Melvin Eugene Ostashek

It is with great sadness that Melvin Eugene Ostashek of Edmonton, Alberta passed away February 27th, 2025, at age 79. Mel (Dad) will be lovingly remembered by his son, Deryck (Kathi), granddaughter, Alexa and brother, Bob, sister, Olga and nephews and nieces.

From Willingdon, Alberta where he was born, Mel (Dad) worked on the family farm and attended school in the community district of Shandro, Alberta until it was time to begin life away from his first home. Mel (Dad) travelled many journeys in his lifetime. From food sales and management in Edmonton with Scott National and Horne and Pitfield Foods to the highways North to Alaska and back working as a salesman. The next chapter took Mel (Dad) to working alongside his brother, Nick, at the burger restaurant/convenience store business in Ft. St. John, B.C. Ultimately, Mel (Dad) settled back in Edmonton in 1983 to be closer to family and begin his towing business with Grandin/Whyte Avenue towing to his personal transport hauling business until his retirement in 2008.

Mel (Dad) dedicated much of his life to contributing his time and passion to the church community that grandpa served around the communities at Andrew, Wasel and Shandro. Mel (Dad) enjoyed his time with his parents, his siblings, and his son, Deryck and his family. Mel (Dad) enjoyed golf, curling, hockey, football, NASCAR Sundays, playing cards with family and friends to coffee gatherings at the local Tim’s or Ricky’s with a few friends or the occasional Yukon beer or glass of whiskey with Deryck and others. Mel (Dad) enjoyed travels and adventures to Victoria, Vancouver, various locations abroad in Canada, Las Vegas and Hawaii. His appetite for amazing home cooked Ukrainian meals and all the goodies to go with it was never rejected. He loved good food, love of family and always had great fun. Dad could always cheer someone up with a quick witty joke or comment and left such an impression on so many people, past and present.

Mel (Dad) is survived by his son, Deryck, daughter in law, Kathi, granddaughter, Alexa, his sister, Olga, and his brother, Bob in addition to all the Ostashek and Hunka nieces and nephews.

Mel (Dad) was predeceased by his grandparents, his parents, Very Rev. William Ostashek and Wasylena (Lena) Ungurian, his first child, son Darryl Todd Ostashek, brother Nickoli (Nick), sister-in-law, Lydia Ostashek, brother-in-law, Daniel Hunka and nephew, Donald Ostashek.

Dad, you left an empty hole in our hearts when you left us suddenly to be with the Lord. Your family will miss you. Kathi, Alexa and I will miss your sweet kindness, your thoughtful and caring love you shared from the heart, your amazing pickles you were so proud of preparing for us, the perfect greeting cards given to us for all those wonderful occasions and new memories you were so a huge part of. We love you Dad, will miss you dearly. Until we meet again Dad, may those gone before us, welcome you to Heaven while you watch over us as we feel your love and warmth in our hearts, may God care and be with you for all eternity. I love you, Dad.

At the request of Mel (Dad), no funeral service will be taking place.

‘Keep yourselves in God’s love, looking for mercy of our lord Jesus Christ to Eternal Life’ – Jude 1:21