MIKE MARTIN ANDREWS

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MIKE MARTIN ANDREWS April 1, 1934 - February 22, 2018 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Mike Andrews after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers. Born Mike Andruschak in Hnausa to parents Martin and Maria (nee Bamburak), Dad was the youngest of nine siblings: Florence, Kay, Pearl, Harry, Peter, Nellie, Julia and Hannah. He changed his surname to Andrews as he believed, in those days, that it would be to his children's future advantage. Mike enjoyed the simple life on the Andruschak family farm but he faced great personal and health challenges when his beloved oldest sister, Florence (who was like a mother to him) succumbed to tuberculosis. Mike, in turn, contracted the same devastating disease which resulted in him being institutionalized in the Ninette Sanatorium from 1946 to 1950. It was difficult to keep a boy of that age confined and many times Mike would elude the watchful eye of the nuns in charge to roam around the grounds. It was through the encouragement of these nuns that Mike took an interest in accounting and he started his studies by correspondence that eventually led to him graduating from the University of Manitoba with a degree as a professional Chartered Accountant. On July 8, 1961, Mike married Connie Vis and together they had four children: Ronald, Kimberley (Halischuk), Kenneth and Robert. Much to his regret, the marriage did not last and this was a very dark time in his life. Mike never gave up on love however as he went on to marry Joan in 1982 and then Virginia in 1988. At the end, though, he remained a bachelor and that lifestyle suited him fine. Finance and money management was in Dad's blood and he taught his children at a very young age the value of a dollar, how to be industrious, the concept of compound interest and other accounting practices. Even though he had a life-long, successful career with the Federal Government Department of Taxation, he always had a side gig - most notably driving taxi. His children would love when he would stop by to take them and their friends for a spin in the cab to pick up a jug of A & W root beer! In addition to this, he managed the kids' paper routes and taught them environmental responsibility with early morning runs collecting beer bottles. Dad firmly believed that one man's junk was another man's treasure. Even though Mike's hard work in order to provide a good lifestyle for his family was paying off, his true dream was to sing country/western songs and play guitar, of which he did both beautifully. He was playing the circuit with others who went on to become quite famous but, again, he was faced with a health crisis in the form of arthritis of his hands which all but ended his dreams of being a musician. Subsequent surgery did little to alleviate the crippling damage already done and his guitar playing days came to an end. Mike always rose above these obstacles with a quiet strength and resolve and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. As he grew older, these included his grandchildren Rob Jr., Katrina and Sean, RV'ing in the States during the winter months and adding to his vast collection of "treasures" squirreled away in various storage units throughout the city. In his final years, before the Alzheimers stole the last of his memory, he was blessed with his only great-grandchild, Stella who always brought a smile to his face. Dad left us with a legacy of kindness, patience and understanding. He taught us that, even when faced with what seems like insurmountable odds, to rise up and make the best of whatever life hands you. We will miss your steadfast ways and knowing you were always there for us. Even though he was not a man of great displays of affection, we all could feel how much we were loved. Just know you were loved greatly in return. As per Mike's request, and typical of his modest style, there will be no formal funeral service. Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration of his life was held. If desired, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 03, 2018