MICHAEL LEDOHOWSKI

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MICHAEL LEDOHOWSKI 1914 -2007 It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Mike Ledohowski, of Poplarfield, Manitoba on Thursday, May 16, 2007 at Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg, Mike was predeceased by his beloved wife Ann (2003) and son Wayne (1998), his parents, Stefan (1962) and Katherine (1981), brothers, Nick (1987), Walter (1987), Ed (1989), a sister Helen (2001). He is survived by brother Andy (Joyce) in Kamloops; sister Albina in Winnipeg, sister Sabina in Toronto; son Ed (Monique) and stepsons, Ron (Karen) and Ken (Anne) of Winnipeg and daughters by a previous marriage, Dian (Rick) in Osoyoos and Gloria in Vancouver. Also left to miss their grandpa are Mike's grandchildren, Laura, Olivia, Kurt, Kaila, Lindsay, Brett, Ryan, Amber, Dawn, Brenda, Tina and Sean. Mike left the family farm in his early teens at the height of the Great Depression, and found work in the timber and mining operations of NW Ontario. After several years as a timber cutter, a truck and tractor-train freighter, a saw-mill operator, and a blast captain in a gold mine, in 1938 he took his savings and enrolled in a short-course mechanic's school in Chicago, Illinois. Returning to Poplarfield he built a small sawmill, cut his own lumber, and built the National Garage in the 'New Poplarfield' town site. In 1940 he enlisted and served six years with the Canadian 3rd Division Provost Corp in Britain and Europe. Mike narrowly escaped death on a number of occasions, and was seriously wounded in a motorcycle accident. He remained in the 3rd Division until 1946 before being demobilized and sent home. In October 1951, Mike married a recently widowed friend, Ann Lisowecki. They would share 52 years of marriage and family together, with sons, Ed and Wayne, and two stepsons, Ken and Ron Chekosky. Mike and Ann operated the National Garage for 20 years. Later they ran a registered grain and timothy grass seed farm for 22 years, in addition to running the Poplarfield Post Office for 19 years. Mike retired from farming in 1984 at the age of 70. Mike's passions were hunting, mechanics and community development. He was instrumental in establishing the Poplarfield Community Centre, the Poplarfield Curling Club, and the Fisher Game Fish Association, and served for many years on the executive of the Arborg Legion Branch No. 161. At age 65, Mike obtained his pilot's licence and over the next 11 years flew the skies above the Interlake in his Piper Cub. He designed and built a variety of snowmobiles and road vehicles, one which was patented. He used these primarily for his passion, deer and moose hunting, which he enjoyed until his 84th birthday. The last project that he tinkered with until age 91, was a dune buggy called The Red Baron. In retirement he enjoyed hunting, fishing and travelling with his wife Ann, which included trips to England and continental Europe, Mexico and Hawaii, and ocean cruises to Freeport and Alaska. There were also frequent trips to watch the world curling championships both in Europe and North America. He enjoyed good health for most of his life, despite close calls with cancer, and a more than a small number of falls and various accidents. After the passing of his wife in 2003, Mike continued to live in Poplarfield, and was physically active until very recently, when he left his long time home to take up residence at the new Arborg senior's complex. Here in the company of new and old friends, he enjoyed his twilight months playing bingo, cribbage at the Legion and shuttle bus trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg. Mike lived a long and fruitful life. He possessed endless energy and a will to take on and complete whatever challenge he set his mind to. He passed quietly with peace and dignity and although he will be missed, he lives on in our hearts and will be remembered with pride and love by his family and friends. The family would like to acknowledge the excellent care provided by Home Care personnel in Poplarfield and Arborg, and more recently by the staff at the Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg. A memorial service and luncheon in his honour will be held on Thursday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Poplarfield Community Centre. A family interment will take place later that day at Chapel Lawn where Mike will once again be together with wife Ann and son Wayne. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 19, 2007