1954~ 2018
Peacefully on Monday, May 21, 2018 at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, Mel passed away at the age of 64.
Mel was predeceased by his father William and son Spenser.
Left to cherish Mel’s memory are his wife of 38 years Susan, children Amanda, Penny (James) and Mel, grandchildren Persephone and Grace, mother Margery and brother Perry (Bonnie) and their children (Justin, Carleen and Kaitlyn).
Mel was born on April 7, 1954 in Beausejour, Manitoba. From an early age he developed a passion for hockey, either playing it himself or cheering on his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.
Mel married Susan on July 14, 1979 and they started their family soon after. They opened their video store Oh Susanna Sunshine in the early ’80s and it became a cornerstone for families in the community for decades with tens of thousands of movies available to rent.
Every Saturday in the summer Mel could be found hunting for treasures at garage sales throughout Manitoba. He would sell the collectibles he acquired at antique and record shows held throughout the year.
Mel could make friends wherever he went and was always met with the warmest of greetings when they saw him again.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Selkirk Regional Health Centre for the outstanding care they provided Mel.
A funeral service for Mel will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 28, 2018 at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue E., Beausejour.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to Diabetes Canada.
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Angela Fiebelkorn
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I always think of Melvin as a true entrepreneur in the Stefaniuk tradition. He was creative and knew a good thing when he saw it. I remember when he opened his first video store, long before many people owned VCRs. He saw that trend, knew it for a good thing, and went for it—to eventually have one of the biggest VCR collections in Manitoba in his store.
Rest in Peace, Mel.
Nina Schewe
My heart goes out to Mel’s family. He was a true entrepreneur especially for Beausejour.
Lots of great laughs over the years. And I remember him always loving a garage sale.
Rest in Peace Mel.
Andre Vachon
Our most sincere condolences to the family. Mel was a good friend and a caring person. I would always look forward to go and rent a video from Oh Susanna Sunshine, just to have the opportunity to talk and joke around with Mel. I will always think of him with fond memories.
Gloria Harlow-Bibby (pleskacz)
Dear cousin Susan and children.
I was very sad to hear the passing of our cousin Melvin who I & my sister Sandy shared childhood memories with. Going to their farm to visit was always an enjoyable time. We shared birthday parties and family celebrations. I have a few pictures of us, not to many for few had cameras. Maybe that’s why I take so many now. I can’t imagine Mel has left this world and gone to heaven. Mel had strong Faith and Hope during all his losses. Iam very proud of all his accomplishments. I saw the glimmer in his eyes when he told me that he was going to be a Grandpa. VICHNYA PAMYAT!
Blessings and Peace
Laureen Fuerst
Our most sincere condolences to the family, Mel, Mississippi Mel, Shack, we will miss you!!! We visited every rental shop Mel ran, I always remember my daughter, Sheena when she was small, we would come to rent movies and always greet Mel with “Hi Shack”, he would laugh and “hi how are you today”!! Our funniest taxi driver, make his own laws/rules as he drove. We will always have great memories!! Rest in Peace our friend.
Kathy and Bill Fecio
Truly sorry for your loss, Susan. Life is not always fair, but I am sure you have many wonderful memories of your life together with Mel. May those memories help you and your children through this very sad, emotional time in your life.
Mel’s Mother, Margie, is my second cousin as her mom was Anne Dolenuck who was my first cousin. Anne’s Mother, Mary and my Father, John Krawchuk were brother and sister. They immigrated from the Ukraine with their parents in the spring of 1900. Mary was 3 years old and my Father John was eighteen months old. Just a bit of history that brought us all to Canada.
Susan, God bless you and your family at this sad time. Kathy and Bill Fecio
Kathy and Bill Fecio
Truly sorry for your loss, Susan. Life is not always fair, but I am sure you have many wonderful memories of your life together with Mel. May those memories help you and your children through this very sad, emotional time in your life.
Mel’s Mother, Margie, is my second cousin as her mom was Anne Dolenuck who was my first cousin. Anne’s Mother, Mary and my Father, John Krawchuk were brother and sister. They immigrated from the Ukraine with their parents in the spring of 1900. Mary was 3 years old and my Father John was eighteen months old. Just a bit of history that brought us all to Canada.
Susan, God bless you and your family during your bereavement . Kathy and Bill Fecio
Alvin and Alice Klapprat.
SUSAN AND FAMILY . Sorry for your loss . Alvin and Alice .
Donna Hlady
To Penny and to your entire family….I was very saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing! Mel was a great guy and will be missed by all who knew him! Cherish the wonderful memories, and hold them close in your heart! R.I.P. Mel……
wendy lidster
To Susan and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.. Robert and Wendy Lidster and family.
Paul and Connie Krawchuk
Susan and family may your memories comfort you. You had a very special person in your lives. We knew Mel since he was a young child. He was very brave to endure all his health issues.
May he rest in peace with the Angels.