Obituary of MIKE TOPOLNITSKY

MIKE TOPOLNITSKY July 13, 1934 – July 4, 2016 It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mike Topolnitsky announces his unexpected passing on July 4, 2016. Mike leaves to mourn his beloved children, Steven (Darlene), Stuart, Susan, Scott, and Shane (Janet), along with grandchildren Kyelani (Phil), Jade (Kristian), Ryan, Dylan (Megan), Chayce (Jessica), Jenna, Bret, and Chelsey, sister’s Jean Yakymchuk of Grandview MB, Rose Kozakowski of Saskatoon, SK, and Elsie (Jerry) Reader of Moosejaw, SK., daughter-in-law Penny and many nieces and nephews, particularly Shelly Cote, Liz (Chuck) Carter, and Randy Chinchilla. Dad was predeceased by his parents Joseph (Joe) in 1953 and Lena in 1975 and brother’s Walter in 2004 and Merlin in 2006. Dad was born in the rural municipality of Boulton, Manitoba, district of Petlura and often frequented the nearest town of Grandview. At a very young age dad’s schooling took a back seat to helping his family with the everyday work and maintenance on the family farm. As a young man he moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba where he started working for Princess repairing tires. It was here that he met his bride-to-be, Edna Kowal. After a short courtship they married on February 1, 1958 and welcomed their first child in the spring of 1959 and together they had five children. Dad worked hard to provide for his young family but always made time for family dinners and special occasions. As his family grew he took a job with Winnipeg Transit as a bus-operator and in 1972 he purchased a small business and became a tire repair material distributor for National Rubber. Slowly over the next couple of years he developed his own line of tire repair products and eventually left Winnipeg Transit so he could dedicate more of this time on expanding his business, Natco. Dad was very handy and could take apart virtually anything, fix it and put it back together by memory. This unique talent became very useful in the machinery repair department of his business, and he shared his talent with others. Dad loved the challenge of being an entrepreneur and was happy that his children joined him in the daily operation of the business. Although he could have enjoyed a slower pace in his golden years, he continued to come to the office every day until the end. He was a simple and fair man, and still believed in one’s word and at times still made deals with a handshake. He was well liked and this was evident by his many loyal customers, some for more than 30 years, who at times simply called him just to chat and frequently stopped in for coffee when they were in town. Dad enjoyed travelling when he was younger, there were many family road trips through Canada and the USA, but his favourite place was Hawaii. As he grew older his passions were growing strawberries in his garden, making homemade wine, and cooking meals for his kids, grandkids, and extended family and friends and, Wow! Could he cook! He also enjoyed socializing with the regulars at his neighbourhood hotel and couldn’t help dropping a few coins in the VLT’s, just for fun. The family would like to extend their profound thanks and gratitude to the nursing staff at HSC SICU for the exceptional care they provided to Dad in his final weeks. From his children and grandchildren, to all of his friends, whether it is his relationships forged through his business or his personal life, Dad’s warm and welcoming nature will be deeply missed by all. In accordance with Dad’s wishes cremation has taken place and a Celebration of His Life has been arranged for 1:00pm on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at Cropo Funeral Chapel 1442 Main St.