pat at his side, following a lengthy respiratory illness.
Bill was born to John and Nancy Melnyk, August 1936 in Andrew, Alberta. The second of four children, Bill was predeceased by his parents and sisters Elsie and Lillian and is survived by his brother Vic (78) and his cousin Lena (93) who he dearly loved.
Bill spent much of his life in the prairies, growing up in Edmonton with summers at Ma-Me-O Beach where his family had a café, motel and museum. He became a structural draftsman, engineering large construction projects which took him to Saskatchewan in 1957 and back to Calgary in 1971. It was during this time that Bill raised his family of five (K's): Ken, Karen, Kevin, Kathy and Kaulin, with first wife Marie. Bill has 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. An avid outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed camping and fishing in the summer where he sought out a different lake every weekend with the plan to fish every lake in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Bill retired to Oliver, BC in 1991 where he lived his best life, simple and unassuming. He built a home next to his father's in the orchard that was part of the family for 50 years. He became a constant and valued member of his church and met Pat Soroka. Pat's extraordinary kindness, love and generosity brought calm and fulfillment to his life. Pat shared with him her love of travel which took them from Alaska to the Panama Canal. Bill was never happier than his time with Pat.
With structural steel in his blood, Bill could not resist helping others with any type of construction project big or small. He was quick to drop his pencil, grab his tools and show up, invited or not, to help friends and neighbours. One of his proudest projects was a volunteer mission to build a western style college in Lithuania in 2009. More than anything, he absolutely loved working in the vineyards, wearing his notorious battered hat and driving his tractor along the rows.
Bill will be remembered for his quality of caring and willingness to help others before himself. Whether it was flooding the local skating rink on a cold winter night, replacing the roof of his church or helping friends and neighbours. His unique sense of humour and deep laugh endeared him to his community wherever he went. He will be missed.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. September 28th at the Oliver Cemetery in Oliver, BC followed by a luncheon at Valley Congregational Church.
The family wishes to thank the Penticton home care and palliative care nurses for their wonderful and compassionate support.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory may be made to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.everdenrust.com
Service Details
1:00 PM