Obituary of Mike Popowich

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memroies" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". POPOWICH - Mr. Mike Popowich of Yorkton, formerly of the Good Spirit Lake district entered eternal rest on August 26, 2013. He was 89 years of age. Mike J. Popowich was born on February 15, 1924 to John and Mary (Kutcher) Popowich near Good Spirit Lake, Saskatchewan. He was the eleventh of 12 children but also had two half sisters. His childhood included the last part of the roaring 1920's and the great depression of the 1930's. Life was hard and therefore he learned to be very industrious, resourceful and knew the value of recycling long before the newer trends of going "green". He went to Black Poplar school near his home. He was engaged in the usual childhood activities that children were accustomed to in those days. Like many boys of that era he would rather hunt rabbits than go to school because they were selling for three cents a pound. He loved sports and played ball and pond hockey with a homemade willow hockey stick and frozen chunks for hockey pucks. He stated, that he never really excelled in any sports but that was because he was too modest. Like many farm boys of the era, his first duty was to help out on the farm rather than to play. He worked hard on the farm and after his dad passed away continued to farm and look after his mother. In addition to farming in 1970 he got a job at the Good Spirit Provincial Park often walking or biking to work and walking hundreds of miles pushing a lawn mower at work. Likely this is what affected his hip in later years. He also planted trees as part of his job. Most of these trees are massive today enhancing the park for all to enjoy. He retired in 1987 and continued living on the farm. For several years after he retired he took up golf and golfed at the Good Spirit Golf Course until his arthritis got worse and he bought a house in Yorkton in 1990. He was very proud of this house. It was like a palace to him considering where and how humbly he lived most of his life. He enjoyed the house and enjoyed the city life with many trips to the coffee shop meeting with friends. His arthritis continued to impede his mobility and in 2006 he moved to the Yorkton Nursing home where he resided until his passing. Mike was very gifted at fixing, re-inventing or remodelling things to suit his needs. Even in the nursing home he could be found tinkering on something. Sometimes even sewing or hemming with a needle and thread. His room was like a workshop. The TV was on Sports 95 percent of the time. He also enjoyed participating in activities, Bingo being one of his favourite ones. Always modest and humble and as one resident put it " a gentle man", he was among the favourite residents of the nursing staff. He never complained. He lived a simple lifestyle. He was never extravagant and never had a desire for material things. Basic needs were all that he required. Predeceased by: Parents John and Mary; half sisters Annie Spelay and Pauline (as a child deceased in Ukraine); sisters: Katie Kutcher, Nellie Popoff, Pearl Stolar, Pauline Adolfson and Linda Popowich; brothers: William, Peter and Fred (in infancy); brothers-in-law: George Kutcher, Sam Popoff, Bill Stolar, Oscar Adolfson, Joe Simair, Harold Neilson; sister-in-law: Mary (Peter's spouse) Popowich. Also predeceased by a number of nephews and nieces: Marika, Violet, Alvin, Diane, Wayne, Joanne, Teddy. He is survived by: sisters: Maggie Simair and Dorothy Neilson; brother: Alvin (Jean) and sister-in-law: Mary Popowich; as well as many nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces and great grand nephews and great grand nieces. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Raymond Lukie, C.Ss.R. officiating. The responses were led by Ed Pindus and parish choir members. Serving as cross bearer was Ron Steranko. Honourary Bearers were Alvin Popowich, Jerry Popowich, Mary Popowich, Barrie Spilchen, Cecil Simair, Tara Novak, Dan Kutcher and Bill Kutcher. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery Don Popowich, Ken Popowich, Barry Popowich, Randy Popowich, Dave Adolfson and Peter Steranko serving as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring Mike's life may be made to the Yorkton District Nursing Home or the New Regional Hospital Building Fund. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Thursday, August 29th, 2013 10:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery