Melvin Berezowski

Berezowski, Murray Melvin, March 15, 1930 – April 9, 2015, aged 85 years, was born in Kamsack Saskatchewan on March 15, 1930 to Joseph and Mary Berezowski (nee Gulewich).  Mel was the second child in a trio of brothers; the elder brother Cecil and younger brother Eddie. Mel was raised and received his schooling in Kamsack helping to form his strong connection with the town as well as his strong sense of community that he carried throughout his life.

Mel entered the military in August of 1948 being stationed at the Army Base in Victoria, British Columbia. He was to be deployed during the Korean War but just days before he was to be shipped overseas the war came to an end. Mel finished his military duty in August of 1951.He returned to his hometown of Kamsack, and following in his Father's footsteps, came into the employ of the Canadian National Railway (CNR) in June of 1952.

In 1953 Mel met Patricia Andres who had relocated to Kamsack from MacNutt, Saskatchewan for an administrative position with the Kamsack School Unit. Their first meeting was at the wedding of Peggy and Eugene Kinesawich for which Mel was the Best Man. He was dating one of the bridesmaids at the time but as Pat put it, by midnight she had put an end to that and the rest was history!  In September of 1955 Mel and Pat were married at the MacNutt Lutheran Church, then making their home in Kamsack.

In March of 1963, to their great joy, Mel and Pat brought home Murray Brian bringing their family ranks to three. Mel often said this was one of the best moments of his life.  In June of 1966 they added to their ranks with Gregory Allen rounding the numbers in the family to four.

Mel enjoyed many sports but foremost in the list were Hockey, curling and golf.  He played hockey for the Kamsack Flyers and segued into refereeing.  He was active for many years as a referee in Kamsack and the surrounding area.  He enjoyed many a bonspiel with curling, always looking forward to the Legion Bonspiel as a highlight of the long and generally severe winters of Kamsack.  Though the golf season was short, he was an avid and proficient golfer accomplishing not one but two "holes in one" through the course of his golfing life.  Golfing was his meditation!

In July of 1989, Mel retired from the CNR and opened his schedule for Pat and himself to travel, golf, curl and generally relax.  They settled into a comfortable retirement in Kamsack until they moved to Alberta in 2010 to be closer to their children and their respective families.

Mel leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Patricia, his son Murray (Laurie), his son Greg (Trevor), his three grandchildren, Meaghan (John), Brooke, Jordan, and his great granddaughter Zosia. He will be always remembered and forever missed.

Funeral Service was held April 17, 2015 at the Kamsack Royal Canadian Legion Hall, with John Adamyk officiating. Interment followed at Riverview Cemetery – Kamsack. Friends who so desire, may make memorial contribution to the Heart and Stoke Foundation in memory of Mel. To leave a letter of condolence for the family, please visit Wolkowski.ca