Obituary of Michael Kowalchuk

Michael Kowalchuk March 30, 1923 - August 16, 2008 With great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend Michael Kowalchuk at Seven Oaks General Hospital on Saturday, August 16, 2008. Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 51 years Olga Kathryn, daughter Shelley Kowalchuk (Gary Pedersen), daughter Michelle Kowalchuk (Nick Kowalchuk), grandchildren Talia and Maxim Kowalchuk, Rachel Pedersen, and step-grandchildren Chris, Mike and Jon Pedersen. He will also be sadly missed by sister-in-law Patricia Kowalchuk (London, Ontario) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Anna and Anton Kowalchuk, daughter Cheryl Ann (in 1961), brother John Kowalchuk, sister Nancy Kudlowsky, brothers Nick, Morris and Richard Kowalchuk, sister Marie Kowal and brother-in-law Peter Kowal, brother-in-law Alec Mazur and sister-in-law Lillian Keller. Michael was born in Oakburn, Manitoba (Dolyny District), where he was the third of seven children and eldest of the five brothers. He attended Rogers School and later worked on the family farm. In 1941, he joined the army as a member of The Winnipeg Rifles. He served his country honourably for four years, one and a half of which was spent overseas in Holland, France and Germany. He returned from the army in 1946 and shortly thereafter began his own farming operation, where he farmed until 1982. Mike was proud of his work, and loved nothing better than wading through his own sea of wheat just before harvest. In 1956, he married Olga Kathryn Mazur of Angusville, MB. The young couple was blessed with three daughters, Cheryl Ann (1957), Shelley (1961) and Michelle (1965). In 1964, the family moved closer to Oakburn. There the family was members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Oakburn. Michael was also very active in the Oakburn Game and Fish Association during the Seech Lake Resort Development. In 1973, the family made a partial move to Winnipeg, where Olga was to teach. In 1982 the family farm was sold and Mike began his second career in real estate, where he owned and managed apartment blocks until his retirement in1999. Mike and Olga became members of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral in 1974. He was also a member of Legion 141 for a number of years. He was inducted into the Order of St. Andrew in 1990 and received his fourth degree status in 2003. Mike had many talents. He loved to work with his hands and learned the art of making 'tsymbaly'. He also loved to golf, fish, bowl and garden, and especially loved growing his treasured tomatoes. Mike's life was dedicated to his family. During their 51 years Mike and Olga traveled extensively both in North America and Europe. They made ten trips overseas including four trips to Ukraine. When Mike was 79 he decided to build a cottage on Spruce Lake, in Ontario. There he built to his heart's content, and was able to enjoy the fishing and peaceful surroundings. Pallbearers will be Nick Kowalchuk, Emil Kowal, John Kowal, Zane Kowal, Armin Wiebe and Stanley Ciecierski. Prayers will be sung on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 7:00 pm, with funeral service on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 9:30 am all at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 1175 Main Street, Rev. Fr. Alexander Harkavyi and Rev. Fr. Gene Maximiuk officiating. Interment to follow at Glen Eden Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital for their warm and compassionate care, and Dr. John Mayba for his personal attention to Mike over the past few years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's memory to St. Andrew's College, 29 Dysart Rd., or to Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. Vichnaya Pam'yat Memory Eternal