Parcourez la nécrologie de Mike Afansey Kanigan Wednesday August 21st 2024 résidant dans la province Colombie britanique pour le détail des funérailles.
Biography of Mike Afanasy Kanigan
“The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, who has gained the respect of intelligent men and love of children, who leaves the world a better place than he found it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.”
Mike was born September 10, 1941, in Krestova, BC. He was the only child of Afanasy and Lucy Kanigan. He had 3 half siblings: Mary Jmaeff, Nick Makarto, and Verna Brown.
Mike grew up in Krestova, attending a few years of formal schooling. He started his work life early in the sawmill industry, working for the Doubinin sawmill in the Slocan Valley, BS&L in Salmo, Kootenay Forest Products in Nelson, Slocan Forest Products in Slocan City, and for the Interior Lumber Manufacturing Association (ILMA), until his retirement in 2003.
He often said his schooling was gained over his lifetime experiences and he learned many wonderful and valuable lessons.
In his youth, he played hockey and softball. As he “matured” he enjoyed a good game of golf and travelling to many foreign countries.
Mike married his best friend and partner in life, Frances Kanigan, in 1963. They started their life together in Shoreacres, BC, where they were blessed with 3 children: Cheryl, Warren and Tammy.
Mike was always eager to learn new techniques and technologies, and he received his certification in refrigeration and air conditioning. He started his refrigeration company and worked his small business in his spare time.
In 1974, Mike accepted a position as a Quality Control Inspector with the ILMA, covering the geographic area of the Boundary and Okanagan. The family made the move to Grand Forks. Mike frequently took his family with him during his work, and they travelled around British Columbia and built many good friendships during this time. Even though he traveled a lot for work, he was home to coach his son, Warren’s baseball team, and support the various activities his children were involved with.
Mike was a life-long member of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC). He served 7 years as the Chairman and 3 years as advisor for the Union of Youth Council. He was a member for 4 years on the USCC Executive Committee, was a trustee and taught Sunday School. He volunteered for the finance and stewardship committee of the organization. He also served on the Grand Forks Co-op Board of Directors. He was the Chairman of the EXPO ’86 Choir, that performed at the celebration in Vancouver, BC. He was the Chairman for the 1995 Voices for Peace Committee and Choir, which toured throughout Canada, the United States and Russia. He was also the tour organizer for the Friends in Unity Ladies Choir Trip to Russia in 1999.
In 2005, he was the chairman of the Bakery/café committee for Yasnaya Polyana in Russia. He was fortunate to attend the opening of the bakery/café in Russia, where the people were able to repay our benefactor Lev Tolstoy, for his advocacy with the migration of the Doukhobors to Canada in 1899.
After his retirement, he was a volunteer advisor for the Canadian Executive Services Organization of the Canadian government for over 15 years. This volunteer work allowed to him to travel to Russia, Romania, Honduras, and Guyana to support their growing forest industries.
In 1991, Mike and Frances moved back to the Kootenays where they made their home in Ootischenia, where he lived out the rest of his years. They enjoyed travelling together and with their friends and family to Europe, Russia, Mexico, Cuba, China, Hawaii, and parts of the USA and Canada. During their choir trips to Russia in 1995 and 1999, they developed many lifelong friendships that they cherish today.
Later in his retirement, he served on the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood (CCUB) Board for many years. He was also a member of Kootenay Men’s group and enjoyed his time with the men every Wednesday morning.
Mike was incredibly grateful for his friendship with the Verigin family and tried to help them whenever it was needed. He tried to live up to his Doukhobor values and principles each of day of his life.
Mike was always available to his children and grandchildren, offering advice and emotional support. He would often say, “Go out into the world and make your way but remember where you came from and your Doukhobor values.”
He was there to help with building the next tree fort, deck and garage, and he always came to assist with any WATER LEAK, and household breakdown when needed. He loved watching and cheering his grandchildren play hockey, basketball, water polo and dance. He was famous for his computer made birthday cards, and always asked if anyone wanted to “CUT THE LAWN”.
The joy of his life was his family, especially his great grand children, Sam, Logan and Mila.
Mike leaves behind a beautiful legacy to his family for being a caring, helpful and generous husband, father, uncle, and deda.
Mike left us on August 21, 2024, at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail, BC, after a sudden illness.
He was predeceased by his parents, Afanasey and Lucy, his half-siblings Mary, Nick and Verna, his in-laws Fred and Helen Markin and son-in-law Steve Whittleton.
He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Frances, daughters Cheryl, (Dayna), Tammy, (Harold), son, Warren (Natasha), 9 grandchildren, Brandon (Jaime), David (Brittany), Christina, Corey (Amie), Shane (Halley), Nikita (Courtnie), Raissa, (Travis), Cole, and Andre (Audrey), and 7 great grandsons, Ben, Tyson, Sam, Jaxon, Lucas, Logan, Henry and 1 great granddaughter, Mila.
May dad rest in peace and his soul be accepted in the kingdom of heaven.
Wednesday August 21st 2024
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Mike Afansey Kanigan Wednesday August 21st 2024..
Décès pour la Ville: Castlegar, Province: Colombie britanique
avis deces Mike Afansey Kanigan Wednesday August 21st 2024
necrologie Mike Afansey Kanigan Wednesday August 21st 2024
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Mike Afansey Kanigan Wednesday August 21st 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.