Edward MICHALKO

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MICHALKO: Edward Walter Michalko, born on August 27, 1929 in Brandon; the fourth child of Andrew and Catherine Michalko, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the age of 88 years. Like many children growing up in the 1930’s, Ed’s days consisted of attending school, delivering newspapers, doing chores, homework and hanging out at the West End Community Centre. Ed became an outstanding skater there and when Ed got the puck no one could match his speed. Ed attended Fleming Elementary School, Earl Oxford Junior High School, Brandon Collegiate Institute and Wheat City Business College. Ed graduated with a senior matriculation (grade 12) at Brandon Collegiate Institute and graduated with honours at the Business College. Following his schooling, Ed worked for the Pioneer Fruit Company as a bookkeeper. Later he took on the role of accountant and when Pioneer became Western Grocer, Ed continued on with them, retiring as Credit Manager in 1994. Ed was an avid church member who regularly attended Mass and lived his life in accordance with the teachings of the church. In recent years, Ed became a member of St. Augustine’s Church where he worshipped until his passing. Ed was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus; he was a fourth degree knight who served loyally and patriotically. Ed was a natural when it came to music. In his early years he purchased a violin, formed a band and with help, secured a live weekly ‘gig’ on CKX Radio every Saturday afternoon for one season. Although Ed showed a passing interest in photography, horseback riding and a few other hobbies, he was a fisherman at heart! Ed fished every lake and river in the area and was the holder of several Master Angler awards. Throughout his lifetime, Ed had a passion for new cars and with the exception of his first car; Ed was a ‘Ford’ man through and through. His favourite Ford was the Thunderbird and he bought every new model that came out, including the 1966 classic T-Bird, which was a beautiful light blue with white upholstery! How will Ed be remembered? As a gentleman who lived his life with dignity and strong Christian beliefs and values, whose motto was ‘live and let live’. A friendly individual who got along with everyone; in today’s parlance, he was ‘just a great guy’. It doesn’t get any better than that! Ed was predeceased by his parents and sisters: Helen Mahoney; Ann Gurba and Bernice Rupa. He is survived by his nephews: Jack and Dan Mahoney; Ron, Glenn and Ken Gurba and niece Carol Rankmore. A special thank you to Dr. Seitz, and staff at the Brandon Regional Health Centre Palliative Care Unit. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church, 327-4th Street, on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Kelly Wilson as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ed may be made to the St. Augustine’s Building Fund, 327-4th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 3H1 or to a charity of choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 15, 2017