Eugene Melnychenko

Melnychenko, Eugene Nestor February 24, 1933 – April 25, 2021 aged 88 years

Eugene was born in Shortdale District on February 24, 1933 to George and Anastasia (Barnesky) Melnychenko.  He was third in a family of four children.

    Eugene’s mother Anastasia, became ill when he was only four years old and was hospitalized where she gave birth to daughter Jo-Ann, who unfortunately was adopted at birth. Anastasia remained confined until her death.  Helen Kostyshyn took on the role of stepmother and raised the boys as her own.

  Eugene farmed with his father George and brother, William, in Shortdale until moving to Winnipeg to work at HSC. He retired from HSC in 1997 after almost 35 years of service. 

   Eugene loved technology, movies and making videos, operating the Dauphin Theater with his partners, filming weddings, anniversary and birthdays as well as editing and creating CD’s. Taping dance concerts and festival parades were a highlight of his summers for many years.

    Eugene loved the cattle and often came to the farm to help with the ‘bossies whom he called by name. Sometimes we wondered if he was a danger to himself as his hearing was failing more and more.  We always worried he would get hurt. He did have a few close calls but was able to stay out of harms way. He truly loved coming to Mervin and Sandra’s where he could be found just sitting and watching the cattle.

   He enjoyed family suppers and sharing in the family events like Christmas, birthdays and other holidays. Of course, photographing weddings and birthdays were a highlight.

   This last while, due to declining health, Eugene was a resident of Grandview Personal Care Home (2019). With the pandemic and all of the restrictions he was very discouraged. On his birthday, this year he said, “What is the point of living if you can’t see your family and friends”. So, we feel he just gave up.

    Eugene was predeceased by his parents, brother William, sister Jo-Ann Fraser, nephew Dan Melnychenko and niece Donna Melnychenko.

   Left to mourn and cherish fond memories are his brother Daniel (Mary Ann) Melnychenko and niece Roseanne of Warren Michigan; his adopted family Mervin (Sandra) Melnychenko, Laura (Don), Andrew (Jennifer), Angel (Deegan), Jessica and families and many cousins and friends.

   Visitation was held on April 29, 2021 from the Chapel of NairnChyz-Wolkowski Funeral Service.  A private family graveside service was held on April 30, 2021 from Grandview Community Cemetery with Floyd Martin officiating.  Flowers are grateful declined, donations in memory of Eugene to may be made to the Grandview Personal Care Home - Activities Department (Box 130 Grandview, MB R0L 0Y0). 

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