January 29, 1952 - January 13, 2019
Mike passed away peacefully with his family by his side in the Kelowna General Hospital, after a very courageous fight with cancer.
The Ride of Mike's Life
Michael was born January 29, 1952 in Trail, B. C. to parents Mike and Polly Malekow. He grew up in Crescent Valley and later terrorized Goose Creek with his friends, while his siblings Steve and Phil observed his wild ways.
When Mike was school age the courts demanded school aged children were to attend public schools or be put into an internment camp in New Denver. Mike avoided getting caught by hiding near his grandparents place in a well hidden shed. He was one of only a few children who escaped the long arm of the law. Eventually he started school in Crescent Valley and attended high school at Mount Sentinel. He started work at the Slocan mill, trucking and building roads. He had many employers that he drove trucks for over the years, putting on over 2 million miles. He ended his career as a teamster at Mica Dam.
In 1998 Mike got together with the love of his life, Pam and they were married in 2001. They spent the last 20 years enjoying life, and loving each other unconditionally.
Throughout his life Mike had many hobbies, including restoring old cars, camping, looking after horses and Pam's prized Christmas present, Stoney the mini donkey, hanging out with his coffee shop friends, going to drag races but his all time favorite passion was being on the road on one of his Harleys. One of Mike's biking highlights was going to Milwaukee to attend the Harley Davidson's 100th Anniversary celebration on his 2003 Heritage Classic with the love of his life, his wife Pam. Last year he went to Alaska with his good buddies, the Antique Angels, namely George, Andy, Ed and Peter.
Mike loved tinkering around the farm, but really loved looking after his animals. He would often say, "put that cat outside" but would not give up the snuggling fur baby off his chest. Pam would find him many times sneaking hugs from them all. He was such a softy.
Mike touched many lives. His contagious smile, generosity, fun-loving spirit, quick wit and great sense of humor will be missed. He was a kind, loving husband and dad and a friend to all. He had many stories to share, most being outright crazy.
Mike was loved by so many. Anywhere Pam and Mike went, whether on a trip or a short outing, they would run into someone Mike knew. A trip was never quick, always stopping to chat.
Mike was predeceased by his parents Mike and Polly Malekow, brother Phil and Uncle Peter Poznekoff. He is survived by his wife Pam and sons Mikey and Jonathon, brother Steve (Elaine) and niece Kristina Malekow, aunt Lela and cousins Stan (Bonnie) Poznekoff, and Sheryl (Paul) Muntak, aunt Lillian Koutny, Jack, Peter (Bev) Bloodoff and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mike loved life and lived life to the fullest. He will be dearly remembered and terribly missed by all who knew him. May he now rest in peace.
A service was held January 19, 2019 with interment at the Krestova Cemetery.
A very special thank you to Paul Fominoff for officiating the service, as requested by Mike himself. To Jordan, Bill and Renee at the Castlegar Funeral Chapel, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for looking after Mike and us so well. Thank you to Andy Semenoff for making the go fund me page for Mike https://www.gofundme.com/manage/help-mike039s-long-hard-battle and to all those who donated. A very special thank you to the cooks of the Crescent Valley and Krestova Halls for the delicious meal that was prepared, the grave diggers, the Casketbearers, and all our friends. To the staff, nurses, and surgeons at the Kelowna General Hospital, the care you took of Mike will be remembered always. To the surgeons, Dr. Dean, Dr. Blitz and Dr. Hummer, thank you for everything you did to keep Mike with us, he was in good hands with you.
This is not goodbye, my love, this is a thank you.
Thank you for coming into my life and giving me joy,
Thank you for loving me and receiving my love in return.
Thank you for the memories I will cherish forever.