Mike’s obituary:

MICHAEL PATRICK HALIPCHUK Peacefully on August 16, 2011, with Laurie by his side, Michael Patrick Halipchuk ended his journey here and began a new one. Mike was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Halipchuk (nee Hunt) in 2008. He missed her greatly. He is survived by his wife Laurie; children Lee, Brittany, Jared, Dale and Alex; siblings Shauna (Larry) and family, Mary-Ellen (Roly) and family, James (Barb) and family, Wayne (Susan) and family and his father Mike. He will be greatly missed by his in-laws, Ed and Bonnie, Val (Tom) and family, Sherie (Darrell) and family, Shellie (Dave) and family. Mike is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends too numerous to mention, but always in his heart. Mike was born in Carmen, MB, March 3, 1957. His family moved to Selkirk when he was very young. Mike loved growing up in his close-knit Selkirk neighborhood. The local kids could be found many evenings playing football by the nurses residence. These kids remained friends well into adulthood. He loved his time spent in sea cadets, and strongly recommended that every kid should join. One of his most cherished memories was the summer he spent in BC, with his uncle Earl on the Navy Ships. As an adult, Mike spent many working years as a carpenter in Alberta and Manitoba. Mike was a hard working man, and loved to keep himself busy. He had a very strong work ethic, and always said you should give it your all. Most recently, he worked at Selkirk Home Hardware. He loved his job, the day-to-day challenges, and his crew, as he called them. Due to his illness, he felt very cheated not being able to go into work every day. Mike’s interests were many. He loved sports, especially hockey, and had many hilarious battles with his brother-in-law, Darrell over Montreal versus Toronto. He was also a proud hockey dad, and spent many evenings pacing, as his son Lee goal tended the net. He loved Nascar and could be found many Sundays cursing at the TV and Dale Jr. A highlight for Mike was when his family surprised him and Darrell with a trip to Daytona for his 50th Birthday. Mike also loved bonfires, his grand puppy Winston, having beers and laughs around the table, building beautiful things for his family, playing poker, reading anything his Princess bought him, and most of all, he loved us. We wish to thank the Selkirk E.M.T., the Selkirk General Hospital Emergency department, Medicine Ward, CancerCare, and a special thanks to Nurse Lynn, for her kindness and compassion throughout the night. Following Mike’s wishes, there will be no service. A private family gathering will be held at a later date in his honor. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to The Manitoba Lung Association. Michael Patrick, we love you so much. Thank you for your strength, your willingness to teach, allowing us to learn, and make mistakes, knowing you had our backs, the knowledge that you generously shared, your great hugs, and for showing us what it is to be a good man. In Mike’s famous words, Whateveranthat. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements www.gilbartfuneralhome.com