Michael Anthony Glufka
Michael Anthony Glufka left us suddenly on June 19, 2020 at the age of 58. Born in Treherne Manitoba on May 20, 1962 minutes behind his twin brother Richard, Mike became the second born to Syd and Alice Glufka. Mike spent his early years in Lajord, Saskatchewan and Niverville, Manitoba before the family moved to Winnipeg where Mike finished school at Fort Richmond Collegiate. It was in Winnipeg where Mike first became interested in cooking, gaining employment at the Fort Richmond Pizza Place while in high school. This love of cooking led Mike to obtain his Red Seal certificate in culinary arts in Calgary. Cooking became Mike’s passion as he began his career as a chef at the Jasper Park Lodge before moving to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. The love of family brought Mike back to Winnipeg where he continued to work as a chef at the Winnipeg Fairmont Hotel until the time of his death.
Mike is survived by his parents Syd and Alice Glufka, twin brother Richard, brothers Roger (Heather) and Steven (Marianne), sisters Rosita (Larry) and Roberta (Dave), nieces Willow (Jude), Aven and Rachel and nephew Corbin (Mackenzie).
Mike is fondly remembered as a favourite uncle and avid biker. Family Christmases were always a big hit due to Mike’s lavish gifts and corny jokes. The year he gave Corbin a much wanted Xbox was one his nephew will never forget. His spontaneous generosity was evident one autumn visit when he handed his then young nieces and nephew each a one hundred dollar bill and told them to spend it wisely. For Rachel, his goddaughter, he was known as a lover of pancakes and often made this favourite breakfast for her during family get-togethers. Mike spent many evenings with Richard, Steve and Rachel walking their dogs. When Rachel was little, she would often be found on her Uncle’s shoulders during these walks. “Go horsy, go” she would shout and Uncle Mike would gallantly run until he was exhausted.
In his younger years Mike inspired his brothers to enjoy and explore the outdoors. The three older Glufka boys were often found at the outdoor rink playing hockey, throwing footballs in the fields in Niverville, biking the perimeter highway or racing along X-country ski trails. It was this love of the outdoors as well as downhill skiing that led Mike to seek employment at the Jasper Park Lodge where he spent 7 years enjoying mountain life. With Mike’s return to Winnipeg, Richard has fond memories of tossing a football for hours with his brother after work and on weekends well into their adult life.
Mike loved his work and was passionate about his job, taking specialized training over the years to improve his culinary skills. He was valued and respected at his work place. Work, biking, sports and family were fundamental to his well-being.
Aside from his immediate family, left to mourn his passing are his work family with whom he spent many enjoyable hours. A celebration of Mike’s life will take place on September 11 at Doyles Funeral Home in Carman, Manitoba. Due to covid restrictions, time and service location will be announced closer to the date at www.doylesfuneralhome.ca/ . Donations in Mike’s honor can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or the Heart and Stroke foundation.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Anthony Glufka 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Carman, Province: Manitoba