With heavy hearts and great sadness the family would like to announce the passing of a great husband and father, George Malyk on Sunday, March 7th, 2021.
George is survived by his loving wife Jean, a daughter and her family, son Mike (Shelley) Malyk (Tim & Chris) of Winnipeg, son Bill (Paola) Malyk (Ryan & Jake) of Ariss Ontario, 6 great grandchildren, 2 step daughters Rhonda Danielson and Lisa (Terry) Imeson, both of Dryden, 4 step grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his first wife Evelyn, his brother Bill, sister Nellie Shuparsky and niece Marjorie Malyk.
George was born to Mike and Maria Malyk on April 16th, 1932 in the Dryden area where he spent most of his life. George worked at the mill for 40 years starting as a helper in the pulp mill, retiring as paper mill superintendent in 1991. George was instrumental in Malyk’s Greenhouse, a business passion for him and his first wife Evelyn they built from a few wood frames to a garden center that provided local residents with trees and summer plantings. After retirement they moved to Canyon Lake and spent many years enjoying the lake and making dear friends. He was always active. He could be seen with chainsaw in hand cutting trees and using the bobcat to drag them in for firewood. He even decided to build a new road one year – Malyk Road bears his name! He enjoyed hockey, curling, and wood working. He was passionate about gardening and spent hours working to keep the deer out of his vegetable garden, but he always was able to have a bountiful harvest. Many will remember George for the years he spent voluntarily running the snack bar at the arena, providing many young people their first jobs and ensuring scholarships were available for many a young hockey player. He was recognized for his contributions to Dryden Minor Hockey with an award a few years back.
George and Jean always enjoyed “going for a drive”. Whether it was to Eagle River or travelling farther afield to Ste Rose Manitoba to visit with in-laws or the occasional trip to Thunder Bay, he loved to be on the road. George and Jean very much enjoyed going out for lunch on their own or with his family; mostly to the Towers and occasionally to Fort Vermilion. However it didn’t much matter where as long as he went out for lunch, every day if he could get away with it. Also a highlight was going for tea and a visit at Pat and Ron’s camp. He was in his glory at the lake. George loved going out walking, often a couple of hours a day and stopping at Princess Court for a quick visit and sometimes tea. He knew most of the people there and volunteered at the cafeteria. George was always friendly, had a smile and a wave to everyone he met and he enjoyed giving a hand when needed. He enjoyed visits with his great grandchildren. George would sit and watch cartoons with them and sneak them treats. George very much had a zest for life.
A celebration of George’s life will be held at a later date. Should friends desire, donations may be made to Dryden Minor Hockey or the Alzheimer’s Society through Stevens Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 412, Dryden P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted on Stevens Funeral Homes Facebook page or at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca.
