MICHAEL OROBKO

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MICHAEL OROBKO February 22, 1921 - September 21, 2015 It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Orobko at the age of 94. After a brief stay at Seven Oaks General Hospital, Michael passed away on the afternoon of September 21, 2015, peacefully and with family by his side. He was predeceased by his son Roman (2014) and his grandson Allan (2015). Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Maria; children, Emil (Maria), Leo (Linda), Ollie (Diane), Nadia (Calvin); grandchildren, Rick (Angela), Tamara (Ross), Evan, Gavin (Lauren), Andrea, Kaylee, Austin and Tyler; and great-grandchildren, Teja, Kiana, Alexis, Eva and Lucas, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in Winnipeg, Minneapolis and Ukraine. Michael was born in Synkiw, Ukraine on February 22, 1921. During the Second World War, he was taken from his mother and four siblings to perform forced farm labour. Soon after the war, he met and married his wife, Maria, in a refugee camp near Ludwigsburg, Germany, while lining up for a meal in the camp kitchen. After marrying in Germany and the birth of sons, Emil and Roman, Maria encouraged Michael to seek out his two uncles who were believed to be living somewhere in Canada. With the help of the International Red Cross, relatives in Winnipeg, and much good fortune, Michael and his family were able to successfully immigrate to Canada in November 1948. In the early 1960s, three more children, Leo, Ollie and Nadia, enlarged the family to seven. Michael worked at a number of construction jobs in Winnipeg before purchasing and operating two corner grocery stores. He was later owner and proprietor of Main Meats and Groceteria on Main Street for 25 years prior to retiring in 1983. Michael lived a long, rewarding and generally healthy life. He was a hard worker but was also a fun-loving man who always put his family first. He enjoyed nothing more than spending quality time with family and friends. Activities he enjoyed included camping, bowling, chess and various card games. Michael loved tending to his apple trees in which he took great pride, as well as his extensive vegetable garden. He also took pleasure in the simple things in life such as going for ice cream with his family. To all who knew him, he will be remembered by his generous, selfless nature and his excellent sense of humour which never left him. Michael derived great pleasure and hope in God's assurance of living forever in paradise as promised at Revelation 21:3,4. The family would like to extend their thanks to the Maples Personal Care Home staff for the compassionate care shown to our father and Dido during his time there, and to Dr. Bouchel and the staff on the 3rd floor of the Seven Oaks General Hospital during his final days in their care. A private viewing will be held for family members. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1877 Inkster Blvd. Following the reception, interment will take place at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Highway #1 East at Navin Road. Cropo Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements. If friends so desire, donations in lieu of flowers, in Michael's memory, may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2015