Boris Melnyk
March 28, 2021
Passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at the age of 87. Boris was a caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left this world with a smile and went to be with his buddies. Born in Montreal, Quebec, on March 22, 1934, to John and Josephine Melnyk.
Boris is survived by his loving and devoted wife, of 57 years, Janet; his beloved sons, Ron and Doug Melnyk; beautiful daughters-in-law, Julie and Leslie; and his greatest happiness – his grandchildren: Laurel, Alex, Anna, and Adeline. Janet’s family became his family: late Bill Derkach (late Betty), Wanda and Roman Susel, late Michael Wozniak (Marilyn); and many nieces and nephews, who will affectionately remember Boris. Predeceased by his parents and mother-in-law, “Baba”.
After graduating high school, Boris became a North American Yo-Yo Champion and toured across Canada for Cheerio Toys and Games Ltd. delighting children and adults alike giving Yo-Yo demonstrations. Later, settling his family in London, Ontario, he worked as General Manager at F.W. Woolworth Company, Canadian Tire, and Home Hardware. Throughout his entire life, Boris was dedicated to his family first. Boris established a solid foundation of friendships filled with kindness, selfless giving, and a sense of community. He was able to fulfill his passions through a lifetime of community service with the London Central Lions Club and Mocha Shriners.
Boris had a natural ability to bring people together with his larger-than-life gentle and genuine spirit, which is why he is remembered and loved by so many people. He was never shy about hosting impromptu parties for neighbours and friends. He was generous and loved to host events, such as Super Bowl parties, tailgate parties, pig roasts, and Canada Day celebrations. During each gathering, he made everyone who came into his home feel immediately like family. Boris was a lifelong enthusiastic fan of all sports, but was particularly fond of the University of Michigan sports and the Minnesota Vikings. Often known for his basement get-togethers where he became legendary with his Boris’isms: there will always be, “Just one more thing”, and, “The moral of the story is…”. Each personal interaction was strengthened with his infamous sign-off: “Hang Loose!”
We are so thankful for all the collective memories Boris has given us over the years. We find comfort and peace in the sharing of the many stories knowing that he will always be with us.
Cremation has taken place. At the family’s request, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather together. The family wishes to express their gratitude and special thanks to the health care team at LHSC – Victoria Hospital for the exceptional care, kindness, and patience during this unprecedented time.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Boris are asked to consider the Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada.
“Just one more thing, Boris, the moral of the story is, we love you and Hang Loose!”
Leave a tribute for Boris Melnyk
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Boris was a wonderful man. He was the cornerstone of our community. His generosity, endless giving and caring for others made the neighbourhood a better place. We will miss you Boris. Mike &Rita
Jan -- deepest sympathy to you and your family
My deepest sympathies Jan to you and your family, Boris was just a great man and human being, Loved the times I shared with him. He was the mayor of your neighbourhood and never contested......Billy
Jan we are so sorry for your loss. Boris was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed. Please take care of yourself and keep safe.
Our Deepest Condolences to you Jan & family, much love from Cousin Ann & Vinet family.
Our sincere Condolences to you and your family. We will miss Boris! His friendship, sports discussions and kindness. Boris will be always be remembered for his positive look on life and sports. He was genuine, sincere and took time to listen to you. We were blessed to have him in our life and making our days better. Thank you to him and his wonderful family. RIP Polish Power We will miss your visits.
Sending my heartfelt condolences Janet. Thinking of you and your family.
Jan and family, I just heard of Boris passing and send my heartfelt condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. There are many wonderful memories through the Lions club and work.
From Canadian Tire Westown Plaza London, I can still hear Boris, "save your money, save your money, save your money!" Some of the best, yet simplest, advice I'm glad I took. He was an inspiring leader. Not too many people would turn all the aisles on an angle in a retail operation, but it certainly made everyone walk right to the back of the store! Thankful to have met this man. Condolences.
Dear Janet, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of Boris. He was such a special person who will be missed by those who knew him. May you find peace in having so many years of memories to look back on.
We are just now finding out that Boris has left us. We have so many fond memories of your family, from hundreds of hockey games, and swimming matches with the boys. Boris always had a great laugh that could be heard everywhere. Our sincere condolences to you Jan, Mugs and Ron from the Holliday family.
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I am sorry for your loss. Don and I knew Boris and you for many years from the Housing Authority and social get togethers. Boris was a great guy.
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
(Donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada)
Jan Ron and Doug you have my deepest condolences for your loss of a wonderful, kind and funny husband and father. Like so many people have written my family has so many wonderful memories of Boris words are insufficient to describe the moments that are now memories. Tasha, Stephen, Lara, Annique and Bill are thinking of you all
Our sympathy to you Janet and your family at this difficult time. Thinking of you.
