Obituary of MELVIN PROKOPOWICH

MELVIN PROKOPOWICH It is with great sadness the family of Melvin Prokopowich announces his passing in Winnipeg, MB on May 7, 2012 after his short illness at Seven Oaks Hospital. He will join Stella, his loving wife of fifty-five years, who passed away December 29, 2007. Melvin leaves to mourn his sons, Richard and Ronald (Bonnie); grandsons Ryan(Patricia) and Darren; great-granddaughter Hayley (mother Shawna); sister Jean Wasyl of Detroit, sisters-in-law Teenie Prokopowich Mary Posyniak of Winnipeg; and Nellie (Earl) Korzenoski of Sicamous; brothers-in-law Nick Holomay of Vancouver, Tony (Mary) Holomay and Peter Holomay of Bowsman and numerous nieces and nephews. Melvin was predeceased by his wife Stella; father Harry in 1964; mother Annie (nee Chorniuk) in 1998; brother John; sisters Olga (Frank) Molinski, Tillie (Ernie) Fedoryn, Antonia (Nick) Sawicki; brothers-in-law Walter Wasyl and Edward Holomay; sister-in-law Tillie (Bert) Ouellette. Melvin was born in Sifton, MB on March 9, 1929 and grew up in Grandview where he met Stella in 1948. In 1952 they sought employment in Toronto where they were married on August 2, 1952. In 1956 Stella and Melvin purchased a tourist property near Thunder Bay, which they operated for a period of time then sold and moved to Winnipeg permanently. Melvin started work at Carter Day Industries in 1959 in the assembly department; retired in 1991 as plant superintendent and continued on the board of directors until his passing. After retirement Melvin continued to socialize with friends and co-workers. He was well-liked by all and everyone enjoyed his sense of humor and friendly disposition. Melvin enjoyed gardening, curling, fishing, fixing everything, helping his son Ron build his house, showing people his antique collection, and helping anyone that needed assistance (especially his neighbors) as he was a jack of all trades and happy to share his many talents. He cherished his gazebo where family friends and neighbors would gather to share stories over a game of cribbage. Melvin also volunteered at Holy Family for many years where his mother resided until her passing. Melvin loved to talk and could carry on a conversation with anyone, adding laughter and joy to any situation. Melvin took great joy in his grandchildren; the apples of his eye. He loved to tease and joke with them and listen to their many stories. He was their biggest fan and greatest supporter. Melvin took great care in making sure everyone who visited his home was welcomed, cared for and accepted for who they were. Melvin will be missed by his sons, grandchildren, extended family and friends and we take comfort in the many memories we have of him that will stay with us forever. Special thank you to the nurses at Seven Oaks ICU unit. We welcome you to share in the celebration of Melvin Prokopowich's life with Prayers on Sunday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 355 Andrews Street. Interment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main St. Pallbearers will be Al Prokopowich, Jim Prokopowich, Ed Drebit, Mike Posyniak, Steve Krall and Paul Degner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Melvin’s memory to the Manitoba Lung Association.