Michael Milenko Birkich

Born in Calgary, Alberta and second eldest of seven children, son of Pina & Joso Birkich, took his last breath in Vernon B.C. at 9:15 am. Michael was an extraordinary person who never hesitated to help those in need. Like everyone in this world, he had dreams but simple ones. One of these dreams was to be a gold prospector. One of his other dreams was to find a piece of land away from the hustle and bustle, where he could take his family and friends fishing, while playing his harmonica. Twenty seven years ago, his dreams had to be placed on hold when his father passed at the same age of 54. He was a son who cared for his mother. So much so, he moved to BC, as his heart knew he had to be there for her. In 1992, Michael and Mom bought a piece of farmland in Falkland. They both worked the land, built a house and over time made great friends with their neighbors. When a harvest came in or the snow had to be ploughed, they were there for each other.

Michael was a “Jack of all Trades”. He would meet any challenge bestowed upon him and where most would give up, he would succeed because of his patience. You never had to fear or worry about anything when Michael was around, no matter the circumstance. It was like having an angel by your side. Throughout his whole life, both in Calgary and in Falkland, his commitment to family, to people who became dear friends, to work and to the farm, cannot be measured in the simplest of terms.

People who knew him loved him, because Michael was a quiet, humble, honest and simple man. He respected life and nature to the point he would not put anything to waste. The saying “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure”… holds so very true when it came to Michael. There was always a use for something. He was a philosopher of sorts. He would tell young and old “think what you do, don’t do what you think”…”buy what you need and not what you want” and when someone was at their wits end…he would say “be calm, cool and collective…hmmmmm”. There were other messages but these are best to be left between Michael and to the people he relayed them to. The only one thing we could not get him to do is change his response to how his day was. It was always 50/50! We would tease and say why not 70/30 but it was always 50/50. As Michael knew how precious life was and one who never took advantage of it, especially when life had its times of trial and tribulations, 50/50 was the probably the best way to respond.

He touched so many hearts and now the world will be one less true teacher of kindness, patience and love. The powers that be decided to take Michael, though he fought so hard to stay. In the end, we will miss his humble presence on this earth, however, it is his spirit, the memories of so many wonderful, goofy moments we had with him and how it impacted all of us, which will forever remain within us.

Michael, you were loved by so many and we hope you are now at peace, as your life did see more of its share of hard times. It is also our hope you have met up with Tata (Joso), along with your dogs Sophie, Duchess and Chico. Though we can never take your place, we will be there for Mom. One day we will see you again and know your mother, your sisters and brothers, their husbands, wives & children, along with so many friends & neighbors, will miss asking our Mikey, “How was your day, today….50/50?.

A Memorial Tea celebrating Michael’s life will be held on Thursday, May 15th, 2014 at 12:00 PM from the Pleasant Valley Funeral Home. Those friends wishing to make memorial contributions in memory of Michael may do so to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, 350 Michael Cowpland Drive, Kanata, Ontario K2M 2W1 or e-mail: [email protected].