MICHAEL DRABOT

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MICHAEL DRABOT December 13, 1930 - December 2, 2018 Dad passed away peacefully at Berkley Care Centre, North Vancouver, 11 days shy of his 88th birthday. He was predeceased by his mother Mary (Chablo) in 1952 and by his father Harry in 1965. Left to cherish his memory are his children: daughter Sherri; son Michael and wife Linda; and son Brett and partner Roberta. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Jennifer, Brook, Madison, Albany, Jana and Danielle; his great-grandchildren, Ryland, Ashton, Buster and Cormac; sister-in-law Jackie (Olafson), and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bill and Bea Ertman of Surrey, BC were his closest friends and we thank them for their kindness and support throughout the years. Mike grew up in Fort Rouge and attended Kelvin High School where he met and later married our mother, Sylvia (Armstrong), in September, 1952. He was employed by various railways, the last being the British Columbia Railway, as well as working for the Manitoba Telephone System in the 1960s. Dad was a devout member of the Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church in Winnipeg, which his father helped found in 1934. He appreciated celebrating special holidays such as Easter and Christmas, and enjoyed our annual summer vacations at Grand Beach, along with fishing, camping, sailing and speed walking. In the winter of 1971 Dad moved to North Vancouver where he resided for the remainder of his life. Mike loved to travel, read and tinker with his latest car but he was never happier than when he was outdoors. He was a member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles from 1993 to 2011 and, in his later years, enjoyed meeting friends for coffee at their favourite haunt on Lonsdale Avenue. We are grateful to Dad's close friends and neighbours, Ruby, Anne and Malcolm, who always checked up on him when he was struggling with his health, and they spent many days having "coffee time" visits together. Our family appreciates the excellent care provided to our father at Berkley Care Centre since May, 2015 and thank them for their compassion during his final months. In accordance with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and he will finally return to Winnipeg where he will rest with his parents. Flowers are gratefully declined and if you so wish, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. A private family service will be held at a later date, as well as a celebration of his life for family and friends in the summer of 2019. You were one of a kind, Dad, and you will be remembered by all who met you in your journey through life. Bless You and Rest in Peace. You are free to explore to your heart's content.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 2018