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MICHAEL ARTHUR DOROSZ
Born: Mar 26, 1941
Date of Passing: Oct 14, 2019
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MICHAEL ARTHUR DOROSZ
March 26, 1941 - October 14, 2019
A child of the Second World War and the Cold War, he grew up understanding the importance of service to one's country. His father, Jaroslav Miller Dorosz, served as an infantryman, while his mother Ruth Margaret Wenger tended to her two boys on the homefront.
Mike, in his early teens, paid heed to that service by signing up for the militia, serving as the most senior cadet for Western Canada, before joining the regular forces.
At 17, he lost his right thumb in a winch accident at Sarcee Camp. The accident prevented him from serving in the Canadian Forces fighting corps. Instead, he joined the service corps and as a hobby became a master target shooter, winning numerous awards. He also was a self-taught master woodworker and furniture maker, commissioned by people across North America for one-of-a-kind pieces.
Mike was a very proud member of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps and the Canadian Forces Logistics Branch, having been commissioned into the RCASC in 1963. He served in many places in Canada and overseas in Cyprus and other European destinations with NATO and the UN. With each posting, he brought his special brand of vision and determination. Of particular note was his pivotal role in the creation and development of the CF's National Material Distribution System, which remains a core logistics support capability in the CF today.
A U.S. Civil War buff, Mike also had encyclopedic knowledge of Canadian and British military history and could talk for hours on the latest political machinations of leaders and governments around the world. Sometimes viewed as gruff on the outside but possessing a heart of gold, Mike had many friends across the spectrum of life, including many from his longtime membership in the Selkirk Game and Fish Association. In retirement, he restored antique firearms, took place in battle re-enactments and always was on hand or online to answer questions on Canada's military history.
The loss of that depth of knowledge and his innate kindness will be missed.
He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Ruth; son Chris; son-in-law Cliff; and grandson Graham; as well as stepchildren, Patti, Jeff and Steve; and their children, Reagan, Heather (who blessed him with three great-grandchildren) and Billy. He's survived by his younger brother Dennis; and nieces and nephews, David, Debbie and Sandra.
A reception will be held at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue on Monday, October 21, 2019 at 11:30 am.
In place of flowers, donations can be made in Mike's memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or D'Arcy's ARC, Animal Rescue Centre.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 2019
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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Mike and I were close friends for over 40 years. When I think of Mike what comes to mind is all the great times we shared together over these many years. I enjoyed your company when you lived in Ottawa with our suppers at your place or mine and our Saturday coffee, at one of the shopping centres, to discuss politics on a global, national or local level, and many other matters. I always so enjoyed playing “devils advocate” with you so that I could challenge your intellect and have stimulating conversations. When you moved to Winnipeg our comradely continued unabated via our weekly/daily phone calls. My wife loved hearing our bantering back and forth. When my brother-in-law died in Winnipeg you showed up unannounced at the service, sat at the back of the parlor, sat quietly and listened to me deliver the eulogy. Mike you were one of those special people who always took the time to care! You were always there for me. I will miss you my trusted friend, may you be in the place you want to be. Till next time farewell. - Posted by: Thomas Robinson (Friend and colleague) on: Oct 20, 2019
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Mike and I worked together at CFB Calgary in the 1980s. He was an invaluable source of Base and the "Army of the West" history which I was lacking. With our different styles, we got a lot of good stuff done. Our daughter Rebecca and Chris were in the same grades at Sarcee school. To Ruth, Chris and all your families. our heartfelt condolences at this time. Ralph, Sandra and Rebecca - Posted by: Sandra and Ralph MacKay (Friend and colleague) on: Oct 20, 2019
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The Heavens have no idea what they are in for! Mike will soon have a new audience who he can engage in his unique brand of spirited discussion that I have so much enjoyed for many years. There will be many good words said of Mike and they will all be well and richly deserved. I already miss him. To you Ruth and to Chris and the extended family, Anella and I wish to once again express out sadness at Mike's passing but it is a new journey for him and he was ready. Mike dared to be different; I suspect in many ways the rest of us weren't ready for him. His greatest achievement in life Ruth was to get you to marry him. Talk about being mission oriented! Love Jim and Anella - Posted by: Jim Stewart (Friend and colleague) on: Oct 19, 2019
