Mike KRYSOWATY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

KRYSOWATY: Mike Krysowaty passed away peacefully on April 15, 2009, with his family by his side. Mike is survived by his wife Evelyn and his children Brian (Bonnie) and Bonnie (Jay Hilford) and his grandson Russell along with his sisters Sonia (Chalanchuk) and Anne (Doroschuk), brother Bill and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Eileen (Mychasiw). Mike was born on December 8, 1935, in Ohla, Manitoba, to Anton and Katie Krysowaty, who were immigrants of the Ukraine. Mike lived on a farm where the land was cleared and the homestead built by his grandfather Mickita Krysowaty and family in 1906. Mike's father purchased more land before passing away when Mike was only 15. Mike left school after grade 8 to work on the family farm to provide a living for his mother and siblings. Life was very tough making ends meet and living off the land, sometimes having to choose between food and heat. Mike farmed and stayed with his mother until 1965 when he married Evelyn Mychasiw of Ohla and moved to Hamiota where he managed the Hamiota Hotel. In 1971, the family moved to Hartney where they owned and operated the Hartney Motor Hotel until 1981 when Mike retired, for the first time. Mike did not stay retired long. In the mid 1980’s, he ran the Hartney Golf Course, which he loved as it was outdoors and he was able to meet new friends and socialize with old ones. After the golf season was over, Mike ran the Hartney Skating Rink. At the time, the rink had natural, not artificial ice and Mike could be found at the rink at all hours putting down a layer of water to build the ice for all the kids to later skate on. In the 1990’s, Mike officially retired from working but was active at home, always in the garage working on something or out on the garden tractor cutting grass at home, the schools or the telephone office. It was very important to Mike that his children did well in life and graduate from university, as to not have as hard a life as he had. Mike always liked to share what he could and be generous. He always made sure that his children had care packages when they left for home. He gave so much and asked for so little in return. Mike took care of, provided well for, and did anything for his family. He taught his children a hard work ethic and made sure they always had jobs. However, Mike had a soft side as he would drive his children in his truck when the weather was bad for their paper routes. Mike worked hard and played hard. He loved to throw parties in the hotel, in the house basement or on the patio and tell stories, jokes or get into ‘mischief’ to get a laugh, but he would usually be laughing the loudest. Mike was always involved in hunting and fishing since he was young. Mike spent hours on the road everyday in the fall for bird and deer hunting seasons. Mike had a passion for animals and wildlife and was an active member of the Hartney and Brandon Game & Fish Associations as well as the Duck’s Unlimited Association where he, a few years back, received his 20-year appreciation award. Mike participated in the construction of the Hartney Pheasant Farm and Hartney Gun Range. He was also a member of the Hartney Elks Lodge and golfed, curled and also hunted moose and elk. Mike loved to drive around the countryside to see the progress of the farmer’s crops or spot wildlife and also loved to eat fresh produce from their huge garden. Mike loved to have all his family at home for Christmas, especially taking his grandson, his family and the dogs sledding down the Chain Lakes hill. Mike loved his RV trips with his wife and friends to California, Texas, Las Vegas, Nashville, and Minot for the ND State Fair. He also loved spending the weekends at Oak Lake in their trailer. Mike loved to teach both his children all the things he knew like fishing, hunting, using tools, carpentry, running a business, and golfing. Mike was very giving in that respect. Mike and his son built the house in Hartney where they then moved to in 1981 and Mike resided until his passing. Mike “Honest to God!” was a loving husband, world’s greatest dad, mentor and good friend. He was truly a unique, one-of-a-kind man with a larger-than-life personality. He left all of us with good stories and memories and for that we thank him and will miss him so much. A Celebration of Mike’s Life was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Monday, April 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Michael Tkachuk officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mike may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 25, 2009