Suddenly, on December 21, 2022, we lost a good man.
Mike enthusiastically participated in a great number of activities and had a zest for getting things done. In 2017, Mike and Carole moved to East Selkirk so Mike could enjoy more of the outdoors. His favorite activities were snowmobiling, hockey, design & construction, quadding, boating, water skiing, fishing and ice fishing. Mike became an avid snowmobiler and ice fisherman. In 2021 he went ice fishing 18 times often bringing home a catch for supper. He enjoyed his favorite post ice fishing/sledding snack “haddags” with mustard.
When the Jets returned to Winnipeg, Mike was ecstatic. He was a huge fan of the Winnipeg Jets and immediately began preparing to become a season ticket holder. Leading up to securing their tickets, Mike and his friends spent a week practicing signing up for tickets with maps of the arena and credit cards strewn about on tables set up in the garage. When they were successful that Saturday afternoon, there wasn’t a dry eye among them.
He loved hockey and never missed a game whether in person or on TV. He did however take a pass on the Toronto Maple Leafs, teasing his friends Mike MacGean, Ken and Ethan Dunn relentlessly about the Leafs. He relished Poker nights with his buddies as well as playing the card game King and the A**hole at house parties – He usually took control early on and was always “The King”. No one else stood a chance!
Mike loved to go on tropical vacations and he meticulously researched the location, amenities and pricing of the various resorts before making his final decision. He always ensured that he had selected the facility with the most bang for the buck and it had to be a deluxe resort. His most cherished vacations were in Cuba including Varadero and Cayo Santa Maria. He loved the beaches, the hotels, our butlers and all the amenities.
Mike also liked to vacation closer to home and he enjoyed cabin rentals in Manitoba and Ontario. Friends Mickey and Lisa were the go-to people for renting a cabin – The two couples enjoyed Nestor Falls, ON, Big Whiteshell, Erika Lake and Belair. Friends Grant and Aprille frequently had Carole and Mike at their family cabin in Ingolf, ON. Mike helped Grant achieve his renovation dreams at the lake by taking charge of the projects and getting them done. He was very appreciative of their hospitality and wanted to contribute his time and effort in a constructive way. He was always a very useful person to have around! Carole later purchased a “fixer-upper” tiny trailer, and Mike was the fixer upper, no detail was left unfinished. They hauled their little camper to many festivals and events including Summer Winds, camping at Jill and Colin’s, Folk Festival, Bolerama and countless trips to the beautiful parks in our province including Birds Hill and Buffalo Point.
Mike liked to be creative in the kitchen and was quite an accomplished chef. He is most remembered for his delicious, petite meatballs that left people wondering how such big hands could create such a delicate meatball. He was famous for appetizers that could be consumed during a game or served at a house party. He liked his Crown Royal and often ventured into the creation of exotic cocktails.
He was always more than willing to pitch in and help anyone in need or to take the lead on a project. No job was too big or too small to pique his interest. There isn’t a deck or cabana from Netley Creek to Winnipeg Beach that did not benefit from Mike’s talents.
He never stopped learning. He embraced volunteerism and helped at the Folk Festival’s Tavern Finance and was a crucial member of the team. Amidst Covid, Mike planned and created a new event “Folk Fest at Home” complete with banners, camping, giant games, music and carnival style food. Whenever he had an idea, he gathered recruits to help him get it done.
Mike was an extremely dedicated assistant coach to Barry Bonni, Head Coach, for the River East Royal Knights, volunteering for over fifteen years. Mike took this job very seriously and he truly cared very deeply for his team and their well being. He was a mentor to the players and was always in their corner when they needed him. His team was dear to his heart. As Mike’s memorial to the River East Royal Knights, Carole intends to establish a bursary in his name so he can continue to support his team. In lieu of flowers, if you should desire, a donation to the fund for the bursary would be greatly appreciated and will help to keep Mike’s memory alive. He would have been proud to still be supporting his team.
