1938 ~ 2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Melvine France Bjorklund on June 16, 2021 at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Joyce (nee Foley), of 55 years; his children Jo-Anne, Deborah (Trent Fettig), Bonnie (George Bruce), Shaun (Shelly Pizzey); his grandchildren Stuart (Elizabeth), Jocelyn (Eathan), Kaitlyn, Ethan, Jesse, Meadow and Elijah; his brother Clifford (Viviane), sisters Esther Zenert, Lorna Brown Mattila (Doug), sister in law Grace and brother in law Albert Grandbois, as well as many foster children, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Melvine was predeceased by his mother Elisabeth Bjorklund Smith (nee Caux), father Birger, step father William Smith, brothers Ivan and Richard, sister Ruth Siddle, sister in laws Edith, Patricia Grandbois, Marion Waugh, brother in laws Lorne Zenert, William Brown and Tom Siddle.
Melvine was born in Scotts Hill near Whitemouth, Manitoba on October 18, 1938 and lived in Whitemouth, Bissett and Winnipeg during his childhood. Melvine was a hard worker and his first official job was at an animal hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 14. Although Melvine did a variety of jobs, he was ultimately an entrepreneur and at first rented a garage, then opened his own business the Esso garage and restaurant in Seven Sisters Falls in 1965, which was sold in 1984. Melvine’s second successful business was Shaun Dale Contracting Ltd. and he was a part owner in Canada Photo in Winnipeg. Melvine put in the first water system in Seven Sisters Falls and did a cottage development in Washagamis Bay, Ontario when shortly thereafter he moved to Poplar Bay, Ontario. Melvine loved animals, had many pets over the years and liked to feed and watch birds at his home. Melvine liked to hunt, fish, go boating and was active in his church. Melvine was a pilot and loved to fly his plane. Most of all, Melvine loved visiting or going out for coffee or a meal with his co-workers, friends and family.
Due to current public restrictions, the family is holding a private internment at the Whitemouth Cemetery. When restrictions lift a celebration of life ceremony will take place hopefully in October 2021.
Offer Condolence for the family of Melvine France Bjorklund
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Arleen
Joyce and Families, Harry and I send our deepest condolences on the loss of such a special hardworking man. Melvin was a great teacher to many, and Harry has many memories of working with Melvine in the shop and on the trucks. May he rest easy, but knowing him he is already pulling wrenches in the wide open heavens.
Harry & Arleen Pluchinski
Linda
So very sorry for the loss of your father, Shaun. Prayers for peace of heart
Megan Eccleston
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’m sending my thoughts and all my love to the entire Bjorklund family.
Val Asbury
Shaun, Debbie and families.
So sorry to hear about the passing of dad. I remember meeting him at Baseball and he glowed when he spoke about you all and his grandkids. Thoughts amd prayers with you always.
Val,Neil, Austin, Theresa and Sami
SUSAN And Alfred
So very sorry for you Joyce and your family. Our prayers are for the whole family. Take care and hope to see you soon
James Bernard
So sorry for your loss Debbie, I wish you and Jesse and Trent and all your family the best. Please take care.
Laurie Kraus (Klepatz)
My condolences to your whole family. May you all find peace in your memories.
Laurie Kraus (Klepatz)
Kelly Bruchanski
Melvin and fam lived with us for a number of months…I was young. The crazy memories we shared will live with me forever. Our families are forever friends – and will always share a very special place in my heart ❤️
Virginia Mathews
Dear Joyce – I am so sorry for your loss. Please share my condolences with your family.
Vivian Thomson
Dear Joyce and family, we are so sorry to hear about Mel. We have many good memories of the Seven Sisters garage, and your family. Our condolences.
Vivian and Richard Thomson
Dennis & Rosalie Lofstrom
Our Deepest Sympathy to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.. Dennis & Rosalie
Helen Gilbertson
Joyce and the family I am so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. I will be forever grateful for the time that you all treated me like family and welcomed me into your home, gave me a job at the Esso, took care of my son Allen and and supported me with advice and guidance. Mel was an amazing man and will be missed. Love to you all. Helen (Graham)
Brenda Klymchuk
Extending deepest sympathy to Joyce and all the family. May the promises of Mel’s faith and precious memories made together bring comfort during these days.
Brenda Klymchuk (sister of Dennis Klepatz).
Gerald, Elaine, Penny and family, Eddy, Jen & family
To all of Melvin’s family, we send our deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. He was well known in this area and many of us have fond memories of the family.