ZOZULA

ZOZULA- Mr. Mykhalo "Mike" Zozula age 76 years, a resident of Thunder Bay passed away at his residence on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.
MIKE (MYKHAYLO) was born October 5, 1938 in the village of Chernyakhiv, Ukraine. When Nazi German troops evacuated their village in 1943, his family fled to the Polish border, then crossed into Germany. They lived in Leipzig until WW2 ended May 1945. After the war, they stayed in displaced persons camps in Giessen, Allendorf and Kornberg before immigrating to Belgium in 1947. Returning to Germany two years later, they lived in Bensheim-Auerbach until permanently settling in Canada in 1952. Mike seldom talked about the hardships of those years, but rather embraced Canada as his home and expressed gratitude for the kind of life that was possible here.

He left school at the age of 16, working first for the CNR in Graham Township and later for McEachern in Manitouwadge. He returned to Port Arthur in 1960. Initially, his job at Abitibi was only part time, and he relied on extra hours driving cab for Roach’s. This is where he met the dispatcher, Gerry Ferguson.

Not only had Mike found his partner in life, but he had gained a ready-made family. In 1969, Mike bought a two-storey house on Hallam Street where he began his new life with Gerry and her six children. He became the proud Dad of Terry, Jill, Randy, Joy, Bill and Pam. They bought a camper and spent many memorable holidays at Wawig Lake. In 1982, they bought their camp on MacKenzie Beach. The camp instantly became the heart of their family and remains their special place to this day. In summer they swam, went boating and enjoyed bonfires on the beach. In winter they loved to warm up in front of the wood stove after a day of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Mike retired from his job as Assistant Superintendent at Abitibi in 1992. He became active in the Orthodox Church, serving several years as vice-president and caretaker, as well as volunteering many hours with the pyrohy gang. Much to Gerry’s surprise, he became a whiz in the kitchen. Soon he was turning out a choice of pumpkin or lemon meringue pies, garlic bread, and punch bowl cakes. He was at your door with a huge hug and a card on your birthday. He was sure to bring a bottle or two of Grey Monk for dinner. He delivered a kolach to each household in his family at Christmas, and a basket with a paska and chocolate eggs at Easter. As soon as the holiday was over, he’d jump in his van and head out for a Ukrainian celebration with his mother and sister in Vernon BC. Why waste time flying? He could drive there in two days easy! He made the trip so often, he began to tell people that he had dual citizenship (Ontario and British Columbia). He was a gracious host and entertaining guest; a loving husband, father and grandfather; a cherished son, brother and uncle.
But the years have a way of slipping by. Sitting in his favourite chair, Mike passed away on May 25. He is missed by his sons Terry (Gloria), Randy and Bill (Cath); his daughter Joy (Mark); his sisters Nadia, Tina (Don) and Kathy, as well as nieces and nephews. Papa Mike was blessed with the love of 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. He is now re-united with his wife Gerry, daughters Jill and Pam, parents Antonina and Maksym, and his brother Steve.
Memory eternal. ВІЧНАЯ ПАМ'ЯТЬ. Memory eternal.
Funeral services will be held on Friday June 5, 2015 at 11:00 am in St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Orthodox Church (1502 Mountdale Avenue) with Rev. Jaroslaw Buciora officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Chapel of the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street with Panakhyda being offered at 7:00 pm. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.