In July 2011, Mike experienced a serious health scare and both Carole and Mike realized life is short. There was no time like the present to experience all life has to offer. They made the decision to live their lives to the fullest and did their best to do so. A decision was made in 2020 that it was time for Mike to retire and to spend time doing the things that he loved the most. Carole is grateful they made this decision, so Mike at least got to enjoy a couple of years of retirement without the stress of his very demanding career.
Mike leaves to mourn his loving wife of fourteen years, Carole Lynn (nee Stoyka), their dog Jackson, his sisters Julie Dendwick and Mary Horbaty, and his brother Steve Urias. He also leaves behind his father and mother-in-law Tom and Joyce Stoyka and his sister in-law Sheryl and husband Derek Chalmers. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Anna Urias, his sister Jean Urias, his brother-in-law John Horbaty, and his sister-in-law Barbara Urias and brother-in-law Christopher Dendwick.
He will be missed by all his nieces and nephews: Michael (Anne), Kimberley (Gerry), Stephen (Mindy), Lisa (Lance), Adam (Mandy), Laurie (Sean), Lauren, Sean and Chantell. His newfound Ukrainian family, Andrii Lukasevych, his wife Liudmyla, and their children Diana and Danylo, will miss him as well. They will surely feel a void in their lives without Michael. The little ones, Diana and Danylo, taught Mike how to enjoy children and he came to love them as part of his family. He welcomed them into their home with open arms and have helped them to establish a life here in Canada
Carole would like to extend her sincerest gratitude to first responders for their professionalism and compassion in her time of need: East Selkirk EMT’s, Dr. Terry Babick, Medical Examiner Marco Pena, District First Call, Roland, Constable Scott Brauer and his colleague, and Rick Kotaska from Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services. Gentlemen, you handled what was a very chaotic situation with infinite grace and poise. You are commended for caring for a very fragile wife during her most difficult moments. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 6th, 2022 at Cooks Creek Community Center (30026 Zora Road, Cooks Creek Manitoba) in his honour. The event will convene at 4:00 pm and end at 8:00 pm. All friends and family are most welcome and encouraged to come and pay their final respects to a dear man who has left our lives far too soon. Please bring your stories about how Mike touched your life.
We will be compiling a memory book which will give you a chance to write down your favorite thoughts of him.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences using the comment field below.
Please note: There is a delay between when a comment is submitted and when it is viewable on the memorial page.
Carole so sorry for your loss, thinking of you and family.
Carole
My biggest heart
Felt condolences
Mike was a good man. We shared a passion for sports and he would call me from time to time to settle the answer to a trivia question that he and his buddies were arguing over. When Lianne and I built our cabana at Winnipeg Beach, Mike, along with Vic were the “General Contractors” and not only hands on but making sure everything was top quality. Mike went a step further by calling me early the next spring and saying“when are we gonna build the deck?” Sure enough before the trailer park opened Mike built our deck and I was his gofer. The deck and cabana are still in immaculate condition thanks to his expertise. One of his many legacies. Thinking of my friend Mike and hope he invites me to his poker game in the sky when it is my turn. Cherish your memories together my dear Carol.
Carole,
So sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was a wonderful and caring man. A beautiful tribute . I am sorry we never met him – his sister Jean named my husband Michael after him. Thinking of you and your family at this most difficult time
Anne and Michael Stevens
Sorry for your loss Carole
I always valued my time with Mike especially on our annual fishing trip.
He will be dearly missed.
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing Carol.
We have never met and its been quite awhile since I’ve crossed paths with Mike.
All his buds from the Guys Golf Weekends back in the 80’s & 90’s share our heartfelt condolences.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you and your family
I was proud to be one of Mikey’s Defencemen and will always remember the post game debriefs at the Curtis over a OV, lab lite, or a club beer. He’ll be forever missed for countless reasons – including his fish fry skills in the kitchen, being either the first or last one to go to bed, and his ability to put us on the fish with a purple jig. Miss ya Mikey. Thoughts are with you Carole.
JACKIE HUEBNER
Carol I am so sorry for your loss. I looked forward to many more campfire laughs in the coming years. Always in my thoughts
LORI LOBCHUK
Our condolences to Carol and family. Mike truly was one of a kind dark and will be missed. Lori and Chester.
