It is with profound sadness and utter heartbreak that the family of Michael (Mike) Taranin Sr. announce his passing. Mike fought a brave and courageous battle with Cancer that ended on Saturday, September 18, 2021.
Mike Taranin Sr. born 1954 in Sioux Lookout On. in a shack by the tracks passed away at his home with family by his side in his 66th winter. Mike had three brothers and four sisters and countless friends along the way who he also considered his brothers and sisters. From a young age Mike was a self described wild child. Stories of adventure, hardship, struggle, chaos and love were vividly told. Mike lived a hard, full and beautiful life. No regrets and never self pity. At the age of 16, Mike hopped his first of many freight trains to BC. What followed for the next decade or so was pure adventure. Illegal activities that were never malicious or cruel, hitch hiking, or hopping freight trains 20 times back and forth from Thunder Bay to BC. It was the 60’s, love was everywhere, music was everywhere, and drugs were everywhere. Mike indulged in all of it. He was a free spirit in the prime of his life living it to the fullest. The stories he told to his own young children would have them staring wide eyed and wanting more. “Tell us another one dad, tell us another one.”
In April of 1973 Mike met Jenny, the love of his life, his angel, his life saver, his wife and the mother of their two children. The beginning for the young lovers was financially tough. Mom remembers dad holding her by the ankles while she rummaged through Salvation Army bins for some new clothes for the two of them. Through the struggles, love prevailed, love strengthened. He wouldn’t trade her for “all the gold in Fort Knox, or all the tea in China.” Two young souls, knotted together, woven beautifully, inseparable. Each the other’s world entire. The times were good, sometimes not so good. A roller coaster of mostly ups and wild curves. A ride that lasted 48 years. The love they shared was felt by everyone who knew them.
Mike was a kind man who had an affinity for people on the fringe of society. It was common place for him to pick up the tab for a stranger at the Hoito during Saturday breakfast. Frequently he’d give away a pack of cigarettes to someone who asked for just one. If he had it, he would give it. The door of their house was always open. His children’s friends thought of him as their second dad.
Mike is survived by his soul mate Jenny Taranin, their children Terra (Brian) Lofts and Mike Jr. (Lisa) Taranin. His grandchildren Brody, Avery, Jack and Sam. His sisters Marlene, Carol, Sherry, Darlene and brother Lloyd. His sister-in-laws in Thunder Bay Kathy, Elna, and Joyce who we all lived and laughed with. He is predeceased by his mother Margaret, his father Michael, his brothers Jim Buck and Kimberly. The list of people is far and wide who have graced his life. We would like to say a very heartfelt thank you to his lifelong friends the McAllister brothers, Garry and David for leaving an indelible mark on dad’s life. Thank you also to Roger Bolduc, for the visits, memorable fishing trips and the friendship. Special thank you to nurse Jeff Pruys for the daily visits and guidance through this last stage. As well as Dr. Simpson, Dr. Murray, Dr. Del Paggio and Dr. Faghih. A huge thanks also to Bill W. for saving dad.
Thanks for the music dad, when we hear the beloved songs, you are with us. The teachings, the stories and the treasure trove of memories that we will draw upon until we meet again.
“We privileged few, who have won the lottery of birth against all odds, how dare we whine at our inevitable return to that prior state from which the vast majority have never stirred” R.D
As per Mike’s wishes cremation has taken place and at his request there will not be a funeral. Rather, friends and family are invited to attend an open house for him on Monday, September 27, 2021, between 2:00pm -5:00pm at their daughter’s house (213 Contessa Court), masks and social distancing will be required. The Underground Gym was a place that Mike held close to his heart. Donations in his honour are welcomed. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
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Saturday September 18th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Michael George Taranin Saturday September 18th 2021..
sargent and son funeral directors
Décès pour la Ville:THUNDER-BAY, Province: Ontario