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GARY MICHALUK
Born: Apr 09, 1951
Date of Passing: Dec 16, 2005
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGARY MICHALUK Suddenly and tragically on Friday, December 16, 2005 Gary left us to try out his wings. He leaves in deepest mourning his soul mate and wife Dianne, and his precious beloved son Andrew. Gary was born on a beautiful spring day - April 9, 1951 in Gilbert Plains, MB to loving parents John and Sadie (Chalmers). Gary and his family moved to 10th Avenue S.E. Dauphin, MB in 1956. Gary spent many summers playing with his cousins on the family farm. He attended Whitmore Smith-Jackson schools, graduating from Dauphin Collegiate Institute. He spent his early years playing road hockey and fishing and curling with his dad. His dad taught him the love of gardening. Gary and his dad were so very close. Gary loved his mother's Scottish roots and her shortbread. He was also extremely proud of his Ukrainian heritage. Gary worked with his dad at the Dauphin Post Office for some time. He then entered the Government sponsored Rural X-ray Program. He graduated from RRCC in September 1972. A year later, he entered the Rural Lab Training Program in Brandon. It was here that he met his dear buddies Dave, Henry, Bob, Eugene, and Daryl. They recently celebrated their 30 years of lab and x-ray together. Gary worked in Swan Lake and Portage and eventually became Charge Tech in Morris. Gary and Dianne transferred to Minnedosa in 1978. Gary met the love his life Dianne while in the x-ray program. On September 18, 1976 they were wed in Winnipeg at the St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church. On February 28, 1982 his precious son Andrew was born. Gary was so involved in Andrew's life. They spent time in Cubs, canoeing and building a fort together. Gary was an assistant coach and manager for Andrew's soccer league as well as his minor hockey years. Here Gary and Dianne were fortunate to become soccer and hockey parents and met so many wonderful people. Gary could often be seen eating a half bottle of Tums. He also coached for one season for Greendell. Gary supported Andrew's desire to play in the net cheering the loudest at every game and taking him to goalie schools across the country. On the soccer field he clapped the loudest and on the rugby field - he just held his breath. Gary was overjoyed when Andrew followed in his footsteps in his profession. In 1991-92, as a family, they moved to Winnipeg so that Gary could further his education by completing the Medical Sonographer course. Gary commuted from Minnedosa to Portage for five years before returning to work in Minnedosa. Gary was a great volunteer, giving of himself to any organization that needed help. He became involved with Big Brothers and helped launch its beginnings in Minnedosa. Besides soccer and minor hockey, Gary volunteered each year at Classic Rock, and looked forward to having his Classic Rock Family come for four days of fun and sharing. He made the best darn saskatoon pancakes! In 1999, he escorted the Pan American Athletes to their village in Brandon and Winnipeg. However, Gary's first concern for any job that needed doing other than his home was his church, St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church. He was a Eucharistic Minister and most recently appointed Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council. Last Christmas, he was instrumental in creating the garden in our church basement. Everyone who came felt such inner peace. On Thursday, he helped celebrate reconciliation with Fr. Vincent and Fr. David. Gary loved to cook, and try out new recipes. In 2004, Gary entered the Winterfest chilli cook-off with his famous Uranus-on-fire chilli winning him third place. Most recently, he discovered a Thai dish and was so looking forward to making it. Gary and his best friend Ray had a hoot making wine and sharing stories. Gary also enjoyed fine scotch which he tipped back with Teresa. He was an avid reader and would bring home bags of books from any sale. He loved to curl and would do so when time allowed. The same with golf - never seemed to be enough time. However, while in Russell he golfed regularly with his good friend Dennis. This is also where Gary had the time to sit and strum his guitar which he found solace in doing so. Gary and Dianne began their life together travelling overseas for their honeymoon, and this past November went on a MOST EXCELLENT ADVENTURE backpacking in Australia. Gary fell in love with everything Australia had to offer. He absolutely had the time of his life with his sweetheart by his side. Gary was extremely close to his family. He always loved family gatherings and made a big effort to get to them... family was so important to Gary. He spoke with his sister Grace daily on the net, and a weekly phone call with his sister Marion. He shared a special bond with his brother Don that only brothers can. Gary was best known for his huge smile and infectious laugh. Gary left behind loving and caring co-workers and staff in Minnedosa, Neepawa and Russell Hospitals. He was a patient, kind and gentle man who left his beloved community in sadness. Gary was predeceased by his mother Sadie in 1989. Besides his wife Dianne and son Andrew, Gary leaves behind, his father John of Brandon, his dear sisters Grace and Bill Gascoigne (Edmonton), Marion and Barry McDuffe (Brandon) and brother Don and Laura of Stonewall. He was Uncle Gar-Gar to his precious nephews and nieces, Craig and Michelle Gascoigne, Leanne and Michael Nastasi, Darcie and John Dixon, Warren and Maureen McDuffe, Christopher McDuffe (Katelyn Coombs), Jordyn Michaluk and Evan Michaluk. He was also great uncle to Kayleigh, Billy and Chelsea Gascoigne, Matthew Nastasi and Brady McDuffe. As well, Gary leaves his mother-in-law Mary Bartecki of Winnipeg, Andrew's girlfriend Jennifer Blandford (Winnipeg), sister-in-law Vicky and Stan Duma (Winnipeg), brother-in-law Steve and Marilyn Bartecki (Nanaimo), sisters-in-law Eva Bronson (BC) and Eileen St. Mars (Winnipeg); special nieces and nephews, Joan Duma and Lou Routbard, Karen Duma, Christine and John Wojcik, Darald Duma, Dennis Duma and great-nephews Kyle and Corey Wojcik, and extended nieces and nephews. There are so many things that we can say about this special man. Gary has touched all of our lives in some way and left part of himself in our hearts that will live on in our memories which we will cherish forever. Prayers were held December 21 and mass of the Christian Burial was held on December 22 at the St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church in Minnedosa. Farewall to our husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, co-worker and most of all friend ... until we meet again!
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2006