March 24, 1937 – April 8, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved husband to Elizabeth (Liz), father to Trevor and Leanne (Trevor Bodenham) and grandfather (Gido) to Tatianna and Courtney Bodenham.
Mike was born on a farm by Endeavour, Saskatchewan and was the 14th of 15 children. Mike loved growing up on the farm and gained his lifelong love for the outdoors right in early childhood. Being the youngest boy, he was always getting into mischief and would rather catch squirrels than go to school. In 1954, when he was 17, he left the farm and went to work in Regina. From there he continued west, working various jobs and finally ended up in Prince George in 1955 as his older brother Pete was working here. Regardless of where he was working, he would always go back to Saskatchewan to work on the farm. Farming was in his blood.
Mike had two close calls while he was working as a faller. In 1967 he was struck on the head by an errant tree so hard that it cracked his hard hat in two. He was transported to the hospital on the outside of a helicopter and recovered from a serious head injury. On April 1, 1977 a diseased tree fell and crushed his foot and his left leg had to be amputated below the knee. Both injuries never slowed him down and he loved to hunt, fish and search for wood in the bush for his wonderful woodwork. He was also back to dancing a polka in the fall of 1977.
After his last accident he had to quit logging, but continued to work in the forest industry at the newly opened Prince George Wood Preserving plant as a wood treater; starting in 1978 and retired in 1999. Not bad for someone who only went to school until grade 8.
On May 22, 1971 he went back to Saskatchewan and married Liz (nee Lenych) who was living in Regina but grew up on a farm in the same area as Mike’s farm. Their honeymoon was driving back to Prince George where they have been here raising their two children, Trevor and Leanne, ever since. Mike was always involved with his children’s activities, from being a Cub Scout leader to making various props for the Ukrainian dancers. In 2005 Mike started his favourite job, being a grandfather to two wonderful girls, Tatianna and Courtney. He shared his love of the outdoors and wildlife with Tatianna and his love of woodworking and crafting with Courtney.
Mike was predeceased by his parents, four sisters, six brothers, six brothers-in-law, four sisters-in-law, two nephews, one niece and two great-nephews.
Mike is also survived by his sisters; Petrina German, Rose Flanagan, Lillian Falke, Sylvia (Lorne) Carpenter.
For the past few months, Mike has been dealing with health issues. We would like to thank all of the wonderful doctors who took great care of Mike. Doctors Ferreira, Abulla, Valev, Mansour, Yau, Ho, Sainchuk, Wilson and Nurse Practitioner Eunice.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 13 at 10:00 am with internment to follow at the Prince George Cemetery, which can be attended following COVID protocols.
A link to the service can be found here: https://www.distantlink.com/SCIBC3.html
Please join us online as we Celebrate Mike beautiful life with us.
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