MICHAEL FRANK ZARODA

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

• I’ll miss seeing him outside smoking & our long talks. We would chat outside for over an hour some days. If this is the Mike who lived in Windsor park. I send my condolences to the family. I didn’t see him a few days and said something to neighbours before I left for a month. I was worried because he was always outside enjoying the sun / in the shade. When I would come visit my mother & saw him, I always stopped to say hello & chat. We even had a contest about who’s more tan and he always won lol. He was one of my favourite people in the building. It’s not the same without him. Once again I send my deepest condolences & apologies to the family. :( I feel your pain. Rest in peace Mike. - your friend Teena - Posted by: Tee (Friend ) on: Sep 10, 2023

• I was one of the organizers for the Great Grain Relay. Mike was the indispensable music man for this race held at the University of Manitoba. He was the music man for at least 35 of the years that the race was run. His professionalism and feel for the music that the crowd would respond to was top notch. He will be missed. - Posted by: Don Ross (Friend) on: Aug 19, 2023

• My family and I would like to offer our condolences to Michael Zaroda's family and friends. We loved him and will miss him. To us, he was Mike, a wonderful person. Mike, we will meet you someday. You are happy to join your family...Annette McIvor - Posted by: Annette McIvor (Friends ) on: Aug 16, 2023

• We were deeply saddened to hear about Mike’s (Mr. Music Man) passing. Our condolences to you, Danny and family. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sorrowful time.” Mike was the best (Mr Music man) in town, we loved all his music when he was playing at the casinos and he knew our favorite dance music. Yes Mike we all missed you. But we know that you will be playing your music up there Mike Delia and Jerry - Posted by: Delia Lopez (Good friend) on: Aug 15, 2023

• I met Mike at Parkside Ford where we worked together…him selling cars and me the receptionist. Although we hadn’t been in touch for so many years I’ve thought about him often. He was my best friend at work and we shared so much laughter and jokes. Mike had a sense of humour like no one else. My heart goes out to his family. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Sharon Appler (Greenberg) (Old friend from 1971) on: Aug 14, 2023

• MIKE, "THE MUSIC MAN" ZARODA....What is not to love? I have known Mike for 50 years and have come to know him as a Prince of a Man! He was and continued to be, the primary music man in our Winnipeg fashion market for decades and through the "Glory Days of Fashion", when Winnipeg was the central distribution and advertising center for many manufacturers, national chains of department stores and a myriad of other fashion designers and suppliers for all of Canada. He was the "go to" guy if you wanted excellence, professionalism and a thorough knowledge of anything musical when you chose the primary music man for your special project. At every fashion show, he would start the party rolling with the mysterious sound of a cat. Everyone would be looking around wondering what a cat was doing at this or that event. We realized at last that it was Mike, and with a twinkle in his eye, he made everyone laugh and relax as we all got the job done. Before long, we all expected to hear that cat before every show. He was full of fun but always hardworking, dedicated and exacting whenever it came to music or music selection. He kept us honest and authentic with every type of music imaginable from Latin, Cuban or Salsa to classical, jazz, modern or top ten and would never settle with 'something that sounds like"...NO...never! He always searched and searched his massive library of music for the truest, purest selection of songs that that would best represent the exact goal each project. Mike wanted to work with everyone, in harmony. He never said an unkind word about anyone and was always encouraging and supportive with all. He never shared anyone's secrets and kept his cards close to his chest so that no one's faith would be imperilled. I always admired him for that and for his unwavering professional attitude. Through his long career as a fashion show music expert, he worked with some amazing and talented fashion coordinators - Lillian Vadeboncoeur at Eatons and Joan Druxman at The Bay, then came Linda Nelson, Sherri Rheubottom, Adrianna O'Neil, the Craven-A cross Canada production team, to name a few. All talented and extremely creative people who relied on Mike to provide the services that would make their creative ideas come to life. When I opened Panache, we hired him for every show and every project for over 40 years and he was always stellar. He also knew every model by name and was beloved by everyone and a friend to all. He kept all of our memories and memorabilia and shared these treasures with us through the years. He knew which girl was an up and coming talent and which girls could be relied on for performing the most difficult roles with excellence. We all loved Mike and many of us also hired him for our own family weddings, anniversaries and every special event in our lives. He was the BEST! Mike was a wonderful friend to me too. He was loyal and honest and always kind and willing to help. He would explain things about the industry and people that really helped others to work in harmony and respect. That was one of his greatest gifts. My husband, Bruce, and I, have come to consider him one of the rare people in this world who are truly “good people”. We saw him more often over the past few years, as his health declined and he became more home bound. He was always positive and hopeful and never complained. He never wanted anyone to worry about him. He was a proud father and grandfather and loved all of is his family more than anything. When Lisa and Taz had their little girl, and although they lived in Europe, he had all of her photos on his laptop and loved sharing them with us just as much as we loved seeing her! He and Danny also had an extremely special bond and I know that Danny has suffered a great loss….as have we all. Rest in Peace, dear friend. May you be enjoying all of your favorite music in Heaven as the angels sing and play their instruments to welcome you for your arrival. With love and sincere condolences to the Zaroda family. Jane and Bruce Campbell - Posted by: E. JANE CAMPBELL (Industry colleague and longtime friend) on: Aug 13, 2023

