Melvin Joseph Brelinski

Melvin Brelinski

June 3, 1950 – November 22, 2024

It is with great sadness that we the family announce the sudden passing of Melvin Brelinski, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many.

Sadly, on November 22, 2024, Mel passed away unexpectedly while doing something he enjoyed, serving the community alongside his fellow Lions Club members.  He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years Yvonne and two sons Neil (Staci and their children Bain and Beck) and Trevor (Brenda and their children Jacob and Paige).  Also surviving Mel are 3 siblings (David, Jean, Eugene) along with 4 sisters-in-law (Connie, Anne, Olga, Ruth) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mel was born on June 3, 1950, in Dauphin Manitoba and was the second son of Joe and Annie Brelinski totalling 8 siblings in the blended family.  He was raised on the family farm just outside of Pine River where he learnt a high level of work ethic that he carried with him throughout his lifetime.  He attended a one room country school then later attended Pine River school and lastly Ethelbert Collegiate to finish his secondary education. 

In October of 1970 Mel moved to Swan River and began working at Mid-Town Esso for Peter Zinkiew. This began his nearly 45-year career in the automotive industry.  While working at Mid-Town he obtained his journeyman certificate in December of 1975.  In August of 1980 Mel made the move over to Powell Motors Ltd. which eventually became Swan River’s Key Chevrolet, Buick, GMC Inc.  Unfortunately, in the spring of 2015 Mel was forced into retirement due to a sudden onset of Guillain-Barre syndrome which left him temporarily paralyzed.  He was disappointed to have his career abruptly cut short just 3 months shy of 35 years of service with General Motors and 5 months shy of 45 years in the automotive industry as he was wanting to officially reach those milestones.  But more importantly than the milestones, he resiliently dug in his heels and battled back through hard work and sheer determination to once again enjoy his family and friends.  He also was once again able to find great pleasure in camping, fishing, snowmobiling, quadding, dancing and keeping up with sports on TV.  And of course, found time to METICUOUSLY maintain his vehicles!  For those that truly knew Mel, his work ethic was second to none.  He had an unbelievable ability to work on anything as long as there was daylight or in countless occasions a spotlight.  He was always willing to do whatever it took to get the job done.

In October of 2016 Mel joined the Bowsman & District Lions Club and remained a dedicated member right up to his passing.  He left us suddenly and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the community.

Cremation has taken place, and a service will be held at a later date.  For those that may desire, memorial donations in Melvin’s honour may be made to the Bowsman & District Lions Club Box 222 Bowsman Manitoba, R0L 0H0.