Michael William ‘Mike’ Achtymichuk, born on November 18, 1925 in Smoky Lake, Alberta, passed away after a brief illness, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Monday, June 3, 2019 at the age of 93 years. Mike loved life, farming, music, and his family. He worked with the Alberta Wheat Pool, 4H Club, Farm Credit Corporation, and the Farm Debt Review Board, before enjoying retirement. Mike’s musical interests began early, with his brothers, in a dance band called ‘The Merrymakers’; and evolved into founding the Waskatenau Community Band and then Lacombe Lions Community Band. He was one of the founding members of the Alberta Band Association and Mu Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, and a strong supporter of music in Alberta. Mike was influential in cultivating the careers of many people in the arts and agriculture. Later in life, he enjoyed singing with the Wild Rose Harmonizers, and also gained an additional circle of close friends through that. Mike is survived by his loving wife of nearly sixty-six years, Olga. Also mourning his loss are his children: Joyce, Gerald (Carol Ann), Cheryl, Robert, and Gayle; his grandchildren: Jessica (Adam), Cassandra, Vanessa (Mike), Katharine, John, Michael, David, Heather, Anna, Nicole, and Alex; and great grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Mike will be also sadly missed by his brothers, Edward and Walter (Lesia), and his sister, Sonja (Peter). He was surrounded by a loving extended family that included numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a large circle of friends. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Annie and Wasyl, as well as three sisters and eight brothers. He will be sadly missed, but his loved ones take comfort knowing that he lived life to the fullest. A Memorial Service for Mike will be held at Gaetz Memorial United Church, 4758 – 50 Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with The Reverend Ross Smillie officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s honor may be made directly to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, 3942 – 50A Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 4E7 or at www.rdrhfoundation.com, or to The Alberta Band Association, 5708 – 72 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6B 3J4 or at www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/alberta-band-association. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040 or 1.800.481.7421.

• Date : 2019-06-03
• Location : Red Deer