Melvin Michael Ciulka

Melvin Ciulka
January 5,1946 - September 18, 2021

On Saturday, September 18, 2021, Mel passed away suddenly at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 75 years old.

Mel is lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years Jessie; his son, Gregory Allen; his daughter, Deborah Ann (Wade); and four beautiful granddaughters whom he adored, Kaylyn Christina, Breana Lynne, Olivia Grace, and Lilliana Victoria.

Mel also leaves behind a brother, Elmer (Grace) Ciulka; sisters, Joyce (Bill) Hominuk and Elsie Onchulenko; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mel was predeceased by his parents, John and Stella Ciotka; brothers, Eddie Ciotka, Victor Ciulka (Donna); his sisters, Sally Conway and Darlene (Mitch) Bordian; nephew, Bobby Ciulka; and niece, Mason Adams. 

Mel was born in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba and lived his early years on the family farm in the Ethelbert area until moving to Dauphin in his teens.  He eventually left home after the passing of his father following his brother Victor to British Columbia finding work in the mining industry.  Mel decided to leave mining and found his way to Calgary where he found work in construction working on many large projects including the initial build of Market Mall.  While in Calgary Mel met Jessie and they married a few years later, making their permanent home in Calgary and having two children.

Mel eventually moved on from construction work and joined Canada Malting Company in Calgary where he worked for over 32 years as a general labourer, loading crew member and house operator until his retirement in October of 2006. Mel’s hard work afforded him the ability to give his family many opportunities in life including well deserved annual vacations which gave him much joy creating many amazing memories through the years. From camping, boating, and fishing in Kananaskis and British Columbia, to the first trip to Hawaii with the whole family, Mel was happiest when he was with Jessie, Greg, and Debbie on vacation.  Mel fell in love with tropical destinations and was able to frequent Hawaii and Mexico many times during his retirement.  He and Jessie also made many visits to Las Vegas and enjoyed lavish cruises through the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska in recent years.  Although years of physical work took its toll on Mel, he managed to keep pace with Jessie going on daily walks with his favourite dog pal Dixon enjoying the outdoors and meeting others.   

Mel was a dedicated and good husband and loving father, although his favourite role was being Grandpa to his four beloved granddaughters and watching them grow into confident and strong young women.  Mel will always be remembered and sadly missed by his loving Family and all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Suite 100, 119 – 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T3N 1X6.