Tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mike Turchyn at the age of 92. Born in Vancouver BC, the only son of Steve and Marie Turchyn of Burnaby. A small family that lived through the great depression, they made the most of anything they had. In 1942 they moved to a small farm on Jackman Rd (272^nd) in Aldergrove. They wasted nothing making repairs of machinery with the resources they had on hand and even building their own tractor from spare parts.

After having graduated Senior Matriculation at Langley high school (Grade 13), Mike went out on a double date with his good friends Bob and Lil Sitnik. It was then he met the love of his life Monica.

Working on the farm and recognizing the possibilities, Mike convinced his father to purchase a larger parcel of 80 acres on Bradner Rd. It is there that his parents increased their dairy farming operation. When the family moved to Bradner Rd, Mike and Monica started in a small two room house that was added onto twice over the years expanding it to a 4 bedroom home to accommodate their 5 kids.

Mike had several different jobs as a young man ranging from working at BC Tractor and Equipment in Vancouver; a short stint at the Princeton post office; a couple months as a guard at Oakalla prison; Logging camp cooks helper (learned that he hated float planes as he was airsick); Logging truck driver; truck driver for Evergreen Trucking; foreman at the Mica Dam project, and a Garage worker fixing and reselling used cars. Leaving his other jobs, he returned to farming full-time. Mike and Monica eventually purchased the cows and quota from his parents and upgraded the herd to registered Holsteins. He was a dairy farmer, beef farmer, hay farmer and finished his working career by running a small logging outfit in his 70’s with partner Jack Hardy.

A true family man, he enjoyed playing games with the kids whether it be “500” up softball or giving out “free lessons” in checkers or cards. He loved social evenings with friends and family.

A life-long learner with a wealth of knowledge, he was always well prepared to offer advice and guidance. Always willing to lend a hand or help a neighbour he would frequently drop by for a short visit in the early afternoon which would ultimately end up with him returning home right at supper time. Mike was well respected in the community and a proud farmer for 52 years.

Loving the outdoors he enjoyed fishing and travel. He and Monica saw Hawaii, Reno and Las Vegas; went on several cruises including Alaska and the Panama Canal; took the truck and 5^th wheel through BC, Alberta and Alaska, and flew to Australia to visit family.

Downsizing from the farm they moved to the Bradner area on a small parcel of land. Purchasing a Motor home they took several smaller jaunts and finally achieved a life-long goal of journeying to the east coast of Canada and returning through the northern US states in his mid 70’s. Mike never truly quit working as even in retirement he stayed as active as he could growing a large vegetable garden, maintaining many fruit trees and keeping the yard well groomed.

He is mourned by his loving wife of 68 years Monica. Daughters Lynda & Sandra, sons Michael Jr., Mark (Mya) & Randy. Eleven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, a large extended family and many friends both young and old. A celebration of life will be held in the new year.