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MICHAEL KACHMAR
Date of Passing: Apr 29, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMICHAEL KACHMAR
It is with hearts full of gratitude and sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Kachmar on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 91 years.
Michael was born on July 31, 1934, in Winnipeg to Mike Kachmar and Anne Kachmar and was predeceased by both of them. He was also predeceased by his wife Maureen to whom he was married to for fifty-seven years, his brother John, and his youngest son Reid. He is survived by his sons Warren (Elizabeth), and Glenn, his grandchildren Anne (Autumn), Taylor, Michaela, and step-granddaughter Yuhan.
Mike, Michael, Coach, or Mr. Kachmar (depending on your perspective) was always ready with a quick joke, clever comment, or well thought out reply. He remained in full character with a clear mind all the way through to the end of his life. Prior to Christmas 2025 five of his former players from the Kelvin High School 1964 Provincial Championship Football team came to visit him. They were quite amazed how well his memory held up as well as the details he could recall specifically about the players that had played for him so many years earlier.
Michael grew up on Fountain Street in the North End of Winnipeg. His parents had immigrated to Canada from Czechoslovakia with very little but worked hard and managed to carve out a good life for themselves and their two boys in Winnipeg. Michael was very active in sports with interests in hockey, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and of course football. Most notably being twice inducted into the Manitoba Football Hall of Fame in 2009 for being a player on the Daniel MacIntyre Maroons 1947 - 1952 team, and in 2013 as coach for Kelvin High School. At Kelvin he was a physical education and geography teacher in addition to being the football coach. During those early years Michael and Maureen spent their summers at Victoria Beach where Michael worked as the recreation director setting up and managing the various summer programs there. After working at Kelvin, he moved into administration as a Vice Principal at Elmwood Junior and then Senior High Schools. From there he moved to Tec-Voc High School as a Vice Principal. His final location was at Sisler High School as a Vice Principal working closely with George Heshka. Michael retired in 2001 at the age of 67.
After retirement Michael continued to spend time at the family cottage located at Moose Lake. He enjoyed golfing, cooking, and reading. He remained in the family house on Lansdowne Avenue until 2024, moving first into Brightwater Senior Living, and then followed by Calvary Place PCH.
A celebration of Michael’s life is scheduled for June 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sport Manitoba
https://www.sportmanitoba.ca/donate.
Publish Date: May 16, 2026
MICHAEL KACHMAR
It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Michael Kachmar at the Grace Hospital on April 29, 2026, at the age of 91 years.
A longer notice to follow with service information.
Publish Date: May 9, 2026
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2026, May 16, 2026
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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I have fond memories of Mr K. First meeting him in the mid 60’s at Victoria Beach where he was coaching Baseball. My grandmother had a cottage there and sports opportunities were abundant. He was a great coach and athlete, who instilled in me, a love of the game. I also had Mr K as my homeroom teacher at Kelvin in 1970 where he also taught me Geography. He was an enigma, tough guy who did not tolerate classroom shenanigans, but also soft, introducing me and presenting me with a copy of The Prophet by Khalil Gibran. Amazing……you touched many students Lives Mr K. Condolence's. Pattie McLean - Posted by: Patricia (pattie) McLean (Teacher/Student) on: May 22, 2026
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You're the Man.....MIKE Teacher, Coach, Mentor to me and so many others. Also a cherished friend. Say hi to Chrys & Buddy!!! RIP Wils - Posted by: John C. Wilson (Player Kelvin HS) on: May 16, 2026
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Mr. Kachmar was my teacher in both physical education and geography at Kelvin. I knew him as tough but fair teacher. A real straight shooter. We came together at a later time and I was glad to know him again and his family. My condolences to his loved ones and to all those whom he influenced over the years. It’s your time out now, Coach. Rest in peace. - Posted by: James Reeves (Kelvin, Class of 1969) on: May 16, 2026
