MICHAEL JOSEPH TATARYN

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MICHAEL JOSEPH TATARYN Peacefully and surrounded by family, Dad passed away in his 89th year on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at Meadowood Manor PCH. Michael will be dearly missed by daughter Susan (Ronald) Bartmanovich; grandson Douglas (Jane) and their children, Tyler and Thomas; granddaughter Kristine (Rob) MacDonald and their children, Garrett and Eric. He is also survived by brothers, Harry (Kaye) and Nick; sisters-in-law, Mary and Irene Tataryn and Anne Checkryn. Uncle Mike will be remembered by the Checkryn and Tataryn nieces and nephews. Michael was predeceased by wife Minnie in February 2004. Also predeceased by brothers, Bill and Fred. Dad was born on June 8, 1917 in Brooklands. His youth was spent playing hockey, baseball, Ukrainian dancing, racing sled dogs and working in his parent's store. Minnie and Mike married on September 28, 1940. They spent 63 happy years together. Dad worked hard at many jobs, including CP Rail, Western Packing and the Royal George Hotel, but his secret dream was to have a farm. In 1946 with Minnie and baby Susan in tow, the family headed out to Little Mountain Park, where Dad purchased a small farm. Life was grand. Dad tended to the fields and Mom grew a big garden. Dad was always ready to lend a hand to a neighbour and always ready for a party. In 1976, Dad and Mom moved to Charleswood and became city people again. They went back to the earth again with rose and vegetable gardens. If you went for a visit, you always carried home bags of produce. Charleswood Horticultural Club was another interest. Dad won many plaques for his prized and weed free garden. He went on to encourage junior gardeners, through a plant a garden program. Many friends were discovered with dirt on their hands and maybe a rare plant. Mom and Dad loved to travel. They usually rated a trip by how many new people they met. While in town, Dad helped preserve the Holy Ghost Church on Logan Avenue. He served his church as a repairman, groundskeeper, lecturer and committee member. Dad was very proud of his Ukrainian heritage. Mom and Dad moved to an apartment in South Park Estates in 1997. Again, new friends became family and new gardens developed. Mom and Dad treasured their family, Susan and Ron could always ask for advice or a helping hand on the farm. Doug and Kristine could do no wrong in Gigi and Baba's eyes. They attended hockey and baseball games, school concerts and Girl Guides events. Gigi was so proud to attend their university convocations. Jane and Rob joined our family, which brought great-grandkids. That was pure love and joy, Tyler, Thomas, Garrett and now Eric brought great pleasure to Gigi. He had a special smile as he held every new baby. He loved family visits and later iced cappuccinos on the patio. Dad struggled with Alzheimer's for a number of years. It was his cross to bear, but we all journeyed with him and we learned. There would be flashes of memory and smiles. Finally hand holding and a knowing squeeze let us know that Dad was still in this body. Dad never complained of his fate, a walk in the garden brought him great peace. Susan wishes to thank Meadowood Manor PCH for all their kindness to Dad and our family. We shared happy and sad times but the care and thoughtfulness of staff was always there. I know Dad got the best of care. Thank you to Pastor Hamm and Pastor Holland for helping Dad on his journey. Prayers will be said on Monday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Mary, Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Drive and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 27 at 10:30 a.m. also at the Church. Rev. Fr. Carl Tarnopolski, V.G. will preside at the Mass. Interment to follow in Brookside Cemetery. The family request no flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to Meadowood Manor PCH, 577 St. Anne's Road, Winnipeg MB R2M 5B2. Rest in Peace, Dad. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2007