Michael KOWALCHUK

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KOWALCHUK: Michael (Mike) Kowalchuk, age 73, of Brandon, passed away on Friday, January 18, 2013. Mike was born to the late Peter and Mary Kowalchuk, on October 16, 1939. Mike attended Park School and Meleb School before joining the Canadian Forces in 1958. Mike served 25 years in the Canadian Forces as a Medic. He retired from the CF at the rank of Warrant Officer in 1983 and went on to serve in the Civil Service at CFB Shilo until he retired at age 60. Mike fell in love with his wife, Noreen, at CFB Borden and they married on May 13, 1961. Mike and Noreen started their married life in Germany where they had their first two children. After coming back to Canada, the military moved Mike and Noreen to Winnipeg where their remaining three children were born. Mike's career continued with various postings, such as Gypsumville, Churchill, Ottawa, Shilo and was lucky enough to spend a short tour in Resolute Bay. Mike is survived by his loving wife Noreen of 51 years of marriage. He is also survived by his children Linda (Al) McFarlane, Peggy (Alain) Savoie, RoseAnne (Mark) Dennys, Peter (Kelly) Kowalchuk, Barbara (Darryl) Boyling; nine grandchildren: Steven, Paul, Sean, Justin, Alex, Joshua, Ashley, Dylan, Devon; and four great grandchildren. Mike is also survived by his two sisters, Pat Kowalchuk, Betty (Henry) Pietkiewicz and his brother Norman (Faye) Kowalchuk, together by his nephews, nieces and cousins. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Mary Kowalchuk. Mike loved his family very much and enjoyed spending time with them. Mike's love of animals was evident to those around him. He had a soft spot for cats and dogs and could never turn away the strays the kids would bring home. Mike loved to work on projects around the house and thought he was Canada's best handyman. He was always up for a game of cards and was sure to show his nephew Brett how to "win" the game! Mike loved the outdoors, and spent many years at their cabin in Minnedosa. Mike had a wonderful sense of humor, and you could always count on Mike to be the prankster. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, who couldn't get enough of his jokes. Mike is well known for his famous bear hug, no one could hug as tight as Mike. Later in life, Mike took up golfing and no one could figure out how he always won! Mike will be missed by his family and all those that loved him. The family would like to extend their thanks to all the staff on the 4th floor at CGP for all their support and compassion to Dad. The family would also like to say a special thanks to his favorite nurse, Gerry, who kept Dad on his toes. A Ceremony to Celebrate Mike's life was held at Memories Chapel on Tuesday, January 22, 2013. Rev. Fr. Jorge Mante of St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church officiated. Rite of Committal took place Wednesday, January 23, 2013 in the Veterans Section at the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mike may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, Unit 4B – 457 9th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 1K2. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 26, 2013