It is with a great sense of loss that we announce the passing of Michael “Mike” Berkach on Monday, May 4, 2015 at the age of 106.5 years. Left to mourn his passing are his daughter Wanda Bzdell, his grandchildren: Ken Berkach (Val) of Prince Albert, SK and Ben Berkach of Saskatoon, SK; his great-grandchildren: Darby Lynne (Sean) of Henderson, Nevada, Tanisha (Don) of Prince Albert, SK and Terin of Prince Albert, SK, and the apple of his eye great-great-granddaughter Aubree of Prince Albert, SK; his only surviving sister: Stella Stratychuk of Saskatoon, SK; his sister-in-law: Ann Berkach of Toronto, ON; his several nieces and nephews in Canada and Poland and his only surviving cousin: Sophia Till (Dick) as well as numerous friends. Mike was predeceased by his parents: John and Justine (nee Tchorowski) Berkach; his wife Julia (nee Pietras) in 1987, his children: Alex in 2002 and Helen in 2008; his only son-in-law: George Bzdell in 2009; his sisters: Anne Hadada and Mary Korolisahuk; his brothers: Casper, Bert, Stanley, Frank and John. Mike was born in Winnipeg on October 25, 1908 moving with his parents to Prince Albert, SK after which the family moved to a homestead in the Kalyna district. Mike worked on the farm until he met his beloved Julia. They married on November 16, 1930 and soon acquired one quarter of land in the Kalyna district. It was here that they raised their family. Mike was a true pioneer, along with this wife Julia, farming cultivated land while clearing and breaking large portions of the land first with borrowed horses and eventually with his own team. Together they acquired self-sufficiency by raising farm animals and huge gardens. Life for Mike was filled with hardships but he overcame these with a strong determination to live well and care for his family, all the while maintaining his strong faith in God, a faith and morals which he passed on to his children at a very early age. Mike’s dedication to farming was not only his livelihood but also his hobby and passion. He enjoyed visiting with neighbours and friends discussing farming and current events. He kept abreast of changes in the world, many times expressing disbelief with all the changes occurring around him. Mike was a gentle and patient man who could never find fault with anyone. It was not his nature to be critical of anyone or anything. He was fiercely independent and never wished to impose on anyone. Even to the last he wanted to do things for himself. Mike loved his family and grandchildren dearly and enjoyed being with and building things for the grandchildren. Mikes moto and wishes for everyone he met was “Good luck, Good health and Happy days ahead.” The family wishes to give a special thank you to the doctors and nurses on the 6^th Floor of the Victoria Hospital as well as to Father Micheal Fahlman. A Funeral Service for Mike will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 – 11:00 am, Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1401 – 4th Ave. West, Prince Albert, SK with Father Micheal Fahlman as Celebrant. Interment to follow in South Hill Cemetery, Prince Albert, SK. In lieu of other tributes donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 – 3rd Ave N. Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8. Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium.  Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors. 306.763.8488 www.MacKenzieChapel.ca

• Date : 2015-05-04
• Location : Prince Albert, SK