top of page

Mel Gilroy

Image by Nick Andréka

MELVIN “MEL” JOSEPH BRICE GILROY

June 28, 1948 – January 22, 2025

Melvin (“Mel”) Joseph Brice Gilroy, 76 years old, passed away peacefully with family by his side on January 22nd, 2025 after a courageous battle with many illnesses.


Mel was born on June 28th, 1948 in Ochre River, Manitoba to Robert and Ida Gilroy and was the fourth of five children. Mel was raised in Ochre River, Manitoba, along with his siblings, Myrtle Christensen (Lloyd), Robert (Bob) Gilroy (Linda), Geraldine Cochrane (Tom), and Eileen Robertson (Frank).


It was in Ochre River, Manitoba that Mel met the love of his life, Doreen Alice (n. Hannibal) Gilroy. Mel and Doreen had first kisses through screen doors, worked summer jobs at Barkers Canteen at Dauphin Beach, Manitoba and shared a love for sports, such as curling and golf, as they grew up together. Mel and Doreen married on August 5th, 1972, at the Grace Baptist Church in Ochre River, Manitoba.


Mel and Doreen shared family homes in Alexander, Manitoba, and Brandon, Manitoba, where they welcomed their children, Michelle Alice Gilroy, Lindsay Dawn (n. Gilroy) Hyman, and Melvin Alexander (“Alex”) Brett Gilroy. They remained in these places for 40 years where they shared fond memories of raising their children and welcoming their beloved grandchildren, Carson MacCauley Hyman and Lachlyn Rose Hyman.


Mel worked across Northern Canada in Alberta, Ontario and Manitoba, before receiving his electrical degree in Brandon, Manitoba and working for over two decades at the Manco milk plant in Brandon, Manitoba. Among his various achievements, including curling an eight ender at the Riverview Curling Club or a hole in one at the Glen Lea Golf Course, he was always most proud of his wife, children, and grandchildren.


Mel and Doreen eventually returned to their childhood town of Ochre River, Manitoba, so that Doreen could care for her parents. Mel and Doreen continued to live in Ochre River, Manitoba and it was there that Doreen developed Alzheimer’s Disease and Mel’s love for her gave him the strength to become her caregiver. They lived in Ochre River, Manitoba until Doreen’s advancing Alzheimer’s Disease and Mel’s declining health caused Doreen to enter a care home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Mel followed her to be close to her.


Mel is survived by his beloved wife, Doreen Alice Gilroy along with their treasured dog, Joey, his daughter, Michelle Alice Gilroy, his daughter, Lindsay Dawn Hyman along with her husband, Bryan Hyman and children, Carson MacCauley Hyman and Lachlyn Rose Hyman, his son, Melvin Alexander Brett Gilroy (“Alex”) along with his partner Amanda Meda, Doreen’s daughter, Carolyn Corda, his siblings and many nieces and nephews, friends and golf friends.


Mel is predeceased by his mother, Ida, and father, Robert, his brother-in-law, Lloyd Christensen and his father-in-law, Eric Hannibal, and his mother-in-law, Christina Hannibal.


A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the Hyatt House Hotel at 700 Sterling Lyon Parkway, Winnipeg, Manitoba.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations (via e-transfer at lhyman@od-law.ca with a note for the reason of the e-transfer) be made to purchase a bench in honour of Mel at one of his loved golf courses. 


Mel’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

Thank you for your comment!

9 Comments

Leave a Comment

↑ Both fields are required ↓

Upload Photo(s)

Chuck and Linda Compton

January 29, 2025 at 8:27 AM

Always remember the times we went to Ochre River to play with Melvin and the other cousins at the old farm. Unfortunately our paths have not crossed in many years. Our condolences to the family.

Rod and Judy Ewen

January 27, 2025 at 9:05 AM

We haven't seen Mel for awhile even though he was a fun cousin to be around, always had a chuckle and made you feel happy. He was quick with a response on many subjects. Our sincere condolences to all the families. Sorry we can't be with you but we are on a cruise..

 

Wayne Van de Vooren Denise Wilkins

January 25, 2025 at 8:52 AM

So sorry to hear of the passing of Mel (Shorty)

I was introduced to Mel at Inwood Golf Course and we became fast friends.

Mel gave me great pointers on the game of golf and there was always a lot of bantering.

we had lots of laughs , he will be sadly missed.

RIP my friend

Angie mclaughin

January 25, 2025 at 8:13 AM

 

Otherwise known to "melbert' as Andrew private joke

I've only known for a short time at the chalet may you rest in peace and there will always a bowl of borscht for u

Terry Dolinsky. Eastern Star Chalet Res.

January 24, 2025 at 2:45 PM

Mel was my close friend and neighbor.The short time I knew him felt like we had been friends for a lifetime.We always had something in common whether it was golf,baseball, hockey or football Then politics were there as usual especially Trump jokes .We had some good times outside sunning in the courtyard and watching the grass grow.Mel's stories sometimes never got totally finished cause he'd quite often forget .It was always OK I'll get back to you on that another time.Funny but was understandable.I spent quite a bit of time with Mel as his health did not improve also meeting his family members and seeing how much they cared..My condolences to all the family.Will see you up there Mel for a round of golf Farewell my friend ❤️

Linda (Fordyce) Ozirney

January 24, 2025 at 9:06 AM

Mel was only one month younger than me, so as cousins we basically grew up together. I have so many good memories of times we spent together as kids.

it was my husband that performed their marriage -it was his first time to do a wedding and it didn't go without mistakes!

Mel and Doreen bought my mom and dads house and I was so thrilled that the house remained in the family!

it's hard to believe he is gone now. He will be sorely missed by everyone that knew and loved him.

im so sorry we have to miss the service but you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda

Kathy Lanthier, Eastern Star

January 23, 2025 at 9:29 PM

I knew Mel for such a short time only since he moved to Winnipeg, but we became friends along wth the many others in our apartment complex. He had such a great sense of humour and despite his many ailments, never complained about them.

What I will always remember is his great love and devotion to his wife. He spoke so well of her. We will all miss him very much. Please accept my condolences to the entire family.

Stephen & Liza Hess

January 23, 2025 at 8:05 PM

Condolences to the family. They were our neighbours across the street in Ochre River. And he was a relative of mine (my great grandmother was Emily Howatt n. Gilroy) Their yard always had such beautiful flowers. We enjoyed our visits when we'd be out in the yard.

Brian Gilroy

January 23, 2025 at 2:32 PM

Condolences to you all - auntie Doreen, Michelle, Lindsey, Alex, et al. Sadly, we hadn't seen uncle Melvin in a while and his passing saddens us. We shall cherish the memories we have of him. Unfortunately we will be unable to attend the service as we will be away for our daughter Kaili's wedding. Condolences from Brian & Alison Gilroy (and kids Kaili, Brendan & Sydney)..

DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

bottom of page