Michael Hyduk

August 15, 1931 - March 30, 2011

In his 80th year, Michael Hyduk passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg on Wednesday, March 30, 2011.

Born into abject poverty in Winnipeg, Michael proceeded to demonstrate the great resiliency of the human spirit. Leaving school early, he found work hauling mining cores out of the bush in Pickle Crow, ON. He went on to work with CP Rail in Kenora, ON, as a “wiper” on steam locomotives, graduating to “hostler”, “brakeman”, “fireman”, and ultimately, “engineer”.

It was at the CP Rail office that Michael met the love of his life, Rosemarie. They married in 1957, and set out on an excellent adventure together. They would build a new home, travel the world, while revelling in each others’ company.

In the early days, when times were slow “on the road”, Michael drove cab, worked as a jail guard, school custodian, and with his good friend, Ed Wetherall, built quality homes in the Kenora area. All the while, he studied to obtain Stationary Engineer Fourth Class status, which he later upgraded to Third Class. He gained accreditation as a gas outfitter, electrician, plumber and heating technician. Not too shabby for a guy with a Grade Eight education!

After retiring from the railroad, he was able to indulge in his passion for working with wood, creating high quality furniture pieces, many of which are on display in innumerable homes across northwestern Ontario and Manitoba.

Pre-deceased by Rosemarie, his adopted daughter, Judith Anne and her husband, Raymond Heppelle, Michael will always be remembered and honoured by his adopted son Michael, (Jane), and grandchildren Christopher, (Kirsty, Benjamin), Matthew, (Alyssa) and David. He leaves us with a treasury of wonderful family memories.

Michael also leaves behind nephews and nieces in western Canada, and a vast array of friends, so many of whom were there for him as his health declined. The family is truly grateful.

A prayer vigil will be held Monday, April 4, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. with interment in Lake of the Woods Cemetery. It will be a celebration of a life well-lived.

Flowers respectfully declined. Please consider contributing to a homeless shelter of your choice.

Today, Michael and his beloved “Rosie” are together again, for eternity.

Online condolence may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre entrusted with arrangements.