DEBBIE ROBERTON
Mike always had a heart of gold. When ever you need a helping hand he was there and amazing at everything he did. He made you laugh and he like to tease everyone. I will miss you my friend. Thank you for being a part of my life. The world lost an angel but heaven gained one of the best. RIP Mike. Carole my heart is so heavy for you and the rest of the family. My deepest condolences and hugs and prayers.
CHRIS CARPENTER
Knowing Mike as a colleague, supervisor and friend iam very sad to hear of his passing. He was a all around great guy which the world will truly miss. So sorry for your loss Carol.
YOLANDA MENESES
Deepest condolences Carole from Fernando and me
SANDY MACGEAN
The world lost an amazing man, and way too soon. RIP Mike, we already miss you. My heart is hurting for you Carole. Much love.
TAMMY ROSS
Mike was a wonderful guy. Him and carol always made us feel at home at their house. I always loved getting together with both of them. We always had the best time at their place or at ours. He was taken too soon from this world, but we will cherish the times we had with him.
Tammy and Scott Ross
JOCELYNE BOURBONNAIS
My sincere condolences for this unexpected loss. May you at some point find comfort in your memories.
DONN
Mike you left us way to soon. I met your thru friends and you met other friends thru me. We had many laughs, hockey and football games together. We all loved you and I miss you already. We all will chip in to help Carole get thru this ok. Love you bro!
Donn
LLOYD AND SOPHIE ROBERTS
Our sincere condolences to Carole, family and friends. God bless and rest in peace Mike.
KARAN LAJOIE
So sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to all the family. Karan &Gerry Lajoie
RICHARD AND CHRISTINE PROKOPICH
Carole.
Although didn’t know Mike that well, we can’t help but feel your pain and loss. May your love and memories of Mike carry you through the loss.
LILLIAN SAUNDERS
When someone as special as Mike dies, the grief feels unbearable, but I know that your incredible strength will get you through this tragic time. Carole, please remember that I am just a phone call away willing to help or just listen. I would like to extend my sympathy to both Mike’s family and yours. You are in my thoughts and in my heart.
MELINDA RICARD
I’m so sorry for your loss Carole.
No words can express how deeply my condolences are for you and your family.
LISA ANDERSON
A larger than life character who’s laughter and sarcasm filled the room. You will be greatly missed
NORM AND BONNIE BURZUIK
So sorry for your loss Carole, can not believe what we were reading. You are in are prayers and thoughts, at any time you need anything we are here for you.
God Bless you and Mike.
ADELLE AND SHELDON GLOBERMAN
We are in such shock over the news of Mike’s passing. Our deepest condolences. Our prayers are with you Carole and your family.
MIC PATERSON
I’m Talking To You – An Ode To Mike
You have a heart of gold, but your heart was old
and you left us far too soon
Big mitted hands, help your fellow man
You are warmth in every room.
You never did yell, you were never mean
You took each day as it came
You cast no asperisons, you did not judge;
You never put people to shame.
Mike can you help me? What do you need?
A screen room, a fence and a deck
I’m glad to help, I need a whiskey and measurements
Now go to the store with these specs.
You guys wanna come over, it’s been a while
A nice meal, some cards, what do you think?
I’ll go ask Carol, we’ll be there for 7
No effort, great laughs, another drink.
I don’t know if there’s a god or if there’s a heaven
If there is, you’re probably looking down
Saying: so sorry everyone, for all this pain
but I have to go now and help this other clown.
I miss you Mike, I love you, you’re a good friend.
Mic
ANTHONY FERNANDO
Carole, my sincere condolences. May you feel comforted by the embrace of your loved ones.
SCOTT R
This world truly lost a beautiful person.
To have known and worked with Mike as long as I did I truly feel blessed.
SYLVIA BIELERT
Our sincere sympathy to you Carole in the loss of Michael. He was such a great guy to everyone who was so fortunate to have known him. As cousins living afar we always appreciated and enjoyed the times we did have together and will always cherish the memories. We sincerely enjoyed our visit to your place when we travelled to Winnipeg not that long ago. It’s so shocking and sad that he left us all so soon. Rest in peace big Mike till we meet again one day
RAJPAL DHILLON
Carol , My sincere condolences to you & the family.
