Obituary of Orest MELNYK

July 10, 1918 – June 14, 2012 Orest Melnyk of Calgary, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the age of 93 years. Orest was born in Vegreville, AB on July 10, 1918. While growing up, he was very interested in sports, such as basketball and swimming. During WWII, Orest joined the RCAF as a pilot and was soon promoted to flight lieutenant. While stationed briefly in Halifax, he met Willa before going overseas to Great Britain, Africa and Ceylon. Upon his return, they married and settled in Cadomin, where their children Dave and Mona were born. They soon moved to Edmonton and settled there, opening Melnyk Drafting Services where he worked until retirement. Orest and Willa spent many a Saturday night dancing it up at the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton. He enjoyed all the grandchildren’s soccer games and tournaments. Barbequing Cornish game hens and fishing in the Tonquin were also favourite pastimes. Later in life, they enjoyed travelling to the Ilikai in Honolulu, where they spent three months each year. Las Vegas was also a loved vacation. They moved to Victoria in 1993 to be closer to Dave, and both loved the city and the climate. They moved to Calgary as Willa’s health declined, and lived out their days surrounded by family. He is survived by his son David (Laurel) and his daughter Mona(Gordon), six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of sixty-three years Willa, his parents Paul and Pearl and six siblings. A small luncheon will be held at Mona and Gordon’s Calgary home on July 21, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please confirm at 403-236-7909. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 15 Colonel Baker Place N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 4Z3 Telephone: (403) 261-7219. In living memory of Orest Melnyk, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.