MICHAEL M. HARACK

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MICHAEL M. HARACK July 15, 1923 - February 7, 2018 It is with profound sadness that we lost a true gentleman - Michael Harack, at the age of 94, with his two children by his side. Michael was born in Pine River, Manitoba, and grew up in the North End of Winnipeg. At 19, he had been granted a day pass from the Air Force to propose to "Kit" - the love of his life. After the war - they married, and had two children - Brian and Susan. In 1961, he and Kit built the cottage at Royal Lake. This was their heaven, and has provided a whole new life to generations of family and friends. This sanctuary, besides being a place that brings friends and family back home, is spiritual. He was a salesman - with integrity. He fondly shared stories of a teenager working on the "Moonlight Express" train up-selling sodas to young gentlemen on their first dates. After the war, he worked at The Bay selling shoe repairs, earning his way to a management position. Then it was Dr. Scholls, onto Brystol Myers, and eventually Vice President of Sales at Shulton (known currently as Proctor and Gamble) in Toronto. Known to all mostly as "Gramps" - he was a larger than life "Grandfather". He was a sharp man. He loved playing cards, chopping wood, playing the stock market, and absolutely hated being any less than one hour early for a hockey practice for his grandchildren. He showed us how to treat our significant others by his loving devotion to his wife, Kit, to whom he was happily married for 70 years. He took the time to talk to everyone - he made strangers feel valued and had a genuine interest in people's lives. It didn't matter whether it was the bank teller or the grocer; he genuinely loved everyone. There were no strangers, only friends. He even tipped people, at a time where tips weren't expected. Family meant everything to Gramps, as he believed that "family supports family". He was a true philanthropist and showed us what 'good' looks like. He will be missed and lovingly remembered by their children Brian (Dorothy) and Susan Ellis (Greg); grandchildren David (Lori), Alison (Jason), Paul (Valerie), Zachary (Jennifer) and Joshua (Sarah); great-grandchildren Sadie, Kayden, Mabel, Dylan and Noah; as well as his many nieces, nephews, friends, and long-time family friend John Nixon. Dad, Gramps, Uncle Michael, you are forever in our hearts. We love you and we will miss you. In lieu of flowers, donation in Michael's memory can be made to CancerCare Manitoba. As per Michael's wishes, his body has been cremated and the family will be gathering privately at a later date to commemorate his life.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 10, 2018