MICHAEL PIDSKALNY

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MICHAEL PIDSKALNY Peacefully, with his nieces at his side, on Wednesday, August 17, 2005, Michael passed into the arms of his beloved Jesus at the Grace General Hospital at the age of 81, after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Ethelbert, MB, on November 7, 1923, to parents, Victor and Pauline Pidskalny (Wolochatiuk), Michael completed his education in Ethelbert, helped with the family farm until 1942, then immigrated to Flin Flon to try his hand at mining. In 1943, Michael returned to Ethelbert where, at a Zoria Midnite Frolic, he met the love of his life, Stella (Tuzyk) whom he married on June 16, 1945. Shortly thereafter, Michael and Stella moved to Winnipeg, where Michael worked with Bird Construction, then joined Shea's Brewery in 1947. In 1955 Michael began working with Labatt Brewery in the shipping department. In 1976 Michael joined the supervisory staff at Associated Beer Distributors. After 42 years in the brewing industry, Michael retired to pursue his many volunteer activities. In 1962 Michael became a founding member of St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, serving as Parish President and Bingo and Nevada Chairman. Michael's love of music led him to take up the challenge of cantoring, thus deepening his faith. Michael joined the Knights of Columbus in 1968. In 1977 he became a Fourth Degree Knight and in 1993 he was awarded an Honorary Life Membership. Retiring in 1988, Michael continued to enjoy an association with his retired coworkers through the Labatt Brewery Pensioner's Club, of which he was president until the time of his passing. Michael and Stella's motor home was the source of their transformation to the Snowbirds status and led to an association with Family Motor Coach. FMCA will miss Michael's Hat tricks , his meaningful Graces and his contributions to the fireside sing-a-longs. Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Stella; his only sister Anne Kereliuk (Nick) of Dauphin, MB; sisters-in-law, Ollie McPhee of Garden Hill, ON, Mary Tuzyk of Windsor, ON and Nellie Tuzyk of Dauphin, MB. Also surviving him are numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who will remember his uplifting and positive attitude to life and his deep love for Our Lord Jesus. Michael was predeceased by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joe and Mary Tuzyk, Jim Tuzyk, Michael Tuzyk, Bob McPhee, Mary and Nick Kozy and Carrie Tuzyk. Prayers will be said on Friday, August 19 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 202 Harcourt St. The Funeral Liturgy, officiated by Fr. E. Hafichuk, will be celebrated on Saturday, August 20 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Basil's. Interment will take place in Ethelbert. Donations in memory of Michael may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2005