MICHAEL HALICKI

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"Nothing is guaranteed in life and few things are promised - love your family - do the best job possible this time - enjoy the moment - for tomorrow may never come" MICHAEL HALICKI December 11, 1928 - May 30, 2005 Michael died at 10:00 p.m. at the Grace Hospital cradled in the arms of his wife and surrounded by love. He was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in September 2003 and underwent hormone therapy, radiation and chemotherapy. He fought to survive right up to the end of his life. But unfortunately no miracle occurred. Michael was the third of five children born to Benedict and Pauline Halicki. His parents immigrated to Canada in 1926, from the Ukraine, and settled in Prince Albert, SK. Michael had a happy childhood even though it was the Great Depression years. Food was plentiful from their garden and a few cows and chickens provided the other necessities. In 1941, the family relocated to Toronto where Michael completed his education. It was in Toronto that Michael took his first flying lesson and discovered his life-long interest in aviation. His early days as pilot were spent flying throughout Northern Quebec providing an essential service to small towns such as Trois Riviere and Monjoulie. Mike's next job, as a pilot, was with Central Northern Airlines based in Winnipeg. With Central, Michael had the opportunity to fly to the arctic on a regular basis but soon decided that warmer climates might be more to his taste. So Michael left Central to work for the Venezuelan Government flying magnetometre oil surveys. When the Government of Venezuela collapsed, Michael hastily returned to Winnipeg where, in 1956, he began flying for Transair. For the next 28 years Michael was a pilot and then a check-pilot for Transair which was subsequently purchased by Pacific Western Airlines. In 1958, Michael met his future wife, who had just started her career as a flight attendant at Transair. Michael and Violet were married in 1966. The entire essence of their relationship was the magic of only needing each other to be completely happy. Michael and Violet were solely dependant on each other. There is only one true happiness in life to love and be loved . Michael was not one to vocalize his emotions, but when he loved it was with all of his heart. They travelled extensively for both work and pleasure for many years and accumulated a wealth of memories and treasures. Michael was always an active man. He moved quickly from one task to another. At times impatient with those who lagged behind. He was competent in many sports. He was an accomplished Scuba diver and was certified in Bonaire. Skiing was a winter passion. He would tackle some of the steepest cliffs with class and style often under the watchful eye of his good friend Leo. Golf was also close to his heart. He regularly played at St. Charles Country Club competing successfully in many local and national tournaments. For many years he hunted deer and game birds. But when the deer became regular residents of the golf course, Mike decided that it was time to enjoy them for their beauty alone. His favourite style of music was Country Western. On many Saturday afternoons he would sidle into the Westbrook Hotel to enjoy great music performed by Aboriginal and Metis musicians. He had many regular spots, that he would frequent, where he always could count on meeting a friend or two. He was passionate about world affairs, politics and was always willing to argue his point of view on any topic with exuberance. He was brilliant, in his own way, but could wear you down with his relentless opinions and forceful nature. On occasion, when clearly proven wrong, Michael would agree to a draw. Michael leaves behind his wife Violet; his mother-in-law Vera Gilmour and her sister Marjorie Murdoch; his sister Irene; his brother Walter; his brother-in-law Donald and Don's three sons, John, Ross, Thomas and their families. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 2, 2005 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday June 3, 2005 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. Reception to follow at St. Charles Country Club, 100 Country Club Blvd. Good-bye Mike, we will miss you. "The sunlight does not leave its mark on the grass. So, we too, pass silently"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 1969