Obituary of Michael Ostapovitch

OSTAPOVITCH, Michael "Mike"- Michael quietly passed away in the Yorkton Regional Health Centre on February 6, 2016 at the age of 100 years and 37 days. Mike was born on January 1, 1916 to Fred and Rose Ostapovitch (Kitzul) on the family farm at Theodore, SK. Mike was the sixth of thirteen children. As he attended elementary and high school, his roots became firmly implanted into the soil of the Theodore homestead. After high school, farming became his lifetime career, which he loved with a passion. Mike worked with his parents, was joined by brother Matt in 1936 and brother Fred in 1960. The mixed farm slowly transitioned to grain farming and registered seed growing. In 1979, Mike and his two brothers were the first recipients of the farm recognition award presented by the Saskatchewan Agriculture Extension Board for their excellent farming practices. Mike experienced many changes of farming life from horse and plow to fully mechanized tractor power and combines that continue to grow in size with each year. To keep up with the changing times, Mike became skilled in plumbing, heating, welding and electrical maintenance and repair on the farm. If there was a motor to repair, a toaster to fix, a chair to upholster or a cupboard to build - Mike did it. He was "Mr. Fix It". Throughout the years, Mike served on various community organizations. He was a Founding Board Member of the Theodore Credit Union in 1938, served on the Saskatchewan Wheat Board Committee, the Curling Committee, the Community Club Committee that operated the weekly theatre in the Town Hall, and assisted in the formation of the Theodore and District Recreational Association in 1966. Due to failing eyesight in his mid - 80's, Mike had to slowly give up active farming and operating the large machinery. However, he never lost interest in the day to day operations of the farm and always had advice to offer. From early spring to late fall he was busy combing the bushes for mushrooms and hazelnuts; cranberries for his morning cranberry juice; and pin cherries, saskatoons and chokecherries for making his wines. Even at 99 years Mike planted an abundant garden that supplied many with his excess vegetables-however, last summer for the first time, he did not plant his beloved gladiolas nor make his year's supply of sauerkraut and dill pickles. He loved to travel the fields with his faithful ATV three wheeler taking in the sounds and smells of nature. Mike made his daily visit to coffee row in Theodore to hear all the news, discuss current events and bring home the mail right up to his 100th birthday. Mike remained content in his own home until five days before his passing. Mike was predeceased by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (John) Potoski, Katherine (Paul) Welgan, Annette and Vera, brothers and sisters-in-law; Jake (Nellie), Matthew, Stephen, Bill (Lorraine), Peter (Gay), Harold, brother-in-law Dan Yacovitch, nephews; Gerald Ostapovitch and Ron (Betty) Welgan and niece Kathy Tufford. Left to celebrate his life are sister Oda Yacovitch of Montreal, brother Fred (Diana) of Theodore and sister-in-law Sylvia Ostapovitch of Calgary, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews. At Mike's request cremation has taken place with a family graveside service and interment at a later date. Cremation was entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home, Yorkton, SK.