Obituary
Respectfully submitted by the Maskalyk family.
Mike Maskalyk of Lac La Biche, Alberta, passed away at the age of 99 years on May 5 2022. He was a remarkable man, a man of the land, made a life hunting, fishing, trapping and accumulating stories which he told right to the end. His stories were of a life that seems long ago, before highways and cell phones, with a deep reverence for the natural world. There was a time when he’d leave Lac La Biche with a sled team of dogs, bound for his Bellis trapline, and be gone for weeks. Eventually, he moved to farming mink then became a commercial freshwater fisherman, something he continued on Lac La Biche and nearby lakes, eventually with his son Miles. His wife Katherine was a schoolteacher and librarian, and both of them were well loved by many in town. While he eventually left the nets behind, he continued trapping and hunting, often accompanied by his grandchildren and sons Milton and Miles, and shot his last moose when he was 80. Even in his last year, when he moved to Lac Alta Lodge, his mind clear but body frail, he would ask his children or grandchildren to take him to the trapline, Mile 7, or just a drive to the bush. He was happiest in the woods.
His family wants to thank the staff at Lac Alta Lodge for showing him such kind care, and allowing him to spend his few years there with such dignity. We would also like to thank Dr Nortje and the many acute care nurses at William J. Cadzow Hospital for being so compassionate in his last days. We are forever indebted.
He is survived by his son Milton, daughter-in-law Brenda Robitaille, grandchildren Jim, Dan (Adrienne), Dylan, Kayne (Jaclyn), and great-grandchildren Lucy, Sam, and Leo. He was predeceased by his wife Katherine of 67 years, his son Miles, his daughter-in-law Lucile, ten siblings of which he was the youngest, and his parents. He is remembered by friends of all ages, who had a chance to know this wonderful man.
The funeral service will be 2 pm Friday May 13 2022, at the Evangelical Free Church, in Lac La Biche, Alberta, and burial the following day at 2 pm Sat May 14 2022, at Edwand Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, or other monetary support, the family asks donations to be made to “Healthy Waters Lac Lac Biche”, through livinglakescanada.ca/how-you-can-help/invest/
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mike Maskalyk, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mike Maskalyk October 17 1922 May 5 2022 (age 99)..
Death notice for the town of: Lac-La-Biche, Province: Alberta
Milton, Brenda, Jim, Dan, Dylan, Kanye, Lucy, Sam and Leo:
So, my Dear and wonderful Uncle Mike has left us all.
I am very, very sorry and saddened to hear of Uncle Mike’s passing and of your great loss.
So very many of my childhood and adult memories include Uncle Mike and all the wonderful times we spent together at Baba’s house and elsewhere. I remember of another occasion, of him going out into the bush to look for blueberry patchs for us before we arrived in Lac La Biche. That was the kind of man he was…..generous, kind,, giving, loyal and trustworthy. I loved him dearly.
I am so very happy that I had the chance of speaking to you, Milton, and Uncle Mike a couple of weeks ago and having such a wonderful conversation with the both of you.
To: Jim, Dan, Dylan and Kayne, Lucy, Sam and Leo……..May you remember your Grandpa with fondest memories and much love. He certainly was a wonderful man.
And Brenda: Uncle Mike alway praised you for your kindness and for your care.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all ….today and the days to follow at this most difficult time.