MICHAEL GOLKO

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MICHAEL GOLKO It is with heavy hearts, on September 20, 2013 at the Gimli Community Health Centre, peacefully with his family by his side, our beloved father and grandfather was taken away from us. He will be sadly missed by his daughters Elaine (Paul) Stimpson, Pamela (Roger) Furgala; granddaughter Mallory (Tommy) Kmet and grandson Tee-Jay Furgala. Also left to mourn is Mike's sisters-in-law, Tilly Golko, Vanda (Eddy) MacDonald, Martha Litwin and brother-in-law Ted (Marie) Litwin; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Mike was very close to his niece Elaine Rasch located in the Netherlands who for many years and to this day remained very close to him and in constant communication. He was predeceased by his wife Susan in 2009, parents Justyn and Parascevia, sister Mary Rasch and Baby sister Nettie and four brothers John, Bill, Paul and Harry Golko. Mike was born in Arnes, MB on December 8, 1919 and was raised on a farmstead. He spent his early years hiking three miles over country trails to attend the one room Jaroslaw School at Arnes. This continued until grade seven when he left school to work full time on the farm. He had missed so much school due to weather he decided to study at home and became self-educated. Later, he studied radio servicing by correspondence and after working for others including fishing and working in a sawmill, it was then Mike decided he wanted to work for himself. In his early 20s he met his wife Susan Litwin at a country dance and they were married on October 21, 1944. In 1945 they moved to Gimli and soon after Mike and Susan established a radio service business in a small house he rented on 4th Ave at the start of the booming post war economy. After only one month he relocated to 31 Center Street and built a new store where he resided and it remained in operation today as Golko's Hardware his Dream Business!! Also, in the early 1950s as a result of his insurance agent moving, he unexpectedly became involved in the insurance business and he continued on until 1984. In 1967 he started in the real estate business and just retired from real estate one month ago at the age of 93. Up until his sudden illness, Mike could be seen daily in Golko's Hardware store both selling and repairing items or appliances for someone. He was a true handy man who could fix anything by figuring it out usually without a manual and this task he enjoyed with a passion. Mike loved the challenge!! Dad worked very hard all his life and through very hard times in his early years establishing the businesses with his wife Susan. He made remarkable accomplishments by teaching himself and he used these skills to become proficient in repairing appliances and other electrical items . He kept many spare parts and always maintained the analogy, "you never know when you need them". Dad loved to work as this eventually became his hobby. Visits to the country with good friends and family on the weekends were always important to Dad and in particular trips to the Arnes area which included a weekly BBQ's at "Mike's Hall". Dad was there for his children and family and always was willing to help and give an opinion. He enjoyed his relationships with his customers with some dating back as long as 69 years. Dad fought very hard to live and did not want to leave us. We were blessed with so many years with him, he had a full life, and he will be missed very much. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Gimli, MB with Father Mike Nwosu officiating. Interment to follow at Gimli Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Paul Stimpson, Roger Furgala, Tee-Jay Furgala, Tommy Kmet, Ken Golko and Greg Golko. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. R. Gera for his above and beyond professional care given to Dad, Dr. K. Rosing, and the staff (the special nurses and aides) at the Gimli Community Health Centre for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, if you so wish donations can be made to a special family cause, Variety Heart, 685 William Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z2, or the charity of your choice. Strong busy hands at rest, to your family, you were always the Best. We love you Dad. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 21, 2013