DAVID TETLOCK
Love and prayers are with you Carole. Let us know if you need anything at anytime . Mike we are going to miss you big time! But I know that you were happy in life and enjoyed everyday. That’s the only good thing that puts me at ease. You didn’t suffer, and you left us in the best possible way. I will forever miss you as all your buddies will. Rest in piece my friend. love Dave and Chris
BORIS AND SIANIRICA
My condolences. He was a good person with a big heart. He will be missed.
LISA PATERSON
I just can’t wrap my head around this. It’s impossible to believe we won’t see you anymore. Those giant blue eyes, those giant hands, that giant heart. And that contagious laugh. So many hilarious memories with you and Carole: weekends at the lake, Cuba, our various cabin rentals together, playing cards, so on. I will miss you. I will even miss your subtle rearranging of my house pranks. I hope you can rest peacefully knowing you were loved and appreciated by so many people. Love you always Mike and Carole!
JOE CARPENTER
I didn’t know Mike for a long time but did enjoy his company whenever we did meet,he lit up a room with his presence.You will be sadly missed by many Mike
ELKE AND WALLY EPP
Our heartfelt condolences to you all on the loss of your dear husband , brother and uncle. We’re thinking of you all.
BARBARA VERNIE
Carol so sorry to hear about Mike, MIKE WAS A EXCEPTIONAL PERSON.
MARK & LETITIA
So sorry to hear of your loss Carol. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
SCOTT R
So saddened by this huge loss! Feel truly blessed to have known and worked with Mike for as long as I did. This world lost a special person.
LIANNE TETLOCK
My deepest condolences Carole and family. I can’t imagine how difficult this time is for you all. The shock of losing Mike who was a wonderful son in law, brother, uncle, husband and friend is inconceivable. Mike was truly an amazing guy who gave a lot to others and never asked for anything in return. He will always hold a special place in my heart ❤️ because of the time we spent together. Mike, you will always be loved and never forgotten because you made that much of an impact on so many lives. Lianne Tetlock.
CURTIS
Mike was the nicest, most caring and funny individual I had the privilage to work with. He was such an amazing person!
DARRELL BAILEY
Sorry for your lose, he will be missed
STEVE AGNEW
So unfortunate! I haven’t seen Mike in a long time, but certainly did back in the day. Always had a smile, and Great sense of humour. Have lots of memories hanging out with him, and Andy….possibly a couple of bevies were involved. You will be missed Mikey!
CHERYL KISIL
Carol and family….such an unbelievable loss…Mike was a great guy, with a huge smile and warm heart. So sorry for you all, he left a huge footprint on this earth…rest in peace my friend
KEVIN JACKSON
Sending you much love and strength Carole. To say Mike was special is a gross understatement. Such a unique friend his passion for life totally infectious. Getting us all off our ass’s for Jets games, camping, cards, Haddags, fishing and sledding and all the group together he was the rock and made it all look easy. Such a huge part of what we do and why we do it. Crushed but better off for knowing you.
Vichnya Pamyat (Memory eternal) Big guy.
TRUDY NOORDMAN
My friend,
The whole of you will be forever weaved within me.
Thank you for your love and your friendship and for sharing a tiny part of your life with me and my son.
I have wept day and night, and I will weep until my heart forgets to do so.
All my love, Trudy and Lucas
CAROL BERENHAUT
Bob and I would like to extend our deepest sympathes to you and both families at this time. Carole if you need anything or of you just want to talk, I will be here if you need me
.
ABE & TONI BERENHAUT
Carole there is nothing more I can say. Mike was your gift from heaven, your beshert (soul mate). Got to keep teaching you new words. It is a tragedy that he was taken too soon. I will think of him every time I go into my rec room. He fixed so many mistakes made by a so called carpentry specialist. Take care of yourself. With love
Abe & Toni
SHARON CHAMBERLAIN
We only barely knew Mike but my dog Teddy Bear absolutely loved him, she would run away from home and we knew where to find her. He was good and kind.
