Obituary of Mike Kolanko

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". KOLANKO - Mr. Mike Kolanko of the Hubbard district, beloved husband of Rose Kolanko passed away in a tragic car accident on Thursday, September 25, 2014. He was 85 years of age. Michael Steven Kolanko was born in the Hubbard district on November 27, 1928, son of Steve and Clara Kolanko (Parfenuik). He attended school in a room of the family residence, which was later used as a schoolroom and was the original Late Star School. A new school was later built a quarter of a mile from the original. Mike farmed all of his adult life. In addition, in 1950, he was employed with Hertz Motors in Southey as a motor mechanic. Mike was later employed with Westeel in Regina as a machinist and welder then at Balcarres Welding as a welder. In 1959, he married Rose Harrick, daughter of the late Joseph and Polly Harrick. Mike and Rose were blessed with one son, Mitchell. At this time, Mike was hired by the provincial government to teach welding on the reserve south of the family farm. Mike was a machinist and welder all of his farming life and ran his business, Kolanko Welding from the family farm. It was here that he began manufacturing his own snowplows, bulldozers, and stone pickers, which he sold to different clubs. It would be hard to find someone in Hubbard and the surrounding area that did not, at one time, have something repaired by Mike. He would never turn down anyone's request to repair something. Mike was very involved in the community, serving on many different boards. These included a position as a councillor for the RM of Tullymet for seventeen years, as a board member for Ituna Union Hospital, and Ituna and District Nursing Home. He was also on the rural telephone committee and helped build the power line through the area. He was president of Hubbard Hall and served on the Hubbard Orthodox Church Committee. He was a self-taught violinist and played in a band for over forty years. In his leisure time, Mike enjoyed fishing, hunting, and reading, especially mechanical magazines. In his senior years, he spent many hours tending to his garden and looking after the yard. He also enjoyed tinkering in his two-acre metal scrap yard. Over the years, his son took over farming operations and the family business but Mike could always be relied upon for help or advice. Family is one of the most important areas in which Mike exemplified his love as a husband, father, and grandfather. The respect and pride he had for his family could be heard in his voice and seen in his actions. He was a humble man who loved to share in his family's accomplishments and successes. His biggest pride and joy was his grandchildren. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of fifty-five years, Rose; son, Mitchell (Brenda); grandchildren, Tasha and Kenton; his sister, Anne Kolanko of Punnichy, SK, and many relatives and friends. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Clara. Prayers were held on Monday, September 29, 2014 at Sacred Heart Church in Ituna. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at Sacred Heart Church under the direction of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ituna. Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiated. The cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky led in the singing of the responses. The epistle was read by Tasha Kolanko. Serving as crossbearers were grandchildren, Tasha and Kenton Kolanko. The interment took place in Holy Trinity Parish Cemetery with Jerry Harrick, Matt Herasymiuk, Don Zazula, Greg Campbell, Anthony Hnatiuk and Joey Harrick serving as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring Mike's life may be made to Holy Trinity Parish Cemetery Fund. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Memory Eternal! Vichnaya Pamyat! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home, Ituna. Service Information Monday, September 29th, 2014 7:00pm, Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church Details: Service Extra Info Under the direction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Tuesday, September 30th, 2014 10:00am, Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church Details: Service Extra Info Under the direction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Interment Details Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Parish Cemetery - Ituna