So sorry for your loss. We are keeping you all in our prayers. Stay safe my friend.
We are so sorry for your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. A light has gone out here on Earth, but a new star shines in the heavens.
Janet and family Thinking of you in the loss of your husband and father. We remember the good visits with Boris and yourself at the Shrine events. Love to you all.
Steve and Lynda Lakomski We were so sad to see that Boris had passed away. We will never forget him and his larger than life personality. Meeting Boris through Canadian Tire where Steve and Boris worked closely together, we became friends. It didn't take long to realize he was a good and caring man with a great sense of humour! He will always be remembered with great affection and a smile. Our deepest sympathy is being sent to You Jan and your family.
Bill and I send love. He will be missed.
Jan, Ron, Doug & Family; Simmone and I want to express our condolences to you all. Boris was truly family and community minded and will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.
Jan, Ron and Doug, Our thoughts are with you. He was truly one of a kind.
I was an assistant manager of a Woolworth store in Edmonton Alberta when I first met Boris in 1963. He came into the store to demonstrate the new yoyo and we became instant friends.I have often wondered what happened to Boris over the years. The world has lost a special man. My deepest condolences to all his friends and family.
Jan,Ron and Mugs - there are so many happy times, stories and trips in our memory to pick just one or two to share. We all loved his smile, his kindness and generosity. Boris - since I still owe you $35 from the last football bets, I will add that to our memorial donation in your honour. Thanks for the memories and be sure to give our love to Baba and Marty.
Heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Many happy memories of Boris while working with Janet years ago. Always the life of a party and went the extra mile to help at Canadian Tire.
We are so sorry for your great loss. Boris will never be forgotten for his larger than life personality. We enjoyed the time with him at the weekly football get togethers. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
My deepest sympathy to you Auntie Lizzie and family. My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. Cynthia
Our deepest sympathy to you Jan and family Sally and Basil
Janet, Ron and Doug. Our thoughts are with you and your families at this terribly sad time. We will always remember Boris with a smile! He was very special. Judy & Garth
It is with deep regret to hear the passing of my fellow Home Hardware Dealer. I learned much from my association with Boris. He will be deeply missed. Jeff McNaughton
What a wonderful tribute to Boris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jan, and your entire family. Lorie & Avery Colledge
Dear Janet and family, Thinking of you with wonderful memories of Boris, his generosity and friendship to so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With love, Joyce
boris you were a great husband,dad.grandpa,friend & neighbour.we had many fun times over the last 45 years you will be greatly missed. jan said it all in her comments .we will miss you jack & donna
Boris was a big personality with a big heart. I have many good memories of him over the decades. Boris could not be described he had to be experienced. Rest in peace and prayers for the family.
Jan I was sorry to hear of your husbands passing. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Shame informed me today that Boris had passed away very very sorry to hear that great guy many memories from 4 years of Western Michigan restin peace Boris you were loved & had a great life. peace be with your family.Yours Wayne Redshaw.
Janet and family, we can't begin to adequetely express how truly saddened we are to hear of Boris' passing. Boris certainly was larger than life with a laugh, stories, advice and heart to match. You no doubt will find comfort in your many years of loving fond memories. You are in our prayers. Chris, Diane, Samantha, Dylan Hoover and Stechly families.
I was so sad to hear of Uncle Boris's passing. A whole slew of very fond memories came back. Waiting with anticipation for you guys to make that long drive to Montreal on Christmas eve so we could celebrate together. The trains, the pool table - all the things that he did to make you feel at home. Boris could always be counted on to bring life to a party, make you laugh, relax, celebrate. I admired how outgoing he was - always something on the go, always looking to help out. I will miss him. My deepest condolences to you Lizzie, Ron, Doug and your families.
Words can't wipe away your tears, Hugs won't ease your pain, But hold on to your memories, Forever they'll remain. My deepest sympathy to you and the family
We offer our sincere condolences at this sad time to the entire family. We will all remember the good times we had when Uncle Boris was in the room. If we ever are allowed to have another party, it will be with fond memories of Uncle Boris.
Janet, Ron, and Doug, I have warm reminiscences ranging from childhood -Boris doing Yo-Yo tricks for us kids, or playing football on family camping trips -to meeting up again years later at many Sports Celebrity Dinners in London where he always had a 'thumbs up' for me, or we'd share an after-show beer and a joke-filled chat to catch up on family and life in general. While deeply saddened by the news of his passing, our hearts are filled with wonderful memories of Boris' undeniably genuine character and generosity, whether in philanthropy, family, or friendship. He will forever be "one of the great ones."
Jan,Ron,Doug and family. So sorry to hear about Boris. A great guy and a good friend for years. We will remember of all the Super Bowl parties and the fun. He will be missed by all that know him.
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