Mar 13, 1969 - Nov 10, 2023
It is with great heartbreak we announce the passing of our dearly loved Kyle on November 10, 2023, at the Ottawa General Hospital with his loving husband/soulmate by his side.
Kyle contracted a very rare disease (AL–Amyloidosis). He fought valiantly to overcome the ravages it took on his body, but the time came when he didn’t have the energy to fight further. He passed peacefully and without pain to a better place.
He will be missed by his cherished husband of 21+ years, Carl Larson; brothers Lonnie (Sue) Melnychyn, Wade (Donna) Melnychyn and sister, Shauna (Mark) Cassidy. Kyle had numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, many adoring nieces/nephews, great and great-great nieces/nephews.
Pre-deceased by his parents: Peter Melnychyn (1991) and Alice Melnychyn (Martin 2019).
Kyle was tenacious and driven to learn. He earned a B. Com and entered Banking, then a B. Ed and taught High School in AB and BC. Upon moving to Ottawa, with a scholarship he earned a M. Legal Studies (Carleton U) and started working for Government of Canada. While working he earned a M. Ed Counselling (U of Ottawa) and a Certificate Course on Intelligence Collection and Analysis (Norm Paterson School of International Affairs – Carleton U.)
Kyle was a loving best friend of many and an honored, employee (13+ years) and colleague (RCMP Civilian Member) of many more. His work gave him opportunity to travel all over Canada and on several occasions overseas to meet with foreign counterparts. His passing has left a huge hole in their lives. His dedication to his work blinded him to his need for medical intervention for his serious health problems.
Kyle was also a part-time psychotherapist. He was devoted to the health of his clients and selflessly remained available to them for years after their funding had expired.
Kyle was giving, selfless, and compassionate to all who came into his life. He was approachable and his kind, gentle manner drew people to freely share their hurt and pain. He spent untold hours listening to them and was committed to the confidences they shared with him.
Kyle was an advocate for those who could not speak for themselves, our fury friends. I can’t count the number of times we would go out into the cold winter nights seeking to rescue unfortunate fury friends who struggled to survive. He built shelters for them, won their hearts with tasty treats and if possible, would rescue them and find a loving, warm home for them.
Kyle was an avid home renovation/restoration aficionado. Along with his husband they renovated four properties over their 21+ years together. The last restoration started in 2005 where they undertook restoring a 1920s teardown home in Ottawa’s Glebe neighborhood. They stripped the house to studs and rafters and restored it back to its original 1920s beauty by returning all the original cleaned up woodwork and decorative embellishments. This was a labour of love that Kyle spearheaded and was passionate about. The result is no less than a stunning beauty for a house of that era with some modern appliances and utility services to meet the needs of today and tomorrow’s lifestyles. Kyle loved showing off the final product and revelled in telling the story of finding all the original windows of the house stored tightly and numbered in a closet in the basement. ‘The windows are the soul of the house’ he would say.
In keeping with his love of old homes, Kyle was an ‘old time’ host when it came to entertaining friends and family. He was a decorator and a gourmet (Le Cordon Bleu), and all wanted to be invited to his legendary dinner/cocktail parties and seasonal celebrations in his restored 1920s arts and crafts home.
Kyle still found the time and was passionate about gardening. If ever you wanted to chat unannounced with him you just had to pass by our house because when not working, he would usually be outside tending to his perfectly manicured front yard garden and would eagerly engage in friendly bantering.
In memory of this incredible man, Kyle, he asks that any donations offered be to an animal shelter of your choice. For him, no flowers are requested but asks instead, that you send them to the love of your life or someone you appreciate.
Kyle, ‘You are the Wind beneath my Wings and I Will Always Love You’. Thank you for being in my life.
Carl,
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Kyle. He was a great person and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Patti
Carl, I am heartbroken to read of Kyle’s death. His work on our team was dedicated, professional and passionate. He brought a depth of knowledge second to none and our partners, and the RCMP, benefitted from it enormously. He had tackled many challenges in his life and held those causes close while maintaining a great sense of humour and the ability to laugh at himself. His love for beautiful clothing—and shoes!—were the subject of many of our non-professional conversations. Through it all he had you, husband and friend. I am so sorry
Dear Carl, thank you for sharing such a beautiful life story of such a special man. I wish I would have been able to spend more time with both of you, but thankful we met while visiting Auntie. My heart breaks for you.
Kyle was married to my brother Carl. We just absolutely loved him. When Kyle asked Perry if he could use him for a reference to the RCMP Perry said yes . When they called I heard Perry tell them “ If I was gay I would have married him myself “ And I said if he wasn’t gay And I was 20 yrs younger I would have also 🤗💕 He also had a certain way when chatting with you that gave you insight into yourself and you never felt like he was chastising or reminding you, it was like he led you to your own conclusions and answers that were there all the time . He was so compassionate. The best of hosts and Antiquer . Kyle would find all the best places to visit and eat and Carl was the tour guide 🤗💕Kyle will always be in our Hearts and mind forever .