Please click here to view the livestream of the service.
It is with great sadness that on November 7, 2021 Peter Melnychuk of Edmonton Alberta passed away at the age of 92. He is survived by the love of his life Sophie and his three children Rhonda, Terri and Peter (Vicki) and his 4 grandchildren and partners; Nicolas & Allison, Peter, Samantha & Nathan, and Matthew. He also had 3 great-grandchildren, Josie, Nash and Bruce. He is also survived by Allen Melnychuk the last remaining of 4 boys that were all well recognized educators in Edmonton. He received degrees from the U of A in Pharmacy (1953) and Education (1955). He worked in Edmonton’s public school system, spending 18 of his 37 years at Harry Ainlay High School. Concurrent with his teaching career he also practiced as a pharmacist. Following his own career as a player in rugby, football, etc. he coached multiple sports in the school system. His involvement as a youth coach and counsellor earned him a special recognition award from the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club. His impact in the community continued throughout his career being President of his local community league to chairing the Edmonton Lion Club’s Drug Awareness program. He was responsible for introducing the highly successful Quest Program which deals with the development of Skills for Adolescence. He was also responsible for initiating the Lions Club’s Youth Exchange program for high school students. His 2nd career in pharmacy provided the means to travel the world with his loving wife Sophie. They started their travels in their 40s and continued for the next 40 years. You name it, they were there. The amazing part of their travels was his ability to run in to past students. No matter where in the world he went someone would come up to him and say are you Mr. Melnychuk you taught me, coached me, etc. and thank-you for making a difference in my life. There is no greater gratification in our lives then leaving a mark on the world you touch, and he did!
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles, Philosopher Peter is woven into the lives of 1,000, what a legacy!!
Even with his dedication to his two professions, his intensive involvement in extra- curricular activities and his work with community groups, 1st and foremost he was a loving husband and fabulous father and grandfather. We will all miss his counselling and wisdom the world has lost a gem!
A private burial at 9:00am will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Connelly and McKinley at 10011 114 st NW, Edmonton on November 15 at 10:00am. Per Alberta’s Restriction Exemption Program, please be prepared to provide proof of Vaccinations (along with valid ID for those 18 and over), or proof of a negative rapid COVID test taken within 72 hours of entry, or an original medical exemption letter. For those unable to attend in person, please click here to view the livestream of the service.
Les & Annemarie Diachinsky says
Known as Uncle Peter to his nephews and nieces Uncle Peter always gave love and attention to all. His warmth and wisdom made him a cornerstone of our lives.
Condolences to the family in their loss and thanks for sharing Uncle Peter with us. God Bless.
Larry Zbitnew says
We wish to express our condolences to Sophie and family. Peter was a fine person who cared about student success. I worked with Peter at Harry Ainlay and know about his selflessness in giving up his office so an IB student, who was very proficient in mathematics, could work on the “Plato” computer to enhance his computer skills. This was before the internet was viable. Peter cooperated with teachers to obtain resources for the late French Immersion program that was first implemented at Harry Ainlay in the district. Peter always had a “can do” attitude that I will fondly remember. Carol and I will live stream the celebration of his life.
Lillian and Harvey Ford says
To: Sophie and Family
Very sorry to hear about Peter. Our thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with you. May your many fond memories bring you comfort at this time. We only knew Peter for two and a half years as we both lived in the same retirement home. While his health was good, Peter was an active participant in many of the home’s activities allowing us to develop a wonderful friendship. You will be missed Peter by the two of us and also many of your fellow residents. Rest in peace, friend.
God bless
Lillian and Harvey Ford
Donna Matsyk says
Uncle Peter, you felt like a second dad to me when I visited. You had a way of making a kid feel like your own. I was touched by your good humour, kindness, understanding, patience and as an adult by your good judgment. Who could welcome someone into his or her home better than Uncle Peter… thank you for the camping trips and all other fun events you took us kids on.
Oh and driving through the mountains with you was so much fun (says hardly anyone)! You are the only person I’ve ever met who can drive with his left wrist resting on the steering wheel, his right elbow hanging over the back seat, while taking advantage of an extended shoulder check to partake in conversation with the person sitting in the back seat.
Heart and soul!
I love you Uncle Peter!
Akemi Itoh says
I am Japanese named AKEMI ITOH and I found the
message that Mr. Peter Melnychuk passed away 2021.
in Internet.
I stayed Peter and Sophe Melnychuk ‘s house almost
40 years ago as a Lions Youth Exchange student.
They also stayed our house in Kyoto when they traveled
to JAPAN.
I want to know Mrs. Sophe Melnychuk is fine or not.
If possible, I want to call her so if you know her phone
number ?
Or maybe tell me Terri ‘s E-mail. (Nurse , right?)
Hope you understand my English.
My e-mail address is
haseake8@mbox.kyoto-inet.or.jp
Carol Spooner says
Sophie, I saw where your dear Peter, the love 💕 of your life passed away. My condolences and I pray you have loving people around you for comfort in the challenging days ahead. We sure miss you at the gift shop but it certainly is not the same anyway. I send you my love and prayers. Carol Spooner. Cross Gift shop Tuesday afternoons with Anne Shutt
Carol Villeneuve says
Uncle Peter
I have so many wonderful memories of being with you and Aunt Sophie. You always went the extra mile to make me feel so welcome. I remember the drives from Ontario to Alberta so fondly.
As a kid it didn’t mean much at the time, now as an adult it meant a lot that you drove our family to Banff with a tent trailer and then came back to pick us up. You were a truly amazing uncle.
Mom and Dad loved travelling with you and I was lucky enough to be included in some of those trips. I have memories that by sibling don’t.
You will be missed by many and thought of often.
Love Carol
Dr Michael Shewchuk says
Dear Sophie, so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, Peter.I remember him as a very warm and gentle man. To my mind he was wonderful man and Father. May your memories keep him close. Most sincerely, Dr. Michael Shewchuk