Obituary for Mr. Michael Peter Luski
Michael Peter Luski
July 13, 1922 - November 11, 2022
Michael Peter Luski, age 100 years, passed away peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, on Friday, November 11, 2022. A long time resident of Fort William and most recently of Sister Leila Greco Apartments, Michael celebrated his one hundredth birthday in July, surrounded by friends and family. Many family members travelled from out of town to join in Mike's celebrations. He was deeply moved to have received congratulations from Queen Elizabeth, Governor General Mary Simon, Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister of Veterans Affairs MacAulay, MP Dr. Powlowski, Premier Ford, Councillor Peng You on behalf of Mayor Mauro, and many friends and family as well as aid workers. Michael was in fine form and led the festivities with his reflections on his life, and his love for the Thunder Bay region, highlighted with many nazdarovyas (Ukrainian toasts to one’s health).
Michael was born in Fort William on July 13, 1922, the son of Michael and Paraska (nee Kohutch) Luski. Living in the East End, he attended Ogden School, before the family moved to the country, where he attended SS#4 in Paipoonge Township. Following graduation from public school, he attended Vocational School for one year and then worked at various construction jobs.
Michael served in the Armed Forces during WWII from 1945-1946. Following Active Duty, Michael spent time working for Great Lakes Lumber and Shipping, Paterson Steamship Company and Hindman Transportation Company. After retiring from the LCBO, Mike followed his dream of “striking it rich” and became a prospector. He prospected from New Brunswick to Eastern and Northwestern Ontario, especially in the Thunder Bay District. Michael enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and music. He had a passion for growing and grafting fruit trees, plums being his favourite.
Michael was a longtime member of the Fort William and Port Arthur Prosvita Societies, Royal Canadian Legion Slovak Branch #129, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, the Fort William Moose Lodge, Ontario Prospectors Association and Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association.
In 2010, Mike was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the NWO Prospectors Association for his discoveries and contributions to the Prospecting, Exploring and Mining community of Northwestern Ontario. Also, to mark his centennial birthday, the NWO Prospectors Association presented Mike with a commemorative stone and plaque, which is now installed in the Sister Leila Greco garden.
Michael is survived by his sister Anne Cherepa of Burlington, Ontario and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Paraska, and his siblings: Regina, Theodore, William, Anthony, Edward, Sophie Discepolo and Mary Vescio.
We would like to thank the St. Joseph's Care Group, Sister Leila Greco staff and especially his support workers whose care and compassion was greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to thank Alysha from the Canadian Hearing Services for her extensive support. Throughout Mike's life, many family members, friends and neighbours have been "unsung individuals," who cared for, befriended, accommodated, assisted, advised and provided support. We acknowledge and honour your efforts and the kindness you showed him.
Funeral Services for the late Mr. Michael Peter Luski will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 11:00am, in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James. Interment will follow in the Mountainview Cemetery.
Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Michael can be made to the Nature Conservancy Canada, Shelter House Thunder Bay, or a charity of your choice and will be greatly appreciated.
July 13, 1922 - November 11, 2022
Michael Peter Luski, age 100 years, passed away peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, on Friday, November 11, 2022. A long time resident of Fort William and most recently of Sister Leila Greco Apartments, Michael celebrated his one hundredth birthday in July, surrounded by friends and family. Many family members travelled from out of town to join in Mike's celebrations. He was deeply moved to have received congratulations from Queen Elizabeth, Governor General Mary Simon, Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister of Veterans Affairs MacAulay, MP Dr. Powlowski, Premier Ford, Councillor Peng You on behalf of Mayor Mauro, and many friends and family as well as aid workers. Michael was in fine form and led the festivities with his reflections on his life, and his love for the Thunder Bay region, highlighted with many nazdarovyas (Ukrainian toasts to one’s health).
Michael was born in Fort William on July 13, 1922, the son of Michael and Paraska (nee Kohutch) Luski. Living in the East End, he attended Ogden School, before the family moved to the country, where he attended SS#4 in Paipoonge Township. Following graduation from public school, he attended Vocational School for one year and then worked at various construction jobs.
Michael served in the Armed Forces during WWII from 1945-1946. Following Active Duty, Michael spent time working for Great Lakes Lumber and Shipping, Paterson Steamship Company and Hindman Transportation Company. After retiring from the LCBO, Mike followed his dream of “striking it rich” and became a prospector. He prospected from New Brunswick to Eastern and Northwestern Ontario, especially in the Thunder Bay District. Michael enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and music. He had a passion for growing and grafting fruit trees, plums being his favourite.
Michael was a longtime member of the Fort William and Port Arthur Prosvita Societies, Royal Canadian Legion Slovak Branch #129, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, the Fort William Moose Lodge, Ontario Prospectors Association and Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association.
In 2010, Mike was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the NWO Prospectors Association for his discoveries and contributions to the Prospecting, Exploring and Mining community of Northwestern Ontario. Also, to mark his centennial birthday, the NWO Prospectors Association presented Mike with a commemorative stone and plaque, which is now installed in the Sister Leila Greco garden.
Michael is survived by his sister Anne Cherepa of Burlington, Ontario and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Paraska, and his siblings: Regina, Theodore, William, Anthony, Edward, Sophie Discepolo and Mary Vescio.
We would like to thank the St. Joseph's Care Group, Sister Leila Greco staff and especially his support workers whose care and compassion was greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to thank Alysha from the Canadian Hearing Services for her extensive support. Throughout Mike's life, many family members, friends and neighbours have been "unsung individuals," who cared for, befriended, accommodated, assisted, advised and provided support. We acknowledge and honour your efforts and the kindness you showed him.
Funeral Services for the late Mr. Michael Peter Luski will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 11:00am, in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James. Interment will follow in the Mountainview Cemetery.
Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Michael can be made to the Nature Conservancy Canada, Shelter House Thunder Bay, or a charity of your choice and will be greatly appreciated.