Mike Semenok

With aching hearts and his wife of almost seventy years at his side, our family said goodbye to Mike Semenok on Monday, September 27th at St Michael's Health Centre in Lethbridge, AB.

Mike was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, on January 4, 1928. He was the second youngest of ten children, raised by Rose and Metro Semenok.

At 16 years old, he ventured out on his own, and worked hard all his life. Mike was hired as a young man by the Saskatchewan Department of Highways where he worked for 35 years. Mike had countless stories to tell about plowing roads in the harsh Saskatchewan prairie winters, with only a candle- flame for heat in the cab of the tractor. Mike eventually became the foreman of his own crew. He was fair, but expected an honest day’s work from his men, no different than he had done for many years.

 Mike’s other passion was farming. While still employed with the Department of Highways, he bought a farm north of Maple Creek, where he grew wheat and raised cattle. He worked long hours with seldom a weekend off.

They say people who work hard also play hard, and this held true for Mike. Stories were told of him riding his Indian motorcycle into the dance hall and roaring back out again. Mike loved to socialize, joke, and have a drink with the guys. He lived life to the fullest and did it “his way”. The surviving members of his family will do our part to continue the fun.

Between all the hard work and mischievous outings, Mike found the love of his life. “I think you are one hundred percent,” he told Lillian Peterka. They were married on November 19, 1951. Mike committed to being a good provider to Lil and his daughters. He never failed them.

Mike is survived by his dear wife, Lillian, their two daughters, Judy (Perc) Blythman of Coaldale, Joan (Ernie) Kreeft of Lethbridge, grand-children, Scott Blythman (predeceased), Jay (Amy) Blythman, Stacey (Tobiah) Goldstein, Laine Kuntz, Brooke Kreeft (Niko), Ryan Kreeft, and Paige Barnett, and seven great-grandchildren, Rylan, Emery, Jonah, Marek, Micah, Harlow, and Tallulah. Also left to cherish his memory is his sister, Jean Myrol and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. It brings us peace in knowing that when Dad reaches the other side, he will be met by his precious grandson, Scottie, who we miss dearly but who we know watches over us every day.

Dad, we hope you now have back the youth that you missed so much as you grew older, eyes that can see, ears that can hear, and that you are free, back on the farm with the sun on your face. We love you and will miss you every day. Until we meet again.

We sincerely thank everyone who added to Dad’s life. As much as we would love the support of friends and family, due to Covid restrictions and our concern for the health and safety of everyone, we will honor Dad with a small, private Celebration of Life where we can tell stories, and toast to his amazing life. Please also raise a glass in his honour.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mike Semenok, please visit our floral store.