Obituary of Michael Mazur

MICHAEL JOHN MAZUR It is with great sadness that Tom, Penny and Family announce the passing of Michael John Mazur (age 97) on January 17th, 2011 in Winnipeg. Mike was predeceased by his wife Amie, son Barry, brother John and sister Frances. Michael was born July 18,1913 in Dauphin, Manitoba. His early education was obtained there and was the inspiration for what was to be a 43 year career in the teaching field. To fulfill his dream of being a teacher Mickey would attend summer school, evening and Saturday morning classes obtaining his Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and his Master of Education. He began his career as a teacher in a one-room building southwest of Roblin at Shell Vale School with the amazing salary of $35 a month. He remained there for 5 years followed by 2 years at Grainfields School all the time very much enjoying the rural experience. This was followed with teaching and supervising as principal at Inwood High School and then serving as principal at Arborg High. In 1948 Mike moved to Winnipeg with his wife Amie. They eventually bought a home in East Kildonan where they raised their two sons Barry and Tom. Mike's career continued as a teacher at Luxton and Inkster Schools, followed with four years as vice-principal at Sargent Park, principal at Somerset School and finally 11 years of service as the principal at Faraday School. Mike was a devoted educator and believed that true learning existed in and out of the classroom. Learning was a lifelong experience for him. He was always reading and researching. He had a love for acquiring information and sharing it whether it was his views on the importance of early education or how to grow the best tomatoes, ever. Mike travelled extensively with his family over the years with trips that took them from coast to coast. He loved going to Tom's Lake of the Woods cottage where he was always hands on to help. He also enjoyed day trips to Gimli with his extended family including lunch stops at Winnipeg Beach. After retiring Mike spent over 30 years leading a very busy "quiet time" including being a real estate agent, cheering at grandson Connor's hockey games, attending dearly to Amie for many years and being a part of the family in many, many aspects from restaurant outings to baseball innings! Michael will be sadly missed by everyone whose life he touched. He was a man of gentle strength who loved good food, good sports, good talks and family get-togethers, especially the holidays that brought all of these loves together. He will always be remembered and loved by Tom, Penny, Catherine and Connor. There are many people that the family knows Mike would like to thank for making his life happy, especially his students, his staff members, his alumni friends, his neighbours (with extra special thanks to the Calancia Family), his Thursday Group at Holy Family and special friends Joe, Betty, David and Jean. The family would like to take that further and thank all the caregivers over the last years including Home Care, We Care, the staff at Concordia, and the gentle kindness of those at the Grace Hospice. Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." And, we, the family and friends of Mike know he made a living that touched many all the while having an amazing life filled with giving and we thank God that he has truly touched our lives and our hearts. Honorary pallbearers are Connor Mazur, Merv Calancia, Craig Calanica, Bruce Woodward, Ken Burdyny and Ken Burnett. A service will be held from 2:00 - 2:30 p.m., Monday, January 24th, followed by coffee and dessert at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044