NOVELLA TROIA
So sorry to read this Carole, my sincere condolences.
JENNIE GALIPEAULT
Dear Carole , my Deepest condolences for you and Mike’s family during this difficult time. He was a very Special person and as time goes forward the memories that you had with him can be looked back on and held close to you’re heart. I am here for you if you ever want a shoulder to lean on . With love , Auntie Jennie.
TESS SCOTT & MIKE HARDY
Carole, we are so very sorry for your loss. We cry when we think of you, when we think of Mike, and when we think of everyone who is hurting without him. We pray you find the strength in your family and the love from your friends. We are here for you.
ROSE
In time the pain will fade but never the memories. With my sincere and heartfelt condolences.
Rose
KAYLA AND NEIL DAWSON
Our sincere condolences to you, and your family..
JASON GLESBY
My condolences Carol
BERNIE & AUDREY
Carole, our deep sympathy to you and your families. Our hearts are so sad for you and we are grieving with you in your devastating loss of Mike. We are here for you, in any way you need.
BARB SHEPPARD
Carole
My sincere heartfelt condolences. Please if you need anything know we are all here for you. Big hugs. Looking forward to us sharing many more memories
COLLEEN SPEIDEL
Carole. I am so very sorry to hear about Mike’s sudden passing. I was in total disbelief when Linda told me. Even though I haven’t known you and Mike that long, you both have imprinted on me as great, super kind, and loving people. Mike was such an old soul with ‘teddy bear’ like qualities. His talent to fix, repair and build things was amazing. I’m going to miss his presence when I come back to visit Winnpeg in the summer months. Prayers and strength to you and both families.
Cog (Colleen)
KATHY BONNI
Carole
I was so shocked when Bear told me about Mike. We’ve known Mike for a long time, he was like family. We will truly miss him. Rest easy Mike.
Sincerely Kathy
There’s no words to describe the hole that will be left in many lives without Mike around, I cherished every opportunity to spend time with Mikester especially on our annual fishing trip which will not be the same without him. My condolences to Carole and anyone else that loved Mike.
Dear Carole & Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear about Mike’s passing. We knew how close Grant and Aprille were to Mike and yourself. They always talked about how helpful both of you were with their renovations at the lake. We wanted to pass on our sincere heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
What a beautiful tribute to Mike.
Love Bob & Wendy McLeary
Very sorry for your loss Carole. Mike was one of a kind. Friendly caring welcoming and a great host. I was honored to be one of his friends and he will forever be remembered. My my prayers go out to you and all of your family.
Tony
Carole, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. I am sending you lots of prayers and good thoughts.
The first sentence explains uncle Mike perfectly. A good man. Our family shares so many memories with Mike. He was one of the best out there and it’s clear he will be so missed by so many people. Thinking of you Carole xoxo
As a little kid, he was Uncle Mike.
Was always a fun time with him around for family gathering out at the lake”Matlock “
If I wasn’t riding his snowmobile I was getting my butt kicked at boxing on his ATARI game system. Then it’s was boxing and now Golf on his new Sega game system.
He always needed the latest and best but that was good for me as I got his Atari system. Lol
Basically he made family gathers fun and I looked forward to.
Oh, my first real job at maybe 10-12yrs old when he managed Sport Experts in polo park. Not sure that moving shoes from one shelf to another and just walking around is a job, but I got paid or at least I felt like it. I was the very first one to have Reebok Pump Runners, not High-tops, thanks to him.
I was the cool kid at school for a while:)
I could go on but I think that sums up on the type of guy I think he is.
Rip uncle Mike.
A man with a deep soul and big heart that will be missed by many and left this world too soon.
Mike – a fantastic human. Kind, outgoing, positive, and always willing to help out.
Rest in peace you amazing soul.
Condolences to your loving Carole.
A great friend and team mate for over 40 years. Sad to hear he is gone. Sorry I can’t be with you today, My condolences .
I knew Mike from high school but didn’t know him that well but I do remember him as being a friendly, kind person who liked to have fun. My sincere condolences to you and your family.