Obituary of Michael Paul Dutchak

The family of the late Michael Dutchak are deeply saddened to announce Michael's passing on October 11, 2008 at the age of 87 years. The prayer service was held on Thursday, October 16th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, October 17th, 2008 at 10:30 a.m., both from Holy Spirit RC Church, 114 Kingsmere Place in Saskatoon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Care RC Church in Blaine Lake, SK. Michael was predeceased by his wife, Ida in 1973. His parents, Paul and Rose Dutchak, his brother Walter (Stella) Dutchak, his sister Marie (Johnny) Panchuk, and his nephew Dennis Dutchak. Michael leaves to cherish his memory, Mary Billay of Saskatoon, and his children; Barry (Donna) Dutchak of Emma Lake, Sk and their children; Lee Ann (Dennis) and their children Kurtis and Ashley; Brenda Dutchak; Trevor (Coralee) Dutchak and their children Nicholas and Jacob. Wayne Dutchak of Saskatoon, Sk and his children; Christopher (Brandi) Dutchak; Scott (Debbie) Dutchak. Barbara (Henry) Woytiuk of Blaine Lake, Sk and their children; Kieth (Diana) Woytiuk and their children Garrett and Chloe; Kirk (Marcie) Woytiuk and their children Carson and Easton. Gail (Gary) St. Onge of Spiritwood, Sk and their children; Matthew (Rhegan) St. Onge; Luke St. Onge and his daughter Tesa-James. David (Shannon) Dutchak of Saskatoon, Sk and their children; Reilley (Fiance Jamie); Kaela; Joshua; Katie and Jordan. Wayne (Maria) Billay of Meath Park, Sk and their children; Tyler (Shelley) Billay; Emily Billay Jeffrey Billay of Fort Lauderdale, FL His Brother Peter (Susie) Dutchak of Blaine Lake, Sk. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and countless friends. He was born and raised in the Blaine Lake area. He learned about business at an early age. As a young boy he helped his father selling fish and other products door to door. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces for Four and a half years. In 1943, Mike married Ida Anderson of Canwood, Sk in Nanamio BC. The couple moved to Blaine Lake and established the CNR Cafe. Besides the restaurant, an appliance store was opened. In 1957 Blaine Lake Ambulance was established. Seeing a community need he slowly expanded his operation to Spiritwood, Prince Albert and Saskatoon. Mike served as a council and board of trade member. He was Mayor of Blaine Lake for several terms, He was also a director of the Hafford Hospital Board and the Parkland Health District. Mike also served as a Justice of the Peace for many years. Mike spent 64 years as the barber in Blaine Lake. Mike helped the Blaine Lake area with helping to acquire the Petrofka Bridge. Mike and Ida raised a family, 5 of whom are involved in the "family business". After Ida's death Mike met Mary Billay of Meath Park, his loving companion and partner until his passing. In 1999 Mike received the Governor Generals Medal for Exemplary Service in EMS. In addition Mike received many other awards from the Province of Saskatchewan. Most recently, on Thursday October 9, 2008, Mike received a national award from the EMS Chiefs of Canada, the Presidents Award for Leadership. Dad has taught us many things in life. Words that describe him are perseverance, humility, a very deep sense of pride in family, both personal and professional. Dad had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a leader and a man of vision. We are very proud of his many achievements and we are especially proud of his kind and generous nature as we know..."Dad always Bought Lunch!" The family wishes to sincerely thank the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of Saskatoon City Hospital and Royal University Hospital for their compassionate care.