Metro Melnychuk

November 6, 1919 - January 4, 2016

Metro Melnychuk was born on the family farm near Buchanan, Sask. on November 6, 1919, the eldest of five children born to John and Polly Melnychuk. He passed away peacefully on January 4, 2016, at the age of 96 years at the Gateway Lodge in Canora, his home for the past three years.
Metro's early years were spent on the family farm and he attended Mamornitz School in the Buchanan district. In 1930 the family relocated to the Westmoor/Wishart district and he completed his education at Westmoor School. Metro farmed with his father and then purchased his own homestead quarter near Westmoor School. Metro was married to Edith (Kraynick) in 1940 and they settled on this homestead. In 1949, Metro and Edith sold their farm, packed up and moved with their three children to Amsterdam, Sask., where they had purchased a grocery store business. After a couple of years, a career change was made when Metro began working at the Co-op, firstly in Wishart and then in Margo. In 1964 Metro and Edith moved to Saskatoon, where they operated a boarding home for university students. Metro continued working for the Co-op as a truck driver and in his last position with the Co-op, he worked as a manager in fuel services. While in Saskatoon in his "spare" time, Metro bought, remodeled and "flipped" a few homes. In 1977, Metro retired from the work force and he and Edith retired in Wadena. Sadly, in 1978, Edith passed away and the new home they had built in Wadena was sold and Metro purchased a home and property at Fishing Lake. Metro was married for a second time to Anna (Naclia) in 1979. Metro and Anna spent many years dividing their time between Fishing Lake in the warm months and in Mission, Texas, in the cold winter months. They met and made many friends in the "Snowbird" community. The home and property at Fishing Lake was sold and Metro and Anna moved to Foam Lake. They then moved to Canora where they were nearer to their families. Health issues necessitated Metro's move to Gateway Lodge in 2013.
Metro immensely enjoyed travelling, fishing, photography, carpentry, crafting and watching chuck wagon races right up to the time he entered the lodge. He loved to "putter" in his workshop in the basement and was always busy with some sort of craft project. Many family and extended family members were the recipients of his skills as a carpenter, when he helped with small or large construction jobs. Metro always gave freely of his time and knowledge.
Family was very important to Metro and the "lights of his life" were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed attending activities and events that they participated in. Likewise he often attended events and activities in which nieces and nephews took part in. He was a patient, loving "teacher" and helper to them all. He will always hold a very special place in their hearts and memories.
Metro was predeceased by his first wife, Edith (1978) and his second wife, Anna (2013). He was also predeceased by three sons: Mervyn Metro (2014), Kenneth Wayne (2013) and Merle Alexander (1975).
He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory, two sisters, Helen Gyrofi and Judy Luciuk; daughter Sharon Lay (George); his daughters-in-law, Yvonne Melnychuk and Lola (Kashmark); three grandchildren, Tannis Shewchuk (Stewart), Kimberlee Lay-Street (Scott) and Colin Lay (Nicole Boyd); five great-grandchildren, Tristen and Sydney Shewchuk, Aurora, Lillawhin and Riller Lay-Street. Also surviving him are numerous nieces and nephews.
Metro leaves us with numerous memories of his wonderful sense of humor, strength and generosity. He will be remembered fondly and will be greatly missed.