David Melnick
Passed on: December 20th, 2017
With broken hearts we, the family of David Melnick of Moncton, formerly of Whitney Pier, Cape Breton, regret to announce his peaceful passing on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the Moncton City Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born February 15, 1937, in Sydney, NS, he was the son of the late Joseph and Myrtle (Mercer) Melnick.
Dave was a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving in Canada and with the United Nations as a peacekeeper in the Middle East. After retirement as Corporal, he was employed as a Commissionaire at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Dave was an avid sports fan, who enjoyed many sports, but nothing more than watching his beloved Montreal Canadians, much to his family’s dismay. In his leisure time, he liked to watch old classic movies and shows, read a good book, especially anything to do with history, listen to music, or play a friendly game of cards. Family meant everything to Dave and any opportunity to enjoy their company brought him much happiness. His witty sense of humour kept everyone entertained and he never missed a chance to tell a story, sing a song or play a tune on the piano, when he wasn’t dancing. He had many wonderful childhood memories of time spent at Gillis’s Lake with his family and friends, as well as his childhood home in Whitney Pier. Dave was a quiet, gentle man, who will be missed immensely.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 57 years, Ruby (Burns), and children, Donna (Rick) Cipolla, Ancaster, ON, Scott (Julie) Melnick, Moncton and Tanya Melnick, Moncton. He was a very proud and loving Papa to Kristen (Trevor) Mitton, Brett Melnick, Olivia and Catherine Cipolla and Ryan Mahar. Dave is also survived by his beloved sisters, Diane Melnick, Sydney and Carolyn (Tom) Arsenault, Halifax, as well as several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his fur grandchildren, Sophie, Muffy, Jack, Mya, Coco and Chewie.
In addition to his parents, Dave was predeceased by his brother, Joe.
We would like to thank the amazing staff in the Palliative Care Unit of the Moncton City Hospital. Also, heartfelt thanks to Dr. John Li for the extraordinary compassion, care and faith that he provided to our family at this difficult time.
Private family visitation will take place, with cremation to follow. A celebration of life will take place in Cape Breton at later date.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Private online condolences to the family can be made at www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com.
