MIKE MLOT

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MIKE MLOT Mike MLot died at St. Boniface Hospital on Monday, March 1, 2004 after a short but ferocious battle with cancer. He was in the presence of his family and the Lord at the time of his passing, as he was each and every day of his 67 days in the hospital. Mike was born January 17, 1934 in Garland, MB and raised in Renwer, MB. Early on he showed an aptitude for teaching and taught his first class at the age of 17. Although he took time to travel and gain experiences in other vocations, he always returned to his beloved teaching. He had a career, or better said, a calling to teach for over 50 years. His teaching took him to schools in Winnipeg (Andrew Mynarski), various rural schools in Southern Manitoba, Inuvik, Cross Lake, Gods Lake Narrows, St. Theresa Point, and Shamattawa. It was in Shamattawa that he fell ill, yet he was determined to return to his class when he got better because they were "awesome". Unfortunately, this was not to be, but his school children were often in his thoughts and he spoke of them often. If a measure of his effect on youth was indicated by the dozens and dozens of students, parents, and fellow teachers that came to see him in the hospital, it would be safe to say that he was a teacher that touched many, many lives. However, more important than his love of teaching was love of family. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marian; his son Mark (Carla), grandson Nathan; daughter Maria (Greg), grandson Gavin; and his daughter Kari (Rayel). When he wasnt teaching, he was devoted to his children. During the many years spent in the North, his family enjoyed everything the North had to offer - snowmobiling, skating, trapping, fishing, hunting, and working with the earth creating many gardens. The family always ate their meals together, learned languages together, and read the Bible together. Mike was predeceased by his mother, father, one sister, and five brothers. He was devoted to keeping the familys history alive in the finest oral tradition. He would often recount his parents overseas journey from Poland, their struggles farming as a family in Renwer, growing up poor, but always proud and determined. This oral tradition now falls to those of us left behind. We must keep not only the history of his mother, father, brothers, and sister alive, but we will proudly be Mikes biographer. Special thanks to Dr. Paul Daeninck who treated Mike and his family with the utmost kindness, compassion, and caring. He epitomizes everything a doctor should be. In addition, thanks to the many caring staff of E5. You know who you are. Finally, a special thank you is reserved for his niece, Gale, who spent every day of Mikes 67 days in the hospital by his side. Prayers were held Thursday, March 4, 2004 in Thompson, MB from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Northland Funeral Home, 28 Nelson Rd. The funeral was held Friday, March 5 in Thompson, MB at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, 114 Cree Rd., followed by interment at the Thompson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made in Mikes name to Cancer Care or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 06, 2004