Michael Mike John Boyko

Michael (Mike) John Boyko passed away peacefully at Woodhaven Nursing Home, Markham, Ontario, on Friday December 30, 2011 at the age of 80 years. Born in Montreal to the late Andrei and Michalina Boyko, he was the loving husband of the late Mary (Hreniuk) Boyko and dearest father of Kathryn. Cherished “Papa” of Michael and Matthew; dear brother to Annie, Gloria and the late Olga; Uncle to Taras and many nieces and nephews.

Mike retired from CP Rail in the 1980’s after a long career in both Montreal and Toronto. However, he is best remembered for his great sense of humour and his singing voice. He began as a youth in church choirs and ultimately became a fixture on the weekend circuit, playing mostly Ukrainian music with his fellow band members at various venues. If you were getting married, or celebrating a signature anniversary in Montreal in the 60s and 70s, the odds were great that Mike and the band (led by the late Alexander Sheremeta) were singing and playing for you. Blessed with an excellent ear, Mike could sing in any language, although his first love was the Ukrainian music of his heritage, which he kept alive through several recordings that are still available today. In his later years, Mike joined church choirs in Toronto, most notably at St. Volodymyr the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church, and was a featured soloist a number of times. However, he was happiest when asked to sing as a guest at a wedding or at relaxed social functions with friends and family.

Friends may visit at the Jerrett Funeral Home, 6191 Yonge Street, North York (South of Steeles Ave) on Sunday January 8th, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Panachyda Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Service in the Jerrett Funeral Home Chapel on Monday January 9 at 11 a.m. Private Cremation to follow. A Mass dedicated to Mary and Michael Boyko will be held later in 2012. In lieu of flowers,donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada or St. Volodymyr the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church.