The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Michael Robert Oliynyk of Creighton passed away at the Flin Flon General Hospital on January 20, 2005, with his loving family at his side. Mike was born in Krydor, Sask., on November 18, 1941. His family moved to Riverside Drive where he attended Birchview and Sir Maurice Roche schools. He participated in baseball, hockey, weight-lifting, and he loved history and current events. Mike started at HBM&S in September 1960, working in the Smelter until his retirement in July 2000. He enjoyed his work and the men he worked with, and took pride in being fair and conscientious. He married Evelyn Sochan in August 1966. They built their home in Creighton and began their family of son, Ken, and daughter, Nicole. His children, and later his grandchildren, were his most precious possessions and family time was his priority. Summers were filled with fishing, camping, and travelling. Mike was an avid hunter, dedicating hours reloading shells and target practicing. Fishing was a perfected art, and he spent hours pouring and painting jigs. Mike was involved in Minor Hockey as coach and executive member, and later played in the Oldtimers Hockey League. He loved to watch his son, nephews, and the Jr. Bombers play hockey; and his daughter and nieces skate and play ringette. He was an executive member of the OB's, Sask. Wildlife, and past member of the Creighton Fire Department. He curled in the Hot Stove League and swam laps at the Aqua Centre. Mike loved to tease everyone, to be with people and to have a good time. He was a positive influence; his fairness, level headed thinking, good judgment, encouragement, and patience will always be remembered. His motto was "living each day for today, and not to worry about the past or tomorrow." He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Lillian; sister, Phyliss, and father-in-law, Joseph Sochan. He is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn; children Ken (Michelle), Nicole (Dustin); grandchildren Taylor and Meghan; brothers Peter (Helen), David (Kim); mother-in-law Elizabeth Sochan; brother-in-law Harold (Darlene); sisters-in-law Bev Beever (Randy), Janet Gourlay (Rod); numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service was held on January 25 at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church. Thank you to Dr. Amin and third floor nurses for your care and concern; to all who visited, brought food, sent flowers and cards; and made donations in Mike's memory. Thank you to Father Denis Bourbonnais for the service and words of comfort, and all who assisted with the service. Thank you to the Catholic Women's League for the lunch. Thank you to Dana and staff of Dadson Funeral Home for your guidance and assistance. The Oliynyk Family
