Mike was born in 1941 in the remote town of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. A child of World War II and the Cold War, he grew up understanding the importance of service to one’s country. His father, Jaroslav Miller Dorosz, served as an infantryman, while his mother Ruth Margaret Wenger tended to her two boys on the homefront.
Mike in his early teens paid heed to that service by signing up for the militia, serving as the most senior cadet for Western Canada, before joining the regular forces.
At 17, he lost his right thumb in a winch accident at Sarcee Camp. The accident prevented him from serving in the Canadian Forces fighting corps. Instead, he joined the service corps and as a hobby became a master target shooter, winning numerous awards. He also was a self-taught master woodworker and furniture maker, commissioned by people across North America for one-of-a-kind pieces.
Mike was a very proud member of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps and the Canadian Forces Logistics Branch, having been commissioned into the RCASC in 1963. He served in many places in Canada and overseas in Cyprus and other European destinations with NATO and the UN. With each posting, he brought his special brand of vision and determination. Of particular note was his pivotal role in the creation and development of the CF’s National Material Distribution System, which remains a core logistics support capability in the CF today.
A U.S. Civil War buff, Mike also had encyclopedic knowledge of Canadian and British military history and could talk for hours on the latest political machinations of leaders and governments around the world. Sometimes viewed as gruff on the outside but possessing a heart of gold, Mike had many friends across the spectrum of life, including many from his longtime membership in the Selkirk Game and Fish Association. In retirement, he restored antique firearms, took place in battle re-enactments and always was on hand or online to answer questions on Canada’s military history.
The loss of that depth of knowledge and his innate kindness will be missed.
He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Ruth, son Chris, son-in-law Cliff and grandson Graham, as well as stepchildren Patti, Jeff and Steve, and their children Reagan, Heather (who blessed him with three great grandchildren) and Billy. He’s survived by his younger brother, Dennis and nieces and nephews David, Debbie and Sandra.
A reception will be held at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue on Monday, October 21, 2019 at 11:30 am.
In place of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s memory to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or D’Arcy’s ARC – Animal Rescue Center.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Michael Dorosz Monday October 14th 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba