Michal Kocalka

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Michal Kocalka, at age 87. He was born on March 30, 1935, in Malatina, Czechoslovakia, and he passed away on October 31, 2022, at Sun Pointe Village in Kelowna, BC.

He is survived by his sons Michal (Tanya), Lubos, and John (Laurie) his grandchildren Justin, Jason, Stephanie, Arron, Rowan, and Mila and three great-grandchildren. Michal is also survived by his brother Walter, many nieces and nephews and by his special friend Lorraine Schuck.

Michal taught mathematics at the university in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, before immigrating to Winnipeg in 1968. He moved to Winnipegosis, MB, where he taught mathematics at the Winnipegosis Collegiate Institute for many years.

Michal was an active member of the Corpus Christi Roman Catholic church and the Knights of Columbus in Winnipegosis. He particularly enjoyed leading the singing in the church choir.

Michal retired to Kelowna where he lived a full and active life gardening, picking fruit, and traveling. He excelled at table tennis, and he could often be found dancing with Lorraine at Water Street Senior Centre, Parkinson Recreation Centre, or at the Rutland Senior Centre.

Michal’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Sun Pointe Village and particularly the care aids, nursing staff and volunteers in the Belgo Community where he resided for the last few years of his life.

Michal was deeply loved and will be forever missed by his family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 750 Rutland Rd N, Kelowna, on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.