Michael Smilski

Michael Smilski, 101 yrs. of age, of Nanaimo, British Columbia (BC) passed away quietly on December 22, 2023. Due to the excellent care from the Cancer Society and his doctors, both in Manitoba and BC, he was able to live a full and long life.

Michael was born on April 30th, 1922, in Dauphin, Manitoba. After graduating from the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School in 1940, he briefly served in WWII and upon returning home he worked as an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor with the Manitoba Hydro. He remained with the Manitoba Hydro throughout his career until his retirement in 1983.

In 1948, Michael met Stacia Slobodzian. They married in 1950 and were lifelong partners for 73 years until his passing. Stacia and Michael continued to live an active life in Dauphin, Manitoba for 50 years and had two daughters Debra and Andrea.

In 2001, almost 20 years after retiring, Stacia, and Michael moved to Nanaimo, BC. Both daughters and Andrea’s family live in Nanaimo. Michael was a vital 80-year-old when they moved. They spent many good years watching their grandsons grow up and engage in sports, school, University, and in their professional careers. He had so much fun with his grandsons as they grew up and they learned so much from him about fishing, the outdoors, and life in general. Moving to Nanaimo was a great decision for Michael, and he loved his 22 years being an “Islander”. Michael lived in his home with Stacia until the end of his life.

Michael was active in the community and belonged to The Dauphin & District Shrine Club. He held the position of Past Master of the Hiram Masonic Lodge in Manitoba, was President of the Dauphin & District Shrine Club, and enthusiastically participated with the Shriner’s Band. He also served as a director on the Board of the Dauphin First United Church. The Shriner organization was near and dear to his heart, so upon moving to Nanaimo Michael joined the Gizeh Shrine Temple and spent many happy times playing the base drum with the Morocco Oriental Shrine Band which, we quote –“Played the Sweetest Music This Side of Heaven!” He also spent many happy times with his senior friends, curling at the Nanaimo Curling Club and golfing at the Winchelsea Golf Club. He especially enjoyed the friendly ‘banter’ at the coffee table! Michael and Stacia loved to travel and discover new people and places. Hawaii remained his favorite destination.

Michael was a passionate craftsman and tinkerer. He could often be found in his garage workshop fixing gadgets and working on gifts for family and friends. As his age advanced and health failed his ability to participate in community activities diminished and his wood working hobby began to consume more of his time. Michael had a creative streak and he designed and crafted some unique wooden Christmas trees which we proudly display in our yards during the Christmas season.

Michael was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He worked hard and was determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was proud of his family and their achievements.

Michael was predeceased by his mother, Elsie, his father Mathe, his sister Anne, and brothers William and Ernie. He is survived by his wife Stacia, his daughters Debra and Andrea (George Hrabowych), his 2 grandsons, Kristian and Michael, his two siblings, sister Shirley in Calgary and brother Fred in Edmonton, and his sister-in-law Marilyn in Thunder Bay in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

We wish to thank Dr. Bland for his thoughtful care and all the home care staff who were kind and caring and did all they could to make Michael comfortable. To all our friends – thank you for all your support.

Although Michael is no longer with us, gratefully, our many happy memories live on.

“Each time we embrace a Memory, We meet again with those We love, for the Heart Never forgets.”

A celebration of his long life be held on June 2, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvd.

In Michael’s memory, donations may be made to the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Foundation.