MAURICE (MIKE) TOKARIWSKI

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MAURICE (MIKE) TOKARIWSKI It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden and untimely passing of Maurice Mike Tokariwski on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at the Health Sciences Centre with his loving family by his side. He was 74. Mike was predeceased by his father Carl in 1972, and his mother Julia in 1988. Mike will be lovingly remembered by his wife Kay of 51 years, his daughter Carolyn (Mike) and grandchildren, Kevin, Sean and Tamara; son Ken (Lisa) and granddaughter, Nicole; and son, John (Arlene). He also leaves to cherish his memory his brothers Bob, Walter (Maryann), Julian (Liz) all of Winnipeg and his sister Alice Worbeck in Leduc, Alberta; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was born in Taylorton, Saskatchewan on December 8, 1931. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Bisset, Manitoba where his father Carl worked the gold mines. When Mike was a young child his family moved from Bissett, to Winnipeg where his father secured employment with the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1947, when Mike was 15, he also secured employment with CPR in an entry level position as a wiper. He was an extremely hard worker and soon moved to become a CPR fireman. Around 1957, Mike obtained his engineer's license and worked for 43 years until his retirement in 1990. Mike thoroughly enjoyed his job. It was obvious that he had found his passion and niche in life. In 1953, Mike met the love of his life, Kathi (Kay) and they were married September 11, 1954. Mike was truly an amazing person. He loved life. He enjoyed getting out into the world everyday, whether it was meeting new people, or learning something new. He was an extremely knowledgeable man, with an incredible memory. He had a wonderful sense of humor with an infectious laugh. He had a way with people. People were drawn to him because of his easy-going and friendly nature. He was a compassionate man, the type who would help anyone under any circumstance. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren unconditionally and always went the extra mile to see that they were taken care of and happy. He was a giving and generous person, always thinking of others before himself. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all who knew him. According to his wishes, a private service has taken place along with interment at Brookside Cemetery. The family wishes to express gratitude and thanks to the surgical ICU staff at Health Sciences Centre. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripening grain. I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift rush of birds in encircled flight, I am the twinkling stars at night. Do not stand at my grave and weep, I did not die I do not sleep. Mike's arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2005