Obituary of MICHAEL ZALITACH

MICHAEL ZALITACH Sept 10, 1921 – Nov 20, 2011 Peacefully, on November 20, 2011, with his wife and children by his side, our dear Husband, Father, Gee Gee and Great Gee Gee passed away at Middlechurch Nursing Home. Mike is survived by his loving wife Judy of 59 years, his daughters Gail Paul (Don), Laurie Frovich (Terry), Joyce Mancini (Rod), and his two sons, Darren (Janet) and Jamie (Wendy). He is also survived by his twelve grandchildren who brought him so much joy in his life; Matthew (Cara), Derek (Krista), Erin (Ryan), Tyler, Lauren (Steve), Kayli, Brendan, Jill, Reid, Owen, Ryan and Trent, and his great granddaughter Olivia. Mike was born at home in Prawda, Manitoba on September 20, 1921 to Kost and Julia Zalitach. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Steve, Nick and Bill, and his sisters Mary and Olga. Dad was also predeceased by his two sons, Ricky and Joseph, and is now in Heaven looking after them, as he spent so many years looking after us, and now it’s their turn. He is survived by his brother John (Jean), the Debroni family, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He lead a full life, starting out working in the bush cutting lumber, joining the Army during WW II, moving to Montreal to work at Campbell’s Soup and Christie’s Biscuits, then transferring to Toronto. He came back to Winnipeg in 1950 and spent the rest of his working days in the lumber business, firstly with Bernhard Lumber and then ending his career at Dominion Lumber. Our father was a very generous man and our door was always open to whomever needed a place to stay, a meal, a drink or just to chat. His favourite place was back on the farm in Prawda, and once that was sold, he purchased the old Hotel in Hadashville. We all have very fond memories of the good times we had there. He loved a bonfire, and many nights were spent around one, with his Magic Stick in hand, thus earning the nickname "Chief" from his sons-in-law. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. on Wednesday, November 23 at 11:00 AM, with viewing one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg, 280 Balderstone Rd., West St. Paul, MB R4A 4A6. You gave us a good life, and we’ll always remember the great times we had, how you instilled in us the importance of family and friends. You’ll be in our hearts forever! We love you and miss you!