I will always envision Mike and Alma Cholak, just down the way, with me appreciatively accepting an invitation to another of my Uncle Mike's Birthday parties' held at Mike & Alma's.  Most know Alma's father Mike Arnfinson was one of only so many social gatherings at or near their home.  For that alone, and all with their kindnesses, I dearly Love  Mike & Alma Cholak.

Missing the grand amount of families, and their Friends, Mike and Alma Cholak's  Home was like the best Family Reunion, ever!    However, as in my Grandmother Tresa Arnfinson, I feel they're just a visit away; like I have been remiss at visiting them or they are on a protracted Vacation.

Now, this is Mike's obituary: so, my two strong in mental appealing memories was both Mike's personal recollection of filming the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club's Games, in an exciting classic time in Edmonton Eskimo's history; amongst his ability to convert 8mm film to video. That last memory maybe best kept to myself, but is irrevocable memory when Mike Cholak would self declare his head as his "solar sex dome", as I was an inquisitive child I asked Mike , and Alma chastised Mike (as she passed him bringing more food to the back yard gathering), but Mike explained that it gave himself an attractive quality to people.  I am not going to specify exact words of the passed, because so many memories' have passed into the Fog of time; although, their truly generous set of the hospitable hosts': Mike and Alma always made me feel more than welcome and happy when I was furthest from.

Thank you to everyone sharing their memories here. It reaffirms what I’ve always felt. Cousins Mike and Alma were not only exceptional individuals within our family but within their community. I will miss their energy, their love and their laughter. They were an incredible host and hostess for so many gatherings.  From the 1950’s right up to present day their loving warmth and welcome will never be forgotten. 

I remember working for Mike on weekends and time off from school at Cine Audio. Packing and unpacking AV equipment for the schools across Alberta when they were in for repair.  He would train me to troubleshoot and fix the minor defects. 

They were the most welcoming, youthful minded seniors we have ever met! They treated our daughter Erin, and Justin as though they were their own children. They always looked forward to their visits with Vienna & Rickson. We are deeply saddened by the loss of these fantastic people, 

Nelson & Mary Anne Vickers 

Thank you Mike for all the years of unwavering service at Cine Audio Ltd. 1958 to 1981.  Mike was a pillar and guide post of support for all at Cine Audio, an important and valued member of the team.  Always there to face the challenge of the day and not scared to call it as it was.  His excitement and passion filming the Edmonton Eskimos Football Club Coaching Films for years and years set the tone for the summer in the city of the 1960’s and 1970’s, the summer football season was the weekend of the work year.  Mike was every part of this challenging, changing and exciting golden era of this time in Edmonton, his dedication and hard work helped contribute to the success of the business.  The Zubko family has many memories from the work days at Cine Audio to Alma and Mike picking choke cherry’s for his wine in late summer at our family acreage outside of Sherwood Park.   So many funny and great stories our family still recalls to this day of Mike.

Thank you Mike!

From The Zubko Family, Joan, Keltie, Josh(posthumous), Zoltan, Daryl and Scott and the past Cine Audio Team of his day



Our last visit with mike and alma in nov as we were leaving mike said hey u 2 to my wife Liz and I mike said LOVE is more than just a word I replied yes your right it’s a feeling in your heart mike smiled and said your right as he was hugging alma . Words I’ll never forget as long as I live.

I spent more time with Mrs. Cholak then Mr. Cholak but I always enjoyed seeing him out in his front yard, "doing his thing", keeping a tight check on his perfectly kept grass & pristinely kept hedges. He was adorable. Maintaining a perfect tan while making their front yard the show stopper on the block. They were both definitely missed when they moved out to Sherwood Park and even more so now.

He was very caring and kind.... I remember every xmas for awhile he would loan my mom a reel to reel tape recorder for xmas carols mostly . Soon as Id come home from school in  I would hear it playing beautiful xmas carols till bed...Thank you for the lovely memory Uncle Mike

We will always remember Mike’s quiet smile and gentle manner.  He was a true gentleman.  Our sincere condolences to the Cholak family. 

-Francis Benson & family 


Some of my best memories are of being in Aunty Terry, Uncle Rick, Aunty Alma and Uncle Mike's back yard. We had so many family barbecues back there. Aunty Alma and Uncle Mike always made you feel welcome. Both of them had huge hearts and loved each other and their family with everything they had. I still drive by their old house in Beverly and smile. I will always have great memories of this amazing couple. 
 

Mike & Alma's pathway touched so many lives with their friendship, care, guidance, kindness and love.  We are so grateful for the memories we had with these precious cousins.

What happy memories!  Their wedding (the most beautiful bride!)... our trips to the farm in the car...  the fun we had skidooing at Sidor's place...  the great family reunions planned and so enjoyable...  the family gatherings at the lake...  Ukrainian weddings...  the friendly visits...  the occasional dinners...  Ukrainian Christmas Eve...  to name a few.  These cherished memories will be in our hearts forever.

Their love for one another will always be forever.  They will be missed by so, so many.  To the family, relatives and friends, there are no words that can ease the loss you bear.  The love and precious memories that you all have, will hopefully help the deep sorrow on your great loss.

With sincerest sympathies meant in love,
George & Joanne Brodie  🙏

We will miss you Mike, you told me never to say I will try because that wasn't in your vocabulary, love you and my cousin forever, thanks for wonderful memories.

OBITUARY

Mike Cholak

7 November, 1931 – 26 January, 2022

Memories Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services