MICHAEL NICHOLAS WERBISKI

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MICHAEL NICHOLAS WERBISKI It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Nicholas Werbiski on Thursday, January 27, 2000 at the Grace General Hospital, Winnipeg, MB. Mike died peacefully in the fullness of Gods Grace and Blessings. Besides his loving wife, Tillie of 54 years of marriage, remaining to forever cherish Mikes memory are his daughter Donna Michaels - White (Matthias) of Calgary, AB; sister Elizabeth Podolsky (Jarvis) of Vita, MB, brother Eddie Werbiski (Mary) of Rorketon, MB, brother Tony Werbiski (Marge) of Sudbury, ON; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Ludwig and Frances; brother Peter and by his sister Annette Iwanchysko. Mike was born in Rorketon, MB on September 17, 1919. He embraced life in its fullest measure, leaving home to serve his country in the Second World War. This service saw him enlisting first in the Canadian Army and then in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940. During this time, Mike served Canada and the commonwealth bravely and courageously in many areas of coastal warfare. As part of RAF Coastal Squadron 224, Mike earned the Distinguished Flying Medal, awarded to him by King George VI in 1944. His service and commitment to the RCAF and his comrades was most distinguished and valued. Upon the end of the Second World War, Mike returned to civilian life in Winnipeg, where he met and married his life-long wife and partner, Tillie Zalubniak. They soon moved to Sudbury, ON, where Mike joined INCO (International Nickel Company) beginning a 31-year career in operations in Copper Cliff, ON. In September of 1946, Mike and Tillie became the proud parents of a daughter, Donna Marie. Given Mikes keen intelligence, hard work and self-discipline, he progressed through positions of increasing responsibility within the management levels of INCO. A very important life time move for Mike, Tillie and Donna came in 1960, when Mike was transferred to the very new frontier community of Thompson, MB. This was home for the next 28 years. Mike and Tillie gave generously of their time and hospitality to this pioneer community and helped it to grow into a thriving metropolis. Mike gave his same qualities of hard work, energy and wit to the Thompson Burntwood Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. As veteran and compatriot, Mike contributed tireless hours to the Branchs development, particularly in the design and building of the Legion Hall. He was a lifetime member of the Legion. In 1977, Mike retired from INCO as General Foreman in the smelter operations. Mike and Tillies retirement party was well remembered for the many serious and warm tributes to Mikes contributions to INCO and for the many hours of celebration and laughter. For 11 years, Mike and Tillie continued to make Thompson their home with ever increasing pride in their home, built in 1962 and their lawns and gardens. In 1988, they decided to move to warmer environs in Winnipeg to be nearer to family and friends. Mike became an active member of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans of Canada Club. Both Mike and Tillie continued to be with and support families and friends of Veterans. Mike will be well remembered for his endless jokes, good humour and generosity. Mike has been blessed with a purposeful, fruitful and happy life. He is remembered as a caring and loving husband, father, friend, brother and compatriot. He bore deep love and commitment for his family, friends, country and for his God. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 31 at 11:00 a.m., in the John XXIII Roman Catholic Church - Assiniboia Christian Centre, 3390 Portage Ave. at Rouge Rd., with Rev. Msgr. Norman J. Chartrand, P.A., presiding. Our family would like to express publicly our deep appreciation to the Grace Hospital staff, especially to Dr. Andy Dillipizzi and nursing staff, especially Connie, Colleen, Ann and Lori for their dedication and compassion in providing their expert professional care to Mike. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made with much gratitude to the Grace General Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 301 - 352 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2H8. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE ETERNALLY WITH GOD, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT Mikes family has entrusted his arrangements to the care of: WOJCIKS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897-4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2000