CURNISKI – Melvyn Leslie
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Melvyn Leslie Curniski on January 7, 2010 after a tough five year battle with cancer. Mel was born in St. Boniface, MB on March 11, 1942 to Peter and Alma (Johnson) Curniski and moved with his parents to Prince Albert, SK when he was five years of age. Mel will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Sharon (Grolla); son Greg (Gerri Hollaczek) of Longview, Washington and their daughter Remi. Greg’s son Christopher of Australia and daughter, Shay (Jeremy Gilmore) of Longview, Washington and their son Devon; daughter Judy (James) Jackson and their daughters Chantel and Rebecca; brothers Robert (Betteann) of Prince Albert and Jack of Creston, BC; brother-in-law Wayne (Valoree) Grolla of Prince Albert. Mel is also survived by his nephews Brock (Jamie) Grolla of Calgary, AB, Brad (Michelle) Grolla of Prince Albert, Jayson (Kathy) Curniski of Prince Albert and Carl Curniski of Fort St. John, BC; his niece Pam Curniski of Trail, BC and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Alma (Johnson) and Peter Curniski; his grandmother Sigrun Johnson and his father-in-law Max Grolla. Mel attended public and high school in Prince Albert. He then attended Teacher’s College in Saskatoon receiving his Professional “A” Teaching Certificate (Sask). Mel continued on to the University of Saskatchewan receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Bachelor of Education Degree and his Post Graduate Diploma in Continuing Education. Mel began his Teaching Career in Cumberland House, SK. teaching grades three, nine and ten. He was then employed with the Northern School Board in Prince Albert as an Assistant Vocational Supervisor, the Prince Albert Collegiate Board and Prince Albert Regional Community College Association where he taught Adult Education and served as a counsellor. Mel was then appointed to Acting Principal of Prince Albert Regional Community College; followed by Supervisor/Director of Adult Basic Education and Pre-Employment Trades Programs. Mel was then appointed as Principal of the Community College. In 1988, Mel was appointed as the Dean of the Academic Division, followed by Dean of Academic and Business Division, then Dean of Academic, Business and Trades Division with SIAST Woodland Campus. Mel ended his 30 year teaching career in 1994 as the Dean of Academic Programs. Mel sat on many Boards and committees throughout the years. Mel enjoyed many sports such as tennis, golf, bowling and badminton over the years. He also enjoyed the outdoors hunting, and in his early years, fishing with his parents at the Narrows. Mel and Sharon enjoyed many happy times at their cottage at MacIntosh Point, Emma Lake with family and friends. Grandpa’s greatest joy was watching all his grandchildren grow and be their “teacher”. He was Chantel and Rebecca’s biggest fan and mentor. The family wish to give special thanks to the staff of Level Six at the Victoria Hospital, Dennis Serfas, Dr. Egbeyemi and staff at the Prince Albert Medical Clinic, and everyone that visited and called Mel during his final days. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 1796 – 15th Avenue East, Prince Albert, SK with officiants Pastor Dan Haugen and Pastor Dennis Serfas, Director Spiritual Care, Prince Albert Parkland Health Region. Interment will be held at South Hill Cemetery. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Diabetes Association or a Charity of Donor’s Choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's Funeral Chapel, Drew Gray, Funeral Director.