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MICHAEL EDWARD SOKALSKI (MIKE)
Born: Mar 04, 1965
Date of Passing: Dec 10, 2020
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MICHAEL EDWARD SOKALSKI
Michael was predeceased by his father Edward Sokalski in 2004 and his mother Ardeen Sokalski in March 2020. Michael leaves to mourn his two siblings, Derek (Janet) and Monica Kwasnitza (Scott).
Michael also leaves behind nephew Shawn Sokalski, and nieces, Janna Farthing (Kwasnitza), Courtney Robak (Kwasnitza), Rayna Real (Sokalski) and Emma Sokalski.
In passing Michael also leaves to grieve close friends, Paul Sartor, Kevin Milne, and Sabrina Manicom. They helped Mike through his last few years of poor health and he was able to spend some more time at home. They were valuable friends indeed.
A short time after Michael was born the family moved back to Winnipeg. Mom had wanted to be closer to Grandma Dandy as Grandpa had passed away in 1967 and she had moved into Melita from the family farm in Pierson. The Sokalski family took up residence in Charleswood in 1969.
Michael attended Beaumont, Westdale and Oak Park Schools. He was an avid hockey player and baseball player in his youth. Michael was one of the top hockey players in the area for several years and was unique in that his preteen and teen years he made a transition from forward to goalie. He became one of the top goalies in the area too! Many years of ball hockey had prepared him for this! Michael also enjoyed playing baseball and golf and had the big backyard at Charleswood Road to practice with his friends and siblings. Dad built a rink in the winter and a ball diamond with a backstop for us in the summer. Michael also was a member of the Charleswood golf course for a time.
In his teen years Michael got a job in the concessions at Assiniboia Downs. This is where I think he got the nick name "French Fry" and later just "Fry". This new job at the track would whet his appetite for horse racing. Michael first became involved with standard bred horses or pacers with his father as a partner. As his interests in horses grew, he became involved with thoroughbreds. Mom got in the game too and they established Sierra Stables. The racing industry was a passion that Mom and Mike shared until the end. Michael's home was filled with photos of his favourite horses and their accomplishments.
In 1988 Mom purchased what is now Roblin Park Daycare. Michael became part of the daycare operations a few years later at the ground level. After a time, he joined Mom at Roblin Park Daycare as an owner / operator. He enjoyed the business aspect of running the daycare and Mom was great with the children. A partnership that would last for years. Roblin Park Daycare has been a family business for 32 years in Charleswood and many children were raised at that site. Truly an accomplishment to be proud of!
Mike and Ardeen had a special bond and were not only mother and son but business partners and close friends. He missed his mother greatly and was heartbroken when she passed away earlier in 2020.
Mike also had a passion for the Winnipeg Jets and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as well as his NFL teams the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts. Mike was a kind, generous soul and was always giving gifts to the people around him. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and especially his cat Brewski.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private family funeral service will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. A livestream of the service will be available. Please call 204-885-9715 between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to inquire about access to the live stream.
For those who wish to sign the online
Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 16, 2020
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Sincere condolences to Derek, Monica and their families. As a friend of their mother, Ardeen, I remember Michael as a child from all of our family get-togethers. I am so sorry for your loss and know that my children, Kent and Karen, would want to pass on their condolences to you as well. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Georgina Mayer (Joseph) - Posted by: Georgina Mayer (Joseph) (Friend of the family) on: Jan 25, 2021
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My deepest condolences to Mikes family and friends. He was a great friend and cared deeply for his staff at Roblin Park Daycare. Miss you Mike. My thoughts are with your family. - Posted by: Jarred Dolyniuk (Friend) on: Jan 15, 2021
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Mike’s passing is the end of an era that grandkids will have a hard time believing. Horses, poker, pool, arcades, fast cars – one anyway, teenagers with pockets full of money, split everyone up after the races, jockeys included, and play hockey games for cash and everything in between. Each had their our own ‘thing’ including nicknames. French Fry Mike had a fast car with a bootleg police flashing light, always had a roll and never lost at bubble hockey. French Fry had a tough veneer and was prepared to backed it up. But there were also those occasions where Mike would call you up out of the blue or let you drive his insanely fast car that reminded you that above else all he was a good friend. Doesn’t seem so long ago when he looked at me and said “whatever you do, don’t punch it”. You know what happened next. Mully - Posted by: John Mulligan (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2020
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Condolences to the family. I had not seen Fry in many years. A few old friends were chatting last night reminiscing of fond memories. Playing late night hockey. Hanging out at the track. All too long ago. I think we were the group that gave him the nickname French Fry Mike. - Posted by: David Thompson (Friend) on: Dec 18, 2020
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My deepest condolences to family and friends that knew Mike. I had the pleasure of training his horses at Assiniboia Downs. He will be missed by myself and the racetrack family. Till we meet in the winners circle again. - Posted by: Lise Pruitt (Friend ) on: Dec 17, 2020
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Mike and my brother Dan went to school together and played hockey as well... Dan left us too soon as well. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Dean Yakimenko (He was a friend of my brother) on: Dec 17, 2020
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So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Mike and I became close friends in our late teenage years. I have lots of great memories of the fun times we had together. - Posted by: Clint Buss (Friend) on: Dec 16, 2020
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My sincere condolences Derek & Monica & families. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. - Posted by: Garth Kwasnitza (Brother in law) on: Dec 16, 2020
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Derek & Monica, I am so sorry to hear about Michael. He was only a year younger than me and that's just too young! Although I did not know Michael that well, I sure remember the Sokalski home and the rink in the back. Fond memories of Charleswood Road. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. - Posted by: Carrie Rose (Wallman) (long time neighbours on Charleswood Rd) on: Dec 16, 2020
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Condolences to Derek and Monica, family and friends with love from Audrey and Ryan (first cousins). - Posted by: Audrey Carr and Ryan Carr (First cousins) on: Dec 16, 2020
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So sorry for your loss at this difficult time Monica, Scott and family. Cheryl and Jack. - Posted by: Cheryl Willis (Friend) on: Dec 16, 2020
