With great sadness, our family shares the news of the passing of Antonin (Tony) Mikes, husband, father, grandfather, on February 27, 2021. Tony is survived by his wife Therese, his sons Jason (Jillian), Peter (Laurel), his sister Svata (daughter Simona) and his grandchildren Anya (& sister Sumaia), and Benjamin.
Tony was born in Czechoslovakia on July 27, 1946. With a group of close friends and cousins, he spent much of his days as a youth outdoors, including winter days on the neighbourhood ski hill, and Sundays deep in the woods harvesting mushrooms with his dad. Not knowing if he would ever see them again, he said goodbye to his mom, dad, and sister in 1968 at the age of 22 and came to Canada soon after as a refugee with several of his hometown friends. As an avid skier, he was well aware of Red Mountain (but also of the glory of the Trail Smoke Eaters), and so they opted to settle in Trail with their immigration greatly facilitated by Cominco, as well as by Mike Bukna, who put them up in his hotel.
It was in Trail where he met his future wife Terry (Therese), who herself had also relocated from great distance, being originally from Quebec (with stops in Ontario and Switzerland in between). They met at Gadsby’s, where Tony asked her for her telephone number. Luckily, the little scrap piece of paper was kept safe in his pack of cigarettes. They shared a love of travel, and spent a significant period of their early life together in Western Europe. Later in life, they would travel to Czech Republic several times after the communist regime fell.
Tony worked as a draftsman on the Kootenay Canal, 7-Mile, and Revelstoke Dams. During this time, they had two sons. Due to their desire to remain in Rossland and raise their children here, he embarked on a career as a real estate agent, where expletive language and honesty were his hallmark. Over these 23 + years, he fostered many close and long lasting friendships among his colleagues and members of the community. Tony was proud to have settled in Rossland. As naturally beautiful as the area is, arguably it is made the truly special place that it is by all those who live here. He enjoyed his chance encounters and chats with friends and acquaintances downtown when going to the post office or the convenience store. In retirement, he continued to enjoy his time at the ski hill, and so it must be said that in his passing at 74, his one regret would be missing out on a free ski pass at Red Mountain upon reaching the 75 year milestone.
Our family would like to say a sincere thank you to all who have extended their kindness and sympathies. We would also like to extend our gratitude for all of the helping professionals who offered their support in the time of his passing.
As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Rossland Food Bank in his memory would be greatly appreciated.
Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Antonin Tony Mikes February 27th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique