Melvin Yaganiski

It is with great sadness and deepest love, that we announce the passing of Melvin Yaganiski. The Hospice at Glengarda on January 12 2025. Dad will now be reunited with the love of his life, Helen, who predeceased him in 2010. He was also predeceased by his mother Anne and father Mike, sisters; Lily, Nellie, Linda and Marie, grandson Jeremy, as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law. Melvin is survived by his children Deborah, Ken (Tracy), Sharon (Dale), Kevin (Kathy), Bryne, Greg (Angela) and 32 grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Melvin was born on his parents homestead north of Hyas, SK and took his schooling at a nearby country school. He met his wife to be, Helen, at a dance at the town hall in Hyas. Helen was from the neighboring town of Norquay and it was love at first sight. After Melvin and Helen were married, on the farm, they took over operating the farm and began their family of six children. During his time on the farm, Melvin began working at the COOP in Hyas and ultimately managed the service station/hardware store and bulk fuel plant.

Melvin developed a love for camping early on with his young family. Every single year, he'd travel throughout western Canada with his family, exploring the great outdoors.

During these time, mom and dad developed a love for the Okanagan Valley in BC.

In 1973, Melvin moved his family to Cudworth, SK and began working as a bookkeeper accountant for Schulzke's Service Center, a GM, Versatile and Massey Fergusson dealership.

While in Cudworth, Melvin joined the Knight's of Columbus and ultimately became a fourth degree knight. He was a very passionate knight and was always proud to wear his regalia while an honour guard at many different functions.

As the kids grew up and left home, Melvin and Helen felt the continued pull to BC. While dad loved his job in Cudworth and his boss Wilbur Schulze, he felt the pull of the Okanagan and moved there in 1980. There he became the accountant at Bob Brown Chevrolet where he remained until his retirement. After retiring mom and dad enjoyed many close friends, many rounds of golf and some travel, yet they needed something more to keep busy. Together they took over running the Christopher Center, the Knights of Columbus Hall in Penticton. There they hosted many events from weddings to conventions and often catering meals for 200-300 people. On top of that, dad was a handyman who did many reno's for people in the valley.

After more than 20 years in Penticton, mom and dad decided to move back to Saskatoon to be closer to their family. For several years after, dad continued with his handyman work and participation in the Knights of Columbus.

Mom passed away in 2010, leaving dad alone and he missed her so. Every single Sunday, he'd walk to the Columbarium on Spadina Crescent to visit mom. He did that faithfully for more than 13 years, until his physical ability began to diminish. During the years dad was alone, he kept busy trying to help others. One activity he did for many years was accumulate backpacks and fill them with mitts, toques, pencil crayons, notebooks, etc. He would then distribute these back packs to young children at inner city schools.

We will celebrate Melvin's life at St. Mary's church in Saskatoon on Tuesday January 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Arrangements entrusted to Mourning Glory Funeral Services.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hospice at Glengarda would be welcomed and appreciated.