Obituary of MERLYN ALLAN ONYSCHUK

On July 15, 2016, Merlyn passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 19, 1943 in Malonton, MB. Merlyn married the love of his life on June 3, 1967 and together, they settled in St. Andrews where they spent the last 36 years. Merlyn will be greatly missed by his wife and soul mate Connie, adoring daughter Janelle, son-in-law Kris, and cherished grandchildren Connor and Addilyn. He is survived by his brother Michael (Helen), brothers and sisters-in-law, John Taylor (Louise), Don (Ann) Humeny, Brian (Amelia) Humeny, and Nadia (Murray) Morrison, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Merlyn was predeceased by his parents Paul and Pauline, sisters Minnie Taylor and Olga Capar, as well as Connie's parents Dmytro and Eileen Humeny. Merlyn was a proud father to his daughter Janelle and spent much of his free time actively participating and supporting her activities whether it was coaching baseball, sitting on committees, being the photographer or even the committed spectator he was always there to show his dedication and support. Everything Merlyn did was for his family and that was especially true for his grandchildren. Gigi will always be remembered as their favourite handyman, airplane engineer, story teller, fellow traveler, and the one that never said "no". Merlyn was a do-it-yourselfer in yard work, carpentry, car maintenance and house repairs. He was always just a phone call away and would never turn down the opportunity to help others. In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing cards, bon fires, and shopping trips to the States. Merlyn put his heart and soul into everything he did, including over 50 years of work in the grocery industry, as well as his commitment to his community and church. He served as president for both the St. Andrews Community Club and Rossdale Ukrainian Dance School, was an active member of the St. Andrews Men's Club and a current board member of Holy Family Home. Merlyn was a dedicated parishioner of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, serving as sacristan, a member of the Parish Council, and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus since 1985 with Father Filipow Council. He was passionate about the Knights of Columbus, believing that the fellowship of brothers and the good works within the church and community was more important than membership. Throughout the years, he served in various positions and roles, from District Deputy, member of the 4th Degree, Faithful Navigator for the Canon Luhovy Assembly, to the State Board, advancing through the ranks to State Deputy from 2011-2013. His proudest moment was attaining the Circle of Honour for two consecutive years, his dedication to the Culture of Life, and his instrumental role in establishing the first Knights of Columbus in Ukraine. After having the protocol/degrees translated, he was fortunate to travel with a team to Ukraine twice. Following his trip, he proceeded to raise funds for wheelchairs and mobility aids with the help of the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation and was able to see this endeavour completed. Throughout all of Merlyn's travels, he left a lasting impression with every person he met and gained many lifelong friends. He will be thought of often for his radiant smile, mischievous twinkle and one line zingers. Merlyn will be deeply missed by all, but always remembered in our hearts. A memorial service will be held at St Nicholas Parish, 737 Bannerman Ave. on Friday, August 19, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate and honour our beloved Merlyn. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Merlyn's memory to Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Manitoba Provincial Council; Box 3587 Redwood Postal; Wpg, MB; R2W 3R4 for mobility aids, St Nicholas Church Special Project or a charity of your choice. "TO THE WORLD HE WAS ONE PERSON, BUT TO US HE WAS THE WORLD" Vichnaya Pam’yat