MICHAEL JOHN SHEWCHUK

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MICHAEL JOHN SHEWCHUK Our father, grandpa, and didi was one of a kind, and we are very sad to have had to say goodbye. Michael passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital on Friday, November 16, 2018. Cherishing many wonderful memories are his children, Geri (Ken), Kathy (Bob), and Dwight (Becky), and his grandchildren, Jason (Jenna), Ali (Scott), John (Niki), Charles, Jennifer (Barrett), and Liz (Dillon). Six great-grandchildren live in Texas; the five great-grandchildren in Winnipeg - Calvin, baby Summer, Ella, Brynn, and Mielah - were such an important part of Didi's world, as he was of theirs. Michael leaves one sibling, brother Peter (Stella); three sisters-in-law, Vicky (Nick), Elizabeth, and Wendy, as well as many nieces and nephews who will miss their Uncle Mike. Born on January 22, 1930 on the family homestead near Sandy Lake, MB, Michael was the son of Ukrainian pioneers John and Mary (nee Kostiuk), and the youngest brother of Margaret, Peter, and Elias. Michael attended the one-room Jackfish Lake School, built on a corner of the family's land. When they moved to a farm between Russell and Binscarth in 1946, Michael often travelled to Binscarth High School on foot or on horseback. A year after graduating and following a six week summer course, he taught grades one to seven on permit for one year; his duties included making a fire in the woodstove, filling inkwells, sweeping the floor. Growing up on the farm made Dad a hard-working, self-sufficient handyman, with DIY skills that he later used to help family with all kinds of home projects. Dad's early life also provided a trove of experiences and stories that he loved to share. We will always treasure memories of two recent family trips to the original homestead, road trips enriched by Dad's amazing recollection of details and events. It was at Normal School in Winnipeg in January 1951 that Dad met our mom Lena, when by chance they were partners in a Ukrainian dancing troupe. Their love story endured through 65 years, until Lena's passing in December 2016. Dad missed our mom and talked to his "sweetheart" every day. Dad was a teacher in rural schools for 10 years. After moving the family to Transcona in 1960 he enjoyed a long career with the federal government as an Immigration Officer and then an Employment Counsellor, retiring in 1988. A longtime member of St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Parish, Dad was proudly associated with the Brotherhood, the Knights of Columbus, and the Friendly Settlers Seniors Club who named him an Honorary Life Member. For years he enjoyed working with the perogy-making crew and the weekly bingo club at the church. Our family is grateful to Dad's many St. Michael's friends, especially Helen Kurylko and Bill Remarchuk, who made it possible for Dad to continue to attend mass and participate in so many church activities. Always devoted to his family, after Mom's passing Dad conscientiously carried on family traditions: remembering every birthday and acknowledging special accomplishments with a card and a gift; hosting family get-togethers; delighting in the Halloween costumes of the little ones and celebrating their achievements. Dad was a huge Bomber and Jets fan. He loved trivia and card games and cribbage, Folklorama and Assiniboia Downs, outings to the casino and concerts. He had enjoyed many travels with Mom, family and friends. He was intelligent and engaging, full of life, full of stories and jokes. Dad met the challenges of vision loss and heart disease with determination and a positive attitude. He was diligent in his daily routine, particularly his morning walks in the hallway. We extend heartfelt thanks to Dad's care providers, especially nurse Richard, Dr. J. Ormiston, Dawn at the Heart Clinic, and the Palliative Care staff at St. Boniface Hospital. We also appreciate the wonderful folks at St. Michael's Villa and Devonshire House 1 for the friendships that filled Dad's days with camaraderie and enjoyment. A Funeral Liturgy for both Michael and Lena will be held on Saturday, December 1 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 400 Day Street, Transcona. Private interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation in support of Cardiac Research or Palliative Care.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2018