Michael E Sasynuik

Michael E. Sasynuik, M. D. of Bellevue, WA passed away on February 21, 2017, at age 90. Dr. Sasynuik was a highly respected Pathologist at Overlake Hospital Medical Center, a member of the College of American Pathology and American Society of Clinical pathologists, a proud alum of both the University of Manitoba and of the University of Washington, and above all, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather!

He was born in a wheat field in eastern Saskatchewan, near Veregin, on August 3, 1926, the youngest of six children. His father Wasyl and mother Victoria Sasynuik were pioneer farmers and Ukrainian immigrants who instilled in Michael an extreme love of Ukrainian heritage. Michael’s early schooling was in a one-room, eight grade, rural public school with up to 55 students of 100% Ukrainian origin at any one time, and only one wonderful revered teacher from London, England, Mrs. M. A. Thursk. Teaching all of the grades, this superb teacher instilled higher education as the prime goal and helped guide Michael into the future.

In 1939, the family moved to a farm in the Swan River Valley, Manitoba. Michael left school for three years to care for his mother who had debilitating rheumatoid arthritis. At 15 he re-entered public school and attended high school at the Swan River Collegiate Institute, interrupted briefly by active military service (Canadian Infantry) and proudly graduated in 1946. In high school he enjoyed and excelled in track and field, hockey, football and baseball. At one point he held the Provincial record for the mile.

Michael received his B. Sc. from the University of Manitoba in 1950, his M.D. also from the University of Manitoba in 1955 on a five year plan which included a mandatory one year internship (his was the last class to include the fifth year). Michael belonged to the University’s Alpha Omega Society. Following marriage to a nurse and the love of his life, Elsie Cherkas, on August 3, 1955, he spent a year of post-graduate training in Surgery and Pathology (6 months each) at the St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In 1956, he commenced a rural family practice in Birtle, Manitoba and was there for 9 years, during which time he also was Coroner for the Province of Manitoba. While in Birtle he and Elsie welcomed their three children into their lives, Johann, Michelle, and Lesia. In 1965 he and his family moved to Seattle where he completed his pathology residency at the U of W and successfully passed his Board of Pathology examinations.

In 1969 he began his specialty practice and became director of pathology at Overlake Hospital Medical Center where he served until 1987. He then took a lateral position as director of Eastside Medical Laboratory, and served there until retirement in 1989. In 1987, he was voted-in by fellow physicians and served 9 years as a physician member of the State Medical Disciplinary Board (Medical Quality Assurance Committee).

Michael’s family was very important to him. Left behind to mourn his passing are his beloved wife and dear companion, Elsie. He is also survived by three loving children - Johann Sasynuik, Michelle (Michael) Barratt and Lesia (Keith) Schafer. Eleven adoring grandchildren – Randy, Katrina (Jesse), Angela, Jamie, Joseph (Susan), Meeta, Tatyana, Prasad, Anthony, Caleb and Kirsten; and four precious great grandchildren Ryan, Sophie, Timothy and Maple-Ann and their grandmother Carrie. Also left to mourn are numerous dear in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and one brother. Mere words fail to express the depth of sorrow felt by his loved ones – the hollow void left by his passing. He was the well-loved patriarch of his family. His wisdom, big bear hugs, hearty laugh and dimpled smile will be sorely missed.

Michael loved world geography and enjoyed golf, backgammon, playing the piano, doing crossword puzzles and spending time at the computer. He had spent an enormous amount of volunteer hours teaching English-as-a-second language in the local communities, as well as in Ukraine and enjoyed the sharing of knowledge to his eager students.

He was well known for his tremendous sense of humor and punnery, had a very courteous demeanor, was loyal, humble, kind and considerate and brought joy to all that knew him. His reputation for extreme gentleness to his patients and their families set him apart as an exceptional physician. He was a gentle and loving friend to many and was always willing to give support, comfort and help when needed. Never one to turn away anyone in need, he often sacrificed his own needs for others. A truly gregarious and generous man.

Michael loved people and people loved him. He touched many people’s lives and will be greatly missed. All who knew him will carry a piece of him with them and are better people for having known him.

He attended the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox church services. Michael’s place in heaven has been prepared and he will mingle with the angels. “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Michael E. Sasynuik: http://www.seattlechildrens.org/ways-to-help/donate/commemorative-giving/