Michael "Misha" Slamaj

Beloved husband of Cheryl-Ann Archibald, Misha leaves to mourn his daughters, Andrea (Tim) and Daniela (Carlos). He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings, Zlatko and Maria (Vladimir); his brother-in-law, Brian; his nieces and nephews, Vlasta, Martin, Miroslava, Sandra, Ivana, Tatijana, Davor, Devin, and Avery; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Misha immigrated to Canada in 1974 in search of opportunity and a better life. Through courage, determination, and endless perseverance, he built a life rooted in love, hard work, and integrity.

He spent his early years in Yugoslavia, where he served in the military with dedication and pride. During his service, he survived a serious parachuting accident—an event that became a defining turning point in his life. He later moved to Germany and began working at Krupp, where he applied the precision, discipline, and craftsmanship he had learned through training in multiple trades.

After immigrating to Canada, he worked for many years as a highly skilled tool-and-die maker, respected for both the quality of his work and his tireless work ethic.

Though he excelled in his field, Misha always carried a vision that extended beyond the conventional path. His imagination, curiosity, and innovative spirit led him into entrepreneurship, with a focus on research and development of new technologies.

Deeply fascinated by invention and driven by a desire to help create a better world, Misha devoted decades to green initiatives. Long before “sustainability” became common language, he sought ways to reduce environmental impact and develop cleaner technological solutions. His pursuits were guided not by profit, but by a genuine belief that innovation should benefit humanity and the planet.

Misha’s passion for innovation took him around the world. His frequent travels gave him the opportunity to explore emerging technologies firsthand and to learn from people working on the cutting edge in many different fields.

He carried a deep respect for other cultures and a natural curiosity that allowed him to connect meaningfully with the communities he visited. Deeply proud of his Russian and Slovak heritage, he cherished the traditions and language of his ancestry. A gifted linguist, he spoke several languages with ease, bridging cultures and bringing people together wherever he went.

Misha was a true jack of all trades. Whether fixing, building, designing, or solving a problem no one else could unravel, he approached every challenge with confidence and curiosity. If he did not know how to do something, he would learn—and he would master it.

He was also a natural storyteller, always ready with a memory, an adventure, or a lesson from his remarkable life. With a strong presence and quiet intensity, he was what many would call a “man’s man”: independent, capable, bold, and unafraid to forge his own path. Yet beneath that strength lived a deep sense of loyalty, generosity, and love for those around him.

A man who never retired, Misha believed in the value of honest work and carried a lifelong desire to make a positive impact on the world. He continued working until his final days. He faced challenges with strength and resilience, overcoming hardships that shaped his character and inspired all who knew him. Misha was a devoted husband and father. His unwavering commitment to providing for his family, staying true to his values, and pushing forward—right to the end—will be forever remembered.

Misha’s legacy lives on in the stories he told, the lessons he shared, and the example he set through a lifetime of dedication.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the medical and care staff at Abbotsford Regional Hospital.

A graveside funeral will be held at 1 PM on December 13, 2025, at Christ Church Anglican Cemetery in Surrey Centre. He will be laid to rest beside family.