MICHAEL (MIKE) PROKOPICH

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MICHAEL (MIKE) PROKOPICH Live, Love, Laugh Born November 4, 1934 - May 1, 2009 With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our father, my mother's soul mate for 55 years, grandfather, brother and respected friend to many, on May 1, 2009. Surrounded by his family, he peacefully passed with us by his side, for which we are grateful. Dad was born in Trebisov, Slovakia, Republic of Czechoslovakia on November 4, 1934, son and one of eight children to Joseph and Helena Prokopic(h). In search of a better life and the threat of Hitler and Germany, Joseph moved his family to Canada in 1938. They boarded an ocean liner to make their way to the land of opportunity. They eventually settled in St. Anne, Manitoba to farm, where Mike's first language was Slovak, second was French and eventually learned to speak English. At the ripe old age of 13, he decided that there was more to life than farming and moved to the big city to work. In Transcona, at a diner where he and his buddies from the railway used to hang out at, he started flirting with a young waitress named Rose ... who gave it as good as she got. He had found his soul mate, best friend and life partner. Together, they embarked on starting a family and the life that they always dreamed about. He worked many different jobs in his life from running moonshine for his father, working on the CN lines across Canada, driving cab and bus and eventually roofing. In 1959, with the financial assistance and mechanical talents of his brother Joe, MJ Roofing (M for Mike, J for Joe) began in the backyard of his home on Doucette in St. Boniface. As anyone affiliated with the business will know, it was a success story thanks to the many loyal and hardworking employees of his and his natural business instincts. Dad semi-retired in 1979 but eventually handed over the reins in 1990. Dad was actively involved in the West Kildonan Kiwanis and Toastmasters International. He was always giving to his community and in the pursuit to better himself, had many many interests and pursued those interests. He always wanted to see what was around the next corner. He excelled at anything he did whether it was business, golf, dancing, poker or playing pool. Dad had a love of life and adventure and with his trusty sidekick and straight man Rose, they set off to explore the world, mostly Canada, US and Mexico via car and motor home and two trips to Argentina. Our home was always filled with family, cousins, friends, music, dancing and laughter. As any who knew my father can attest to, his laugh was infectious, memorable and filled the room. He was a big presence and left an impression on everyone that met him. They eventually retired in Mesa, Arizona which became their second home during the winter months and then back to Winnipeg for the other six. Mesa also became their second life and as in Winnipeg, they collected and nurtured friends from all over the world who lived in their park. Dad was always the go to person for many family and friends ... and Rose was the consummate hostess. They opened their hearts and their home to many over the years, including all of our friends. His job was to give advice (and finances if needed) and hers was to cook. Thanks for my father and his strong belief in family, all of us kids and our cousins learned how to water ski on Lake Manitoba at Steep Rock, while he drove the boat tirelessly so we could learn. He also taught us that we could be anybody we wanted to be and to love what we do and do it well. My father provided us with memories that to this day, people continue to bring up and reminisce about. He Live (d) largely, Love (d) deeply and Laugh (ed) loudly . He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Helena, his sisters Julie, Anne and Helen, his brother Joe. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Rose, his sisters Mary and Millie (Ben) and brother John. His daughters Syndi (Graham), Sandra, Roxanne (Garry), Rosanne, and son Lorry (Brenda); his grandchildren Carmen and Ryan, Matthew and Nathan, Richard, Josh, Nadia, Nicholas and Anya. And all of his friends and family in Winnipeg, Mesa, Arizona and around the world. Viewing/visitation will be held at Green Acres Funeral Home on Thursday, May 7, 2009 between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. at 1 Green Acres Lane, Springfield (Hwy #1 E inside the perimeter of Winnipeg). Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home, interment to follow at Green Acres Cemetery, with a light lunch at the funeral home to follow. Pallbearers are his son Lorry, sons-in-law Graham and Garry, grandsons, Matthew, Nathan, and Josh. Honourary pallbearers to be his grandson Richard, nephews Jeff and Wayne. In honour of Mike's memory, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the many doctors, paramedics and healthcare workers that tended and cared for him over the last few days, at Seven Oaks Hospital ... and Dr. Kahanovitch who was his physician, Al Leray who was his spiritual support. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery 1 Green Acres Lane, Springfield (204) 222-3241 Hwy #1 inside the Perimeter at Winnipeg Life stories may be shared at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 05, 2009