MICHAEL MICHALYSHYN

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MICHAEL MICHALYSHYN It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our husband, father and gido, Michael Michalyshyn, on February 8, 2010 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. He will be deeply missed and his memory will forever be cherished by his wife Jeanette of Shoal Lake; son Wayne of Calgary; daughters: Lynn (David) Stamm, Janice (Dr. Joe) Mezibroski all of Winnipeg and Michelle (Darcy) Gerelus of Brandon; grandchildren: Tyler Stamm, Jenna and Karah Gerelus and Justin and Stefan Mezibroski; brother Mervin (Sonia) Michalyshen of Winnipeg; sister-in-law Phyllis and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Rose Michalyshyn, brothers: Theodore, Paul and his wife Rose, sister Mary Chomica and her husband Mike. Mike was born on a farm near Oakburn on November 17, 1921, where he received his education at King George School and Oakburn High School. When the Second World War began, he joined the Armed Forces. When the war ended, he opened his own general store in Oakburn. A year later, his brother Paul joined him and together they formed Michalyshyn's General Store which consisted of general merchandising, farm implement sales and raw fur trading. Mike became involved in many community and church affairs. He was president of the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church for 35 years; chairman of the credit union supervisory committee, treasurer of the Royal Canadian Legion. After 45 years in business Mike and Jeanette retired to Shoal Lake where Mike was elected to the town council and was appointed deputy mayor and chairman of the finance committee. He was also appointed to many special committees. Many legacies were left behind which were designed by him such as the centennial monument, church mission cross, and the cemetery archway and cross. Mike, along with the help of others, was instrumental in initiating the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Oakburn. In honour of the early pioneers, Mike researched and compiled a book with the history of the church. Mike fell in love and married his best friend Jeanette Tymkiw and together they celebrated 55 years of marriage. His most proudest accomplishments and the greatest legacy that he could possibly have left behind would be his children, his sons-in-law and his grandchildren which he had the privilege of being able to watch them grow. He always spoke of how important family was to him. Prayers were held at the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Oakburn, on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service was held on Saturday, February 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the church with interment following in the parish cemetery. Father Michael Tkachuk officiated. Pallbearers were: Bob and Jason Michalyshen, Allan and David Michalyshyn, Tyler Stamm and Justin Mezibroski. Crossbearer was Karah Gerelus. Honourary pallbearers were: Dave Stamm, Joe and Stefan Mezibroski, Darcy and Jenna Gerelus and Mervin Michalyshen. If friends so desire donations may be made to the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Oakburn, MB R0J 1L0. Rae's Funeral Service of Shoal Lake and Erickson were in care of the arrangements. We never left without a big hug and kiss goodbye and telling us how much he loved us! Good bye, God Bless, We Love You Vichnaya Pam'yat

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2010