Obituary of John Melnick

It is with great sadness that we the family announce the peaceful passing of our father, John Melnick, age 82, of Dominion on Saturday, November 5th, 2016 at home with his children at his side. Born June 9th, 1934, he was the son of the late Stephen and Mary (Stefura) Melnick. Dad married the love of his life, Christine, in 1963 and settled in Dominion where they raised their children. In his younger years, Dad and Mom would spend many fun times at their bungalow in Gabarus where they would go hunting and fishing together. They were a loving couple as Dad truly loved Mom and vice versa. His interests included hunting, fishing reading and watching westerns. We all have fond memories of Dad hunting and fishing. Whether he was smoking mackerel or hunting deer with his sons, he thoroughly enjoyed all of these times and many of these fond memories were created hunting and fishing with his son Billy in Gabarus. John retired after 35 years with the Dominion Coal Company (Devco); working in various coal mines, including No. 26, Lingan and Phalen collieries. Dad was a hard worker and he enjoyed the camaraderie of the miners and cherished the friendships he made while working there over the years. After his retirement, Dad’s love for salmon fishing flourished, he adored catching salmon in Grand River or on the Margaree River. He spent many fun filled years chasing salmon on the rivers as he was both a skilled fisherman and an avid fly tyer. Fisherman from all over the world would ask for his flies. In his younger years, he fished the Margaree with his son Steve and was lucky enough to fish the Miramichi with him and his grand-nephew Shaun. Dad was both and avid reader of Louis L’Amour and a fan of John Wayne westerns. But he will be remembered mostly for being a loving and hard working husband and father. Although he spent many hours working, he always would find time to spend with his children. Lastly, Dad had a special relationship with his best friend and sister Annie MacDonald and he will be missed deeply by her. John is survived by his children Gary (Mildred) Bernasky, Bill (Rosanna) Melnick, Joanne (Gerard) Gouthro and Steve; sisters Annie MacDonald (Dominion), Julie (Benny) Gaetan (New Waterford); brother Billy Malnick (Oshawa); grandchildren, Cheryl, Tammy, Amber, Marea, Michael, Catherine and Amy and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Besides his parents, Dad was also predeceased by his loving wife Christine; brothers Steven and Walter; stepfather Stan Lozowski; brother-in-law Shunna MacDonald and nephew Stevie MacDonald. Dad will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. There will be no visitation or funeral service. Memorial donations in Dad’s memory may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), or the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County. A special thank you to the Continuing Care Program (Home Care Staff), the VON, the staff and doctors at the Palliative Care Unit and Unit 4B, both at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. We also want to express a sincere thank you to our many family and friends for the wonderful support system they have shown us throughout this difficult time. Online expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting www. vjmcgillivray.ca.