MICHAEL "Mike" BUNKO
June 5th, 1929 - October 31st, 2011
Mike, beloved husband of Darlene, passed away at Humboldt and District Hospital on Monday, October 31st, 2011 at the age of 82. He is loved and remembered his wife, Darlene; daughters, Eileen Bunko, Shelley (Tim) Klimosko; sons, Grant (Elaine) Bunko, Jeff (Lorrie) Bunko; grandchildren, Brayden and Kayla Klimosko; Emily and Mason Bunko; step-grandson, Trevor (Jenn) Benson and their son, Zane; sister, Helen Fay; brothers, Matt (Myrna) Bunko, Nick (Liz) Bunko, Bill Bunko; in-laws, Marie Bunko; Ann Thoms, Pete Popowitch (Rose), Fred Popowich, Kay (Ed) Bayda, Elsie (Charlie) Lozinski, Olga (Ernie) Thoms, Eleanor (Bill) Brooks. Mike was predeceased by his son, Bradley Bunko; his parents, John and Alice Bunko; sisters, Anne (Harry) Polanik, Nettie (Nick) Huculak, Katie (Nick) Lenyk; brothers, Tony (Mackie) Bunko, Roman Bunko; Inlaws Dot Bunko, Elizabeth Popowich, Mike Thoms and Mike (Nettie) Popwitch; niece, Jennifer Popowich. Mike was born at Carmel Saskatchewan. He was the youngest of ten children to John and Alice(Demko) Bunko.He went to school at Mount Carmel. After school in 1951 he hired on the CPR at Wynyard and then in 1952 moved to the CNR as a trainmen and later conductor on the freight train. Many a mile was made by track to Melfort, North Battleford, Saskatoon and many summers worked in Gilliam,Manitoba on the Churchill Line. He worked as a conductor on the passenger train from Edmonton to Blue River through Jasper and Edmonton to Watrous. Mike has made many long lasting friendships. He was extremely proud of his accomplishments and recruited his son Bradley and nephews Eugene Bunko and Orest Huculak. In 1990 Mike retired after 38 years on the CNR. On October 15, 1955 Mike and Darlene Popowich of Smuts, Saskatchewan were married. They visited many far places mainly on bus trips he preferred to look out the window and see the country. They visited California, Florida, New Orleans, Nashville, Maritimes many a bus trip to Winnipeg and then to Hawaii and Yuma, Arizona. Retirement years were busy following grandchildren to the hockey rink, ball field, soceer field and the dance theatre. There was always time to stop at the regular coffee shop for the quick hot cup of coffee. With a little spare time left Mike was able to take up the hobby of golf. Many a morning was spent with Alex Klimosko, Alfred Threinen, Tom Harcourt and later Herb Martin at the golf course. He was a member of All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church, was a board member and alterserver and together he and Darlene spent many hours at the Church lending a helping hand. Mike was on the first board of the Good Neighbour Store, a dedicated Humboldt Bronco Fan supporting his grandson Brayden and son-in-law Tim. Mike was dedicated to family and work. A soft spoken, kind, compassionate man. Whether it was his own children, grandchildren, niece or nephew there was always money in his pocket to put a smile on someone's face. The Prayer Service was held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 3rd, and the Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 4th, 2011 with Rev. Father Mykola Romanets and Father Walter Kostiuk presiding , cantor Sally Indzeoski and alter server Roman Stadnyk. Other's taking part in the mass were Cross Bearer Vic Chickowski, Pallbearers Eugene Bunko, Sandra Bunko, Dennis Bunko, Garry Fay, Ted Polanik and Ken Lenyk. Both services were held at All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church, Humboldt, SK. Interment followed at All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Humboldt, SK. Memorial donations may be directed Humboldt and District Hospital Foundation - General Equipment. Arrangements in care of John Schachtel - MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES
