Obituaries

Michael Orest Zacharuk

It is with great sadness that we announce that Michael Orest Zacharuk has ‘gone west’. He passed away peacefully at his home on October 2nd, at the age of 94. Dad was born on March 21, 1932, to parents Michael and Katherine, and raised on the family farm in Stornoway, Saskatchewan.

Dad enlisted in the military after high school and served his country as a pilot in the Canadian Air Force for 11 years, retiring with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. During his years in the military, Dad was a flying instructor and served with Search and Rescue. Dad flew multiple airplanes in the Air Force: the Chipmunk, Beach Otter, Harvard, Lancaster, Northstar, and the DC-3.

While in training Dad met mom, Winnifred Totzke, and they married on October 19th, 1957. They lived in many places across Canada while raising their young family, finally building their forever home in Winnipeg.

After Dad left the military, he joined Air Canada. He flew with them for 24 years, retiring as Captain on the 727. Dad was incredibly proud that he was retired for 36 years – longer than he had ever worked.

In winters, Dad was an active cross country skier. He put many miles on his skis on the Assiniboine River, in Beaudry Park, and in the Whiteshell. Once the snow melted Dad loved golfing- a sport he took up in retirement. He was a member at Breezy Bend for over 30 years, and was golfing there regularly until two years ago. Dad was proud of the fact that he shot lower than his age when he was in his 80’s and 90’s. He was also lucky enough to get 3 holes-in-one in his golf career. Dad loved to travel, to tend to his garden – where he grew amazing tomatoes, and to enjoy a glass of Crown with company. His happiest moments were family holidays in Hawaii, Christmases in Dallas, and summers at Falcon Lake. Dad was fiercely independent – living in his home right up until the end. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love for his family and friends..

Dad is lovingly remembered by daughter Deborah (Chris) Schaefer, their children Samantha, Zachary, and Madison; daughter Dianne (Dirk) Thompson, their children Jarrod (Samantha), Travis ( Christian), great granddaughter Harper, and Kelsey (Ian); son Robert (Michelle) Zacharuk, their children Laura (Mark) , great grandchildren Rían and Emer, Derek (Hannah) and a great grandchild expected in a few weeks. Dad is also survived by his brother Steven.

Dad was predeceased by his wife Winnifred, his sisters Iris and Phyllis, and brothers Walter and Russell.

Funeral service will be held Friday, October 16th at 10:00 am at Westwood Presbyterian Church (197 Browning Boulevard) with a reception to follow.

Pilots never die, they just fly higher. May Dad’s journey be peaceful, and may he find eternal rest beyond the clouds he once called home.