MICHAEL OLYARNICK

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MICHAEL OLYARNICK

November 23, 1936 - February 29, 2024

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael “Mike” Olyarnick, of Gimli MB, at the age of 87. Mike passed peacefully in the early morning hours of February 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike will be missed dearly and lovingly remembered by son Dale, daughter Leanne with her husband Michael, and by his beloved grandchildren, Brandi, Nickolas, Cameron, Parker and Nathan, and great-granddaughter Charlee. He is survived by sisters, Mary and Nancy, as well as brothers-in-law, Richard (Ann) and Gerry.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Dolores, parents, Nicholas and Teenie Olyarnick, parents-in-law, Bernard and Nellie Bezdietny, sister Linda, sister-in-law Jeannette, and brothers-in-law, Philip, Peter, and Ed.

Born November 23, 1936, Mike was raised on his family’s farm on Willow Creek Road, and attended Willow Creek School. He met the love of his life, Dolores, who lived just down the road, and they were wed August 24, 1963. Mike’s early career involved brush cutting and road construction for Red River Road Builder, creating many roadways around the province, including, locally, the stretch from Camp Morton to Arnes, and the runway at Gimli Airport. Obtaining his welding ticket at Red River College was the key to starting his own business, Parkside Machine and Service Ltd, and their marital home in Gimli, MB. Roots firmly planted, they started a loving family that continues to grow.

Mike was a master artisan when it came to metalwork and machining, famous in the fishing community for his commercial ice augers and hydraulic net lifters. His enviable work ethic was always evident in the many enhancements of his creations, based on his customers’ feedback, with most of his strokes of genius sketched out on napkins as he sat at the kitchen table.

His lifelong relationship with metal was not restricted to functional pieces; Mike’s artistic side shone through in meticulous steel beauty. From numerous signs located around the community, to great crosses adorning local churches, Mike’s works of art stand testament to his unparalleled passion. His pride and joy, a nine foot tall fishfly (mayfly), the result of countless hours of design and construction, has become a local monument, one that he would proudly rush out to share with admirers stopping to take pictures.

In addition to his successful and revered welding career, Mike never lost contact with the soil, working with his son and grandsons to produce grain at their Willow Creek family farm to this day.

As much pride as he took in his work, Mike’s pride in his family far surpassed. A generous part of any day around the shop was spent informing new friends and customers of the careers of his growing family, each job to him just as important and impressive as the last. Best of all, with his son and grandson following in his shoes, taking over the family business, he never had to look far to know what his legacy meant.

One thing we will miss most with Mike’s passing was his unique brand of humour. In the shop, during a Saturday night hand of cards, or around the Sunday morning family breakfast table, Mike always had a joke ready (“Gigi Jokes” as they came to be known). His eyes sparkled as he told them, often for the umpteenth time, and he always laughed the hardest at the eventual punchline, usually drowning out most of our groans.

We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to friends and family for their love, sympathy, and support during this difficult time.

We also want to extend a great appreciation and thank you to all of the dedicated health professionals, and especially the staff of the Health Sciences Centre for all of their care and compassion.

Donations can be made in Mike’s memory to St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Box 2083, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0, with our sincerest appreciation.

A service honouring and celebrating Mike’s life will be held on Thursday, March 7th in the Fraserwood Hall at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Father Yaroslav Buduykevych.

While Mike’s departure brings sadness for anyone who knew him, our hearts are full knowing he has caught up with his beloved Dolores, to be together forever.

Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli

in care of arrangements.

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

MICHAEL OLYARNICK

On February 29, 2024 at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Michael Olyarnick, aged 87 years, of Gimli, MB, beloved husband of the late Dolores, passed away.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 in the Fraserwood Hall at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Yarolslav Buduykevych officiating.

Full obituary to follow in Tuesday, March 5, 2024 edition of the Free Press.

Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli

in care of arrangements.

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2024, Mar 02, 2024, Mar 05, 2024