Michael Philipenko

Michael Philipenko 1928 2008 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Michael Philipenko. Mike passed away at St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Saturday, June 7, 2008, with his wife and family by his side. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Natalie (Stadnyk); daughter, Diane (Dale) Upton, their children, Disa and Denae; son, Rick (Alison) and their children, Brianne, Nadia, Tessia, and Katriana; daughter, Darlene (Darren) Wingerak, and their children, Matthew, Sarah and Ethan; son, Raymond (Rhonda), and their children Dane, Benjamin and Nikolai; and son, Ryan (Tiffany). He is also survived by his brothers, Peter (Elsie), Morris (Katie); and sister, Teresa Kamineski. Dad was born on May 15, 1928 in Cudworth, Saskatchewan where he attended school and grew up on the family farm. On October 17, 1954, he married Natalie and they moved to Saskatoon. Mike was a skilled carpenter, worked in construction, and took pride in the homes he built for his family. Dad joined the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool (CSP Foods) where he was employed for over 30 years until his retirement. He also operated a janitorial business part-time for over 40 years. Mike was a dedicated and supportive husband, father and "Gido ". His passion was his family and friends, and he treasured the time he could spend with them. Everyone enjoyed dad's sense of humour. He had a gift of making everyone around him feel special. Visits with Mike always involved a laugh, the occasional shooter and most likely a game of Kaiser. Dad loved fishing, golfing, bowling, visiting the family cabin at Emma Lake, and he cherished his travels abroad. He was a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, St. George's Cathedral, and actively involved in the cultural community. He proudly attended his children's and grandchildren's Ukrainian dance performances, and cheered them on at all their sporting events. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Julia (Stachniak) Philipenko; sisters, Tillie (Carl), Anne (Steve), Katie (Julius), Josephine (Alex), Olga (John); brothers, Bill (Anne) and John; and brother in law, Joe. Prayers for Mike will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Both services will be held at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of St. George, 214 Avenue M South, Saskatoon, SK with Rt. Rev. Vladimir Mudri as celebrant. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Catholic Cemetery. The family would like to thank Dr. O. Moodley, Dr. K. Bayly, and the Clinical Treatment Centre at RUH. In lieu of flowers, please donate generously to Canadian Blood Services (325 20 Street East, Saskatoon, SK). Arrangements entrusted to James Werezak of PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL, 244-2103. Vichnaya Pamiat!