January 16, 1921 – December 23, 2013
Michael was born in Zalaniw, Ukraine. His early life was shaped by tremendous personal hardship and geopolitical tumult, having started from the humblest of beginnings and having to survive under both Stalin and Hitler.
Education was essential to Michael. Imagine a cold, dark and snowy Ukrainian winter morning. A lone young village boy, wearing shoddy shoes, walks to school six kilometers away. He arrives at 3am because he does not have a clock at home. Overcoming all challenges Michael eventually graduated with a Forestry Degree from the University of Freiburg in Germany.
Immigrating to Canada in 1949 Michael earned his Canadian Forestry Degree from the University of Toronto. In Toronto he met his beloved wife Olga. Coming to Victoria in 1952 he worked in the Survey Division of the BC Forest Service and with the City of Victoria as Boulevard Supervisor. In addition to his regular job, Michael and family established an 85 hive apiary producing honey under the “Island’s Finest” brand. He owned, managed and maintained several of rental real estate properties.
Michael was deeply attached to nature. He enjoyed collecting books, music and local art. When possible he would attend art galleries, live stage and musical performances, auctions and flea markets. He read widely and experienced music with his heart. Michael had a genuine zest for life and somehow found time to experience it fully and on his own terms. He was delighted to meet and talk with people of all ages and callings. His greatest source of pride and pleasure, however, was his family. With love we lived together.
Michael never forgot his Ukrainian roots even as he cherished Canada for its freedom and justice.
Predeceased by his son Dennis in 1976, Michael is survived by his wife of 62 years Olga; his children Jerome and wife Kannika, and Peter (Jackie); his grandchildren Nick (Stephanie), Natalie and Tony.
Our family’s indebtedness to all Beacon Community Workers including Guido, Gaspar, Bill, Benoit, Oliver, Pip and Binder; Drs. Luckhurst, Zhang, Rohan, Leroy, Erasmus and McQueen; Community Health Nurse Andrea Hofmeyer; Pharmacist Lesley Blackman; Terence Sellen and the many others who made it possible for Michael to comfortably live and peacefully die at home.
PRAYERS will be offered on Thursday January 2, 2014 at 7:00pm at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Nicholas The Wonderworker, Cook and Caledonia. MASS will be celebrated in the Church on Friday January 3, 2014 at 11:00am with the Reverend Theodosius Machinski Celebrant. A reception to follow in the church hall. Burial at the Royal Oak Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers, your prayers would be most appreciated.
Condolences for the family may be offered to the family below.
McCall bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
23 Responses
Mike took me under his wing and treated me as a friend and not as a labourer right from the first day on the crew. He treated others likewise. Prior to his coming to the City of Victoria workers ate their lunches outside on the streets without any place to cleanup or get out of the weather. Mike took time to personally pick up two mowing crews ( of three or four people per crew) each and every work day and drive them back to Beacon Hill Park where they could not only eat in a heated lunchroom, but also have an opportunity to change out of wet clothing as necessary. In Mike’s life as a supervisor, I was able to see the compassion of Christ shine through him into the lives of others. His conduct certainly helped me try to be more like him.
We will remember Mikes twinkle in his eye, the smile on his face and the many kindnesses he showed our family over the years.
Dear Mrs. Zachary, Peter and family:
Thank you Peter for letting me know about your dad. He was quite the charming man and very entertaining. I am sorry for your family’s loss. I had only met him a few times, up in Victoria, and in Hawaii, but his lively personality will always be a fond memory in my mind. He lived a nice full, never dull, life. You are blessed to have had him with you for such a long time. I’m sure he’s dancing and smiling up in heaven. My thoughts and prayers for comfort, peace and love are with you and your family.
Take care and keep well.
Your friend from California, Paula B.