It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Ike on Friday, September 16, 2022 after a short stay at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Mike was the son of the late John and Maria (Eleniak) Zwarun who emigrated from Ukraine in the late 1920s.
Mike is survived by his son Robert, Sydney; sisters Julie Troicuk and Stephanie Campbell Byrne, Glace Bay, Celia (Roger) Laverdure, Repentigny, Quebec; brothers Stephen and Frederick Zwarun, Glace Bay as well as many nieces and nephews in Canada and the United States and cousins in Ukraine. He is also survived by special friend Myers MacNeil, Glace Bay. Mike was predeceased by his parents, sister Millie Spalding, brother Billy and twin brothers Peter and John.
Mike was born in Glace Bay where he attended St. John's School. He enjoyed his teenage years as an air-cadet. Still in his teens, he worked side by side with his "Pa" as a coal miner for 10 years in No 20 Colliery Mine, Glace Bay. Following the closure of No. 20, Mike attended and graduated from the Cape Breton Vocational School in Sydney as a certified electric welder/pipe fitter. For 43 years he worked across Canada and the United States as a high pressure welder. He was very proud of his 51 year, Life Membership of the United Association of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry. He especially treasured his various pins from his Union.
In his younger years, Mike was one of just a few "bikers" in Glace Bay. He was a true "Rock n' Roller" and attended dances at various locations in Glace Bay and surrounding areas. Mike was an avid reader and his collection of historical books related to World War I and II is impressive. Mike was a fun-loving man who loved a good party with family and friends.
In his later years, despite many health and mobility problems, Mike was determined to remain at home. He and his family are grateful to the many people who enabled this. A sincere thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Glace Bay and Sydney Renal Dialysis Units, the EHS emergency technicians and Marg's taxi drivers for assisting Mike to and from his many visits to Dialysis, the VON nurses, the Social Workers and his many friends.
A funeral service will take place at 3pm on Monday, October 3, 2022 at Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay with Rev. Alison Etter officiating. The family will visit with guest from 2pm up until the funeral. Inurnment will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com. Masks are requested. Family flowers only and no scents please as family members have severe allergies. Donations in Mike's memory may be made to the Glace Bay Hospital Foundation Renal Dialysis Unit.
