Orest Bohdan Meleschuk

April 11, 1940 – June 23, 2026

Orest passed away peacefully, with family by his side, after a brief illness.

He is survived by his loving partner/wife of 40 years, Carol Laye; his children, Sean (Jenny) and Karin (James). Gigi will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren Nora, Aidan, Lucy and Max. Orest will also be greatly missed by Carol’s son Darren, and her grandchildren, Natasha (Cliff), James and Kenny, and great-grandchildren Parvati and Paxton. In addition, he leaves behind his nephews, Bob and Jim Diakiw, Dan and Michael Diachun, and niece, Kathy Diakiw.

He is predeceased in life by his parents, Max and Ksenia Meleschuk, his twin sisters and their husbands Nadia (Fred) Diachun and Lesia (Nick) Diakiw.

Orest was born and raised in a loving home in St. Boniface, attending King George School, Norwood Collegiate and Tech Voc. After graduation, he went on to work at Wardrop Engineering, City of Selkirk and Town of Beausejour. Orest was very proud of the work he did and especially so for the contributions he made providing safe drinking water to the Inuit communities of Cape Dorset and Frobisher Bay in the late 60’s and early 70’s.

Orest moved to Selkirk in the mid 1970’s, where he would meet Carol and build a home in 1988, where Orest and Carol continued to reside until his passing. Family meant a great deal to Orest. He was devoted to his children and supported them in all their many activities, whether it be sports or school. He was especially proud of the fact that both his children graduated from university. Sean at the University of Manitoba and Queen’s University, and Karin at the University of Winnipeg.

While living in St. Boniface, Orest was active in sports such as curling, hockey and baseball. It was curling that Orest enjoyed the most. In the mid 1950’s, Orest would spend many hours honing his delivery and game at the Heather Curling club, much to his mother’s chagrin. By the mid 1960’s, Orest would become one of the top competitive men’s curlers and gained the nickname of ‘The Big O’. In 1972, Orest would go on to skip his team to both the Canadian Brier and World Curling Championships. Orest continued to curl competitively in Manitoba until the early 2000’s, achieving provincial titles in 1989 (Manitoba Men’s), 1996 (Manitoba Senior Men’s), and 2002 (Manitoba Masters). 

Orest was a caring person who always wanted the best for those around him.  He was happiest when he was spending time in his garden and with the people he loved, whether it be family or friends.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

 Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.