Melvin Stephen Peter Krupa

1942 - 2017

January 29, 1942 –
August 27, 2017

Melvin (Mel) Stephen Peter Krupa, 75 years, of Toronto, formerly of Thunder Bay succumbed to complications of Parkinson's Disease on Sunday, August 27, 2017 at St Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto with his loving family close by. Left to mourn are wife, Deborah; son Christopher (Christina) and grandson, Oliver; daughter Hilary (Mykola Konyk); sisters Marilyn Slobodian (Marvin), Judy Novak (Josef); brothers Gerald (Lois Weldon) and Michael (Sandra Stockla); sister-in-law Jacki Morin (Terry); nephews Brad Slobodian (Carla) and Jason Krupa (Dawn); grand-niece Marisa Slobodian. Pre-deceased by parents Steve and Nettie Krupa, niece Charlene Slobodian, sister-in-law Claudine Krupa, father-and mother-in-law Jack and Evelyn Bryant. Mel was born and raised in Fort William and attended local schools. After graduating from Lakehead University and Queen's University, he worked for a year at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital before beginning his high school teaching career in 1967 at Hillcrest High School. He continued to teach English at Hillcrest until his retirement and subsequent move to Toronto in 1999. Because he loved teaching, Mel enjoyed supply teaching in Toronto but he also had a love and a true knack for home design and for many years he and Deborah renovated and designed properties in Toronto, Muskoka, Thunder Bay and Florida. Growing up, Mel excelled at all sports and many trophies adorn his den to this day. In his adult years, he embraced cycling and was never without a bike no matter where he went. He loved music of all kinds and could play many instruments. Whether it was playing guitar and singing folk songs at parties, playing the piano at home or singing with the symphony choir, he was in his happy place when music was involved. He was so proud that he was able to pass on his love for music to his two children. Mel loved having a house full of family and friends and hosting gatherings at the Toronto house, the winter home in Largo Florida and the summer “camp” at Grandview Beach was always on the agenda. With a kind and gentle spirit but with a spontaneous wit, he made friends easily and enjoyed his friendships immensely. Most of all he loved his family and was frequently called the world's most doting Dad and “Gramps”. Mel was always happiest in Thunder Bay and it is his wish that his final resting place be here. Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of his life on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Valhalla Inn. If friends so desire, a donation in Mel's name to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. As Mel walked gently on this earth so shall his star shine brightly from the heavens for he taught us by example and so we will carry on. Love you Mel.