MICHAEL HUMNISKI

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MICHAEL HUMNISKI The family of Michael Humniski sadly announces the peaceful passing of their father, grandfather and great-grandfather on Saturday, March 10, 2012. Michael was born in Winnipeg, in October, 1912. His mother always claimed his birthdate to be the 23 but documents showed the 26th, a day he shared with his son Frank. Mike was the son of John and Irene (Kisil) Humniski, and brother to Peter who predeceased him. Mike was very able in school as a young lad in the St. Nicholas Ukrainian School but after transferring to an English program experienced frustration due to the educational system of the day. After leaving school he was self-educated and read widely, both in English and Ukrainian. Mike was able to survive during the depression by coping with adversity, adapting to change and seeking adventure. He experienced the rails not from the engineer's seat but from the tops and insides of box cars. He later started a career with the railroad and although times were tough and layoffs plenty, he worked himself up to the position of Engineer. He retired from CPRail in 1977, as an Engineer on The Canadian . His last run in 1977 was brought into Winnipeg a day late, due to a washout, but the delay enabled him to have a wonderful extended retirement party in Kenora. Mike married Stefanie Klos on June 8, 1940, a union that lasted almost 65 years, until Stef's passing in 2005. Three boys were born of this union, Paul, Frank and Greg. Although Mike was often away with his work he played a defining role in their lives. He kept close watch as the boys grew and he instituted measures to prevent them getting into difficulty. In light of the watchful eye, the boys reacted by making sure cars odometers weren't run up too high the solution - DRIVE BACKWARDS!! Mike took the boys on the train and they enjoyed special times. Mike used his travel to pick up parts for a Model T that he and Greg built together. In later years Mike used this keen eye to pick up, refurbish and sell all kinds of goods in his perpetual garage sale. His eyesight stayed strong and Mike enjoyed doing the most difficult of jigsaw puzzles through the years he spent as a resident of Arlington Haus, and Riverview Health Centre. Mike overcame many health challenges through the years with the help of the Mayo Clinic and the determination of his wife Stef. In later years, despite the limitations of a trach and tube feeds, he got out and about on his scooter until very recently and maintained a keen interest in the happenings of the world. Mike was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and was a long time parishioner of St. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral. Mike's son, Paul, passed away after a long illness, a mere 11 hours after his father. Mike leaves his sons Frank (Diane), Greg (Rosemarie) Paul's widow, Irene; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Mike's life and a remembrance of his son Father Deacon Paul Humniski will take place at St. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral on Saturday, June 2, at 10:00 a.m. Words cannot adequately express the family's gratitude for the love and care Michael Humniski received from the staff of 2 West Riverview Health Centre during the last 4½ years of his life and particularly in his last hours. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Humniski Memorial Project 2 West, Riverview Health Centre, 1 Morley Ave, Winnipeg R3L 2P4

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 17, 2012