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MICHAEL OREST ZACHARUK
Born: Mar 21, 1932
Date of Passing: Oct 02, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMICHAEL OREST ZACHARUK
It is with great sadness that we announce that Michael Orest Zacharuk has ‘gone west’. He passed away peacefully at his home on October 2, 2026 at the age of 94. Dad was born on March 21, 1932 to parents, Michael and Katherine, and raised on the family farm in Stornoway, Saskatchewan.
Dad enlisted in the military after high school and served his country as a pilot in the Canadian Air Force for 11 years, retiring with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. During his years in the military, Dad was a flying instructor and served with Search and Rescue. Dad flew multiple airplanes in the Air Force: the Chipmunk, Beach Otter, Harvard, Lancaster, Northstar, and the DC-3. While in training Dad met mom, Winnifred Totzke, and they married on October 19, 1957. They lived in many places across Canada while raising their young family, finally building their forever home in Winnipeg.
After Dad left the military, he joined Air Canada. He flew with them for 24 years, retiring as Captain on the 727. Dad was incredibly proud that he was retired for 36 years - longer than he had ever worked.
In winters, Dad was an active cross-country skier. He put many miles on his skis on the Assiniboine River, in Beaudry Park, and in the Whiteshell. Once the snow melted Dad loved golfing- a sport he took up in retirement. He was a member at Breezy Bend for over 30 years and was golfing there regularly until two years ago. Dad was proud of the fact that he shot lower than his age when he was in his 80s and 90s. He was also lucky enough to get three holes-in-one in his golf career. Dad loved to travel, to tend to his garden - where he grew amazing tomatoes, and to enjoy a glass of Crown with company. His happiest moments were family holidays in Hawaii, Christmases in Dallas, and summers at Falcon Lake. Dad was fiercely independent - living in his home right up until the end. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love for his family and friends.
Dad is lovingly remembered by daughter Deborah (Chris) Schaefer, their children, Samantha, Zachary, and Madison; daughter Dianne (Dirk) Thompson, their children, Jarrod (Samantha), Travis (Christian); great-granddaughter Harper and Kelsey (Ian); son Robert (Michelle) Zacharuk, their children, Laura (Mark); great-grandchildren, Rían and Emer, Derek (Hannah) and a great-grandchild expected in a few weeks. Dad is also survived by his brother Steven.
Dad was predeceased by his wife Winnifred; his sisters, Iris and Phyllis and brothers, Walter and Russell.
Funeral service will be held Friday, October 16 at 10:00 am at Westwood Presbyterian Church (197 Browning Boulevard) with a reception to follow.
Pilots never die, they just fly higher. May Dad’s journey be peaceful, and may he find eternal rest beyond the clouds he once called home.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 10, 2026
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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My condolences to Mike’s family. I just learned of his passing this morning. I got to know Mike at Church, where my Dad I and I sat in front of him for many years and became friends. When my Dad passed, I continued to sit in the same place. We always chatted before service… weather, travel, politics… whatever came up in conversation. I am saddened by this and am so sorry I missed the obit, as I would have attended his funeral. He was a true gentleman and he will be missed. - Posted by: Susan R Brennand ( McEwen) (Church friend) on: Oct 19, 2026
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I flew as a second officer with Mike many times on the 727 out of Winnipeg in the eighties. Always a pleasure to fly with and have lunch with at Rapcan. I’ve been retired 15 years and am striving for his record of longer retirement than working. - Posted by: Gordon Ogilvie (Second officer) on: Oct 11, 2026
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I flew with Mike many times on both the DC9 and 727. During our layovers together and his visits to our home we shared many laughs and Crown Royals together. He was a wonderful man with whom to work and socialize. Mike, may you indeed fly high and joyfully on your flight West old friend and we will meet again. - Posted by: Vern Boyko (Work colleague and friend) on: Oct 10, 2026
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Mike was on the AC New Hire course with my father, Roger Hadfield, in 1966. I think Mike was the only pilot on that course who was older than Roger was -- they formed a pair of study-partners then. Although they never worked together (different bases), they respected each other, and Roger always asked about him. Mike was one of the newly-promoted Captains I flew with when I was hired in 1978. We flew a lot of legs together on the DC-9, and then later the B-727. He was unique in my acquaintance, having flown a Tour on the Lancaster off the east coast, doing SAR and Surveillance duties in that appalling weather. I enjoyed hearing those stories. My very best wishes to the Family in this sad time, but I'm very pleased to see that Mike had such a long and satisfying life, richly blessed with love and support. - Posted by: David Hadfield (Mike's Co-Pilot) on: Oct 10, 2026
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Bob and Michelle, I'm sorry for your loss. Sounds like your Dad was a great guy, Bob. My condolences to you and your family on his passing. May your Dad rest in peace. - Posted by: Bradley Pisiak (worked and curled with son Bob in the 80s and 90s) on: Oct 10, 2026