MIKE SURMINSKI

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MIKE SURMINSKI It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Mike Surminski on Thursday, September 6, 2012, at the Arborg and District Health Centre after being hospitalized for a short time. Mike was born on November 20, 1923, to John and Katherine Surminski on the family farm in the Hamrlik district near Poplarfield. He attended Leeland School until his early teens after which time he left home to work in several different mines in Northern Manitoba and Northwest Ontario during the 1940s. On August 7, 1948 he married Helen Swarychewski and the established their own family farm where he resided until his death. Besides his parents, Mike was predeceased by his brother Roy in 2011. He leaves behind Helen, his loving wife of 64 years and his three children; Harold (Vicki) Surminski, Judy Lee and Dinah (Jim) Cymbalisty. He cherished his six grandchildren; Paul (Gina), David (Gillian) and Kevin (Brittany) Surminski; Jeremy Donovan; Dustin, Braeden Cymbalisty and great-grandchild Juliana. Mike and Helen established a mixed farming operation but soon concentrated on raising commercial turkeys for over 25 years. He continued farming grain and forage seeds until the 1990s. After being a hardworking man for many years he eased into semi-retirement. Over the years they enjoyed travelling to various locations including Mexico, Hawaii, Jamaica, Bahamas and several bus tours throughout the United States. As a pastime he continued to curl up to the age of nearly 80. Mike took an active interest in the activities of his children and grandchildren and looked forward to family gatherings. Mike and Helen rarely missed any social functions in the community throughout the years. In more recent years they travelled to various casinos where Mike enjoyed the challenge at the blackjack tables. He loved to drive his quad around the farm. He took great pleasure in driving his truck throughout the surrounding countryside. During the last several years he stayed closer to home but still drove to Arborg almost daily for coffee and visits with newfound friends. During this time he became more interested in gardening, especially growing tomatoes and broad beans which he watered frequently and perhaps to an extreme. Our family will miss you deeply and cherish the many happy and beautiful memories that will stay with us forever. Sincerest thanks to the staff at the Health Sciences Centre and the Arborg Hospital for the care they provided recently. Prayers will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at the Mackenzie Funeral Chapel (Arborg). Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Ukrainian Catholic Church in Arborg, with Father Harry Chuckry officiating. Interment to follow at the Hamrlik Community Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be his six grandsons Paul, David, Kevin, Jeremy, Dustin and Braeden. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Cymbalisty, Ernie, Larry and Brian Surminski. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Vichnaya Pamyat MACKENZIE FUNERAL CHAPEL Stonewall 204-467-2525
Publish Date: Sep 10, 2012

MIKE SURMINSKI It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mike Surminski; husband of Helen, on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at the Arborg and District Hospital at the age of 88 years. He will be sadly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and close family and friends. Prayers will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel (Arborg). Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church in Arborg. Longer obituary to follow. MACKENZIE FUNERAL CHAPEL ARBORG (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net
Publish Date: Sep 8, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2012