- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
IHOR MICHALISHYN
With profound sadness, we have to share that Ihor Michalishyn has died. Dad, dido, brother, husband, uncle. Legend.
Ihor was predeceased by his parents Jean and Peter, and his wife Marika in 2023, leaving behind his two kids Patrick and Natalia (Andrew), grand-kids Annika and Michael, sisters Mary-Anne (David) and Katrusia (Albert), and all of the cousins, nieces and nephews, his huge extended family, and all of his friends who’d pop by the bar at Benn.
We could eulogize dad and share story after story here, but that wouldn’t be fair to the other obits. Ihor gave space to everybody he met and they were heard. He was the teacher that every student hoped they’d get the next year. We grew up with an open-door policy and his friends were frequently ‘in the area’ and stop by. He was a quiet man, but when he spoke, he was honest, direct, profound, and dryly hilarious.
Dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons 26 years ago and never let it redefine him. He was an artist, a curator, a teacher, a fighter, a golfer, a bartender/counselor, and everybody’s friend.
The family would love to thank the staff at both Maples and Holy Family personal care homes for putting up with Ihor in his final years; he could be a handful.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Movement Disorder Clinic at Deer Lodge Centre.
There will be a casual Celebration of Life at his home-away-from-home, Shooters Family Golf Centre, on November 4 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2025
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
-
Mr. Michalishyn was my teacher in Grade 4, 36 years ago. Yes, he was the teacher I wanted, and was lucky to have. I remember him foundly, and will never forget the story he told about spaghetti and his cats (I won't go into detail). For some reason, I never forget that story, or him. He was an amazing teacher and wonderful human. So sorry to his family on their loss. - Posted by: Monica (Student) on: Nov 06, 2025
-
Patrick and Natalka we are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a very kind and thoughtful long-time neighbour and friend. We will miss him. - Posted by: Jack and Mary (Friends and Neighbours) on: Nov 04, 2025
-
Ihor was a wonderful educator and person. He taught my daughter in the Ukrainian bilingual program in Winnipeg and helped her understand and discover the joy of mathematics. May his memory be eternal. Вічная памʼять. - Posted by: Val Noseworthy (Friend) on: Nov 02, 2025
-
Condolences. He is a teacher I remember as being involved, interested and cheerful. - Posted by: Kathleen (Former student) on: Nov 02, 2025
-
SO SAD to hear! Had just seen him days before as he stopped at the Holy Family Gift Shop to select his chocolate bar. My sincere condolences. He will be GREATLY missed. - Posted by: Debra Joy Winterburn (Volunteer in the Holy Family Gift Shop) on: Nov 01, 2025
-
I’m saddened to learn of Ihor’s passing. I chuckle when I think back to working with him at school. I recall his students bringing him birthday cake when he told them it was his birthday tomorrow …Only to discover the next month, they were bringing him another birthday cake. Apparently he told them every month it was his birthday. He had a taped line on the floor at the front of his classroom by his desk which the students were not allowed to cross. He made a boundary for his personal space, and they obeyed it respectfully. Finally, I recall the “men’s lottery ticket pool” of which Ihor was in charge. When our female custodian, Tannis asked to join, Ihor was adamant that it was for MEN ONLY. He was more than miffed when she won seven million in a lottery on her own! My condolences to his family. Ihor was a character and although I did not keep in touch with him after our SVS days, I think of him with fond memories. Peace be with him now. - Posted by: Janet (Teacher colleague from Sun Valley) on: Nov 01, 2025