• I met Mike in high school and through the years, although our paths went different ways, whenever we bumped into each other, it was never awkward. Mike was a friend with warmth and caring. Ten years ago he helped me with music for my mom’s service. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My warmest condolences to Mike’s family. Linda Stannard - Posted by: Linda stannard (Schoolfruend) on: Aug 12, 2023

• So Many Good (We Were Bad) Times we had. Overnight drinks and stories! Listening to Mike Zaroda (Mikey) tell stories in great detail, about Music and the Fashion Business in Winnipeg was like listening to Randy Bachman talk on the Radio about Music and the Musicians he has met. Randy Bachman fortunately is still Taking Care of Business. Mikey Unfortunately "Has Left The Arena"! We will miss you Kind Sir! ...and funny! Mikey was so funny! Kind and Funny! That's Mikey! - Posted by: Randolph Barefoot (Old Friend) on: Aug 12, 2023

• Michael the consumate Music Man. With no more than a few words he knew what you liked. He could read a crowd and immediately created a Playlist than everyone enjoyed and Danced to or sung along. We did many shows for the Bay, and had a great time. Michael DJ'd our wedding it was truly memorable. You are a true friend, you will be directing music 🎶 for the Angel's 😇 Miss you so much 💓 - Posted by: Stephen Sumka (Friend ) on: Aug 12, 2023

• Mike was the best, always had a smile on his face , I knew him through the best times of my life. He always had a hug and a “Hi how you doing my Italian friend “. He brought so much joy, to so many people when he was the DJ at Brandys in the disco days. I still listen to a couple of cassettes he made for me. Many people measure success by how much money they make, how successful they became, Mike, his wealth came from making people smile and having a really, really fun time. I am truly saddened today. I will listen to one of the cassettes he made for me and think about our good times. Rest in peace my friend. Carlo Macario . Calgary, Alberta - Posted by: Carlo (Macario) on: Aug 12, 2023

• He was simply the best. I met Mike so many years ago when I approached him to be my DJ for a fashion show. He introduced me to music and musicians that I still listen to today. We would spend hours deciding on just the right song for each run of a show and he would cue up the cassette tapes. Yes, Mike and I go way back. We worked on countless productions together. He never missed a "beat". Mike made each fashion show that much better with his expansive music catalogue and enthusiasm for each event punctuated with impeccable timing. I met his beloved children, Danny and Lisa when they just wee and I was privy to the evolution of their lives. Mike was the best of friends and a father who adored his children. He never tired of regaling me with Danny and Lisa's latest achievements and I hung on every word. My heart aches for you, Danny and Lisa. Mike always met me with the biggest, warmest smile and a huge hug. When you were Mike's friend, you were family. Mike I will miss you always and in Tina's Turner's immortal lyrics, "You're simply the best" - Adriana O'Neil - Posted by: Adriana O'Neil (Friend) on: Aug 12, 2023

• I am so sad to hear of Mike’s passing😢Growing up my family was very close with Mike, Anna, Danny, & Lisa. I have so many fond and hilarious memories ❤️ Mike also played at my wedding 18 years ago coming up this August 20th. Deepest condolences ❤️❤️HUGS RIP Mike ❤️😢 - Posted by: Tracy Hoborough (Pastuck) (Friend ) on: Aug 12, 2023

• So sad to hear of Mike’s passing. One of my favourite Brothers through marriage. I’m grateful that he is at peace and is not suffering any longer. My deepest condolences to Anna, Danny and Lisa. Mike will be remembered by many friends and acquaintances. Always a smile and a handshake from this Vibrant man. RIP Mike Robert Daryl Rindahl - Posted by: Daryl Rindahl (Family friend) on: Aug 12, 2023

• Dear Anna, Danny, Lisa and family. There are no works to express how sorry we were to hear of Mike’s passing. He fought a long hard battle, and what happened to him in his last days should never have happened. We will always remember Mike for his incredible love and knowledge of music and his wonderful sense of humour. May the pain you are feeling not eventually turn into happy memories that were made during Mike’s life. Rest In Peace dear friend. - Posted by: Dennis, Joann Drabyk and Justin (Friends) on: Aug 12, 2023