Obituary of MICHAEL WALTER KIERNICKI

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Kiernicki.  With his family by his side Michael passed peacefully on Sunday January 21st at 11:00 PM.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Hazel, his two daughters Carla, (Darren), Melanie (Mike), 2 grandchildren Benjamin and Emilie, his mother Julia, his sister Jeanette (Ken), nephew Brent (Nicole), niece Rachelle (Chad).

Michael was predeceased by his father Walter Kiernicki, his grandparents Nicola and Rosalia Kiernicki, and Dymetro and Pawlegia Krawec.

Michael was born February 14th 1946 in Gimli Manitoba. Michael spent the first five years of his life growing up on the family farm, a homestead near the community of Okno, just north of Arborg. Michael’s father Walter decided to relocate the family to Arborg in 1952. Once the family home was built in town the family juggled from a balance between farm life and town life which carried on throughout his life.   Farm life, city life. Always a balance between the two. In 1953, the family grew with the birth of Michael’s sister Jeanette. Their family of four was complete.

Michael attended school in Arborg, Manitoba and later on Red River Community College where he eventually graduated with his mechanics license.  He was recruited right from college to work for Winnipeg Motors which was located on Main Street and later moved to Transcona. Dad made the giant leap from GM to Ford where he held many positions.  Mechanic, shop foreman, and service manager, just to name a few.  He worked at Stadium Ford by Polo Park before moving on to Tara Ford which later became Midtown Ford.  He remained there for many years up until his retirement in 2011.

In 1967 Michael met the love of his life Hazel, and in October 1970 they were married.  They made their first home together, living at 374 Church Ave in Winnipeg. Later in the spring of 1973, they purchased their first home at 1171 Polson Ave. In 1973 they welcomed their first child, a daughter Carla, and in 1976, they welcomed their second daughter Melanie.

In 1989 Michael and Hazel built their dream home on Oakburn Place, which remains the family home. In July 2008, Michael became a grandfather or Gigi as we call him, with the birth of his grandson Benjamin and again in 2011, with the birth of his granddaughter Emilie.  In the year 2020 Michael and Hazel celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Since their marriage in 1970, both mom and dad were deeply involved with St. Josephs Ukrainian Catholic Church. In 1986 dad became an active member of the Knights of Columbus Fr. Shyshkowich Council #8925 serving as Grand Knight for 3 years 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Anyone who knew Michael knew of his many gifts.  Not only was he a wonderful husband he was a devoted father and friend to all who knew him.  He was the kindest, and gentlest man.

Michael could literally fix anything.  He was not only a farmer and a mechanic, but also a Plumber, Electrician, Carpenter, and Welder all rolled into one.  If it was a skill, it seemed he had it and could figure most things out. He was always ready to lend a hand whenever someone called.   He loved to solve problems, and fix things.  He had a gift.

Funeral services will be held Saturday January 27th, 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Ave. in Winnipeg.

Livestream link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rupFhL9EEY  

A private family Interment to follow at St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Cemetery, in Arborg MB.

The family extend special thanks to Dr. Austin Eakin from The Acute Stroke Unit at HSC and Dr. Kevin Brown at Cancer Care Manitoba. We also thank the nurses and staff involved in Michael’s care at HSC.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Michael’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Cancer Care Manitoba.

Pallbearers will be Darren Firman

                                  Mike Davis

                                  Brent Kosie

                                  Chad Sutherland

                                  Jim Loewen

                                  Dwane Krenkevich

Forever Loved, Forever Missed!         Vichnaya Pamyat