Obituaries

MEL BRYCE
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Mel Bryce on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at the age of 86 years, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
Left to cherish Mel’s memory are his daughters, Lori (Keith) and Tracy (Frank); daughter-in-law Bev; grandchildren, Sarah (Tyler), David and Emily; sisters-in-law, Edie, Elsie and Rose (Jim); as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Phoebe; his loving wife of over 62 years, Cordelia; son Don; and his sister, Jeune.
On February 14, 1929 Mel was born in Saskatoon and was raised in Surbiton, Saskatchewan, where his parents owned the general store. Growing up, he enjoyed school, softball, hockey, sea cadets and, in particular, Fly and Tony, the horses he rode every day to the nearby one-room schoolhouse. Mel moved to Saskatoon for high school. Shortly after graduation, he visited his sister, Jeune, in Winnipeg. Mel loved the city so much that he stayed and found both employment and his true love, Cordelia. They married in 1949 and provided a loving home for their children. Mel had an outstanding career of 46 years as an estimator/draftsman with Winnipeg Supply (later became Plibrico). He enjoyed many activities including bowling, curling, cross-country skiing, bingo, bridge and cribbage. Active in the community, he was on the boards of Sturgeon Creek Community Club and the St. James Canadians junior hockey club. Mel was also a member of the Institute of Power Engineers. In 1997, The Canadian Red Cross recognized his milestone achievement of 100 donations.
Mel?s faith was strong. Although baptized Presbyterian and raised Anglican, he supported Cordie in her Catholic faith. In 1981, he converted to Catholicism and remained active in St. Paul the Apostle Parish, as an usher at masses and as treasurer for Fall Suppers and weekly bingos. In their retirement years, Mel and Cordie travelled through Canada and the United States. They took great pleasure in being part of their grandchildren?s lives. A true gentleman, Mel had a calm, easy going demeanor and treated everyone with dignity and respect.
Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 2400 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB with Rev. Fr. Jos? Eduardo Medeiros, presiding.
We thank the Palliative Care team for their care of Mel in his last weeks. We also thank the terrific staff and residents at Sturgeon Creek Retirement Home for making Mel and Cordie feel so welcome.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Mel?s memory to a charity of your choice.
Wojcik?s Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB in care of arrangements 204.897.4665. For those who wish to sign Wojcik?s online Guest Book please visit our website at www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com