Mr. David “Dave” Michalenko of Lethbridge, beloved son of Alexander and Margaret Michalenko and loving brother to Nick Michalenko, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at the age of 50 years.   David passed away just shy of his 51st birthday due to complications with end-stage renal disease (kidney failure).    

David is survived by his loving parents Margaret and Alexander Michalenko, brother Nick Michalenko, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and extended family.  

He was predeceased by his grandparents Boris and Eugenia Michalenko, Michael and Paraskeva (Pasha) Tunow, Uncle Valentin Michalenko of Buenos Aires, Aunt Svetlana Odorski of Lethbridge, Aunt Marion Odorski of Wetaskiwin, and Uncle Gary Becker of Lethbridge.  

David’s recent years were filled with working at a job he loved, camping in Waterton and taking in nature, watching classic movies, doing puzzles, playing video games, and cooking on the bbq and the smoker.  One of Dave’s greatest joys was being ‘Grand bear’ as his slippers boasted. He was always excited to take the kids camping, to the pool, and anywhere else they wanted to go. 

After Dave graduated from Wintson Churchill in 1989 he pursued meat cutting at the college and worked as head mechanic at Holiday Bowl for almost a decade until he decided to attend DeVry Institute in Calgary where he earned a degree in computer technology. While in Calgary David worked for Genco, and at the bowling center in the Glencoe Club.   Dave returned to Lethbridge until his passing on June 9, 2021.  

Dave loved his job at DHL and spoke kindly of his co-workers and bosses where he felt like a valued member of the DHL family.  

He was always planning his next concert, and never afraid to attend by himself if no one was available. He loved his vinyl records and shared these passions with his brother.  

Dave was a sportsman in his younger years, he played hockey, soccer, and bowling. He was a certified bowling coach with the Master Bowler’s Association of Alberta and was a skilled bowler himself. He even bowled Nationals in Winnipeg. More recently, Dave played golf with his dad and his brother. 

David loved yard decorations. He gave his mom a windmill this year for Mother’s day which is a common occurrence from Dave. He was pleased with the matching Halloween pumpkin decorations he picked up for him and Nick last year for Nick’s birthday.  

Another one of David’s favorite adventures was going to Las Vegas. He loved to attend shows, especially the Blue Man Group and any of his favorite artists that were in town. He wasn’t much of a gambler but occasionally he would take an all-night adventure and get back to the hotel just in time to catch his Mom getting up for her morning coffee.  

David was always smiling and friendly to everyone he met. He was able to keep a positive attitude and see the good side of life, despite his troubles and physical ailments. Kids adored Dave and he adored them. He loved to chat, sometimes for hours, about everything, especially cooking. David will be remembered and missed dearly by all of us.  

A private family service will be held. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family invites you to watch the service via livestream at 12:00pm on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 by visiting https://www.fhwebsites.org/ymb/obituary/David-Michalenko by scrolling to the bottom of David’s obituary.

A Public Viewing will be held from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South. Please book a time to pay your respects by visiting https://www.fhwebsites.org/ymb/obituary/David-Michalenko and scrolling to the bottom of David’s obituary or call our office at 403-328-2361.

 A Celebration of Life will be announced for a later date, when Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.

For those who wish, memorial donations in David’s name may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada 880 – 5160 Decarie Blvd. Montreal, Quebec, H3X 2H9.