CHUTSKOFF, MICHAEL
Passed away on February 11, 2015 at the age of 86. Dad was born in Veregin, SK on Feb. 26, 1928, son of George and Anne Chutskoff, and was raised in Kamsack, SK. In 1946, the family of 5 moved to Kelowna after persuasion of the oldest son George who had visited the area a year before. Mike, 18 at the time, his father and brother soon started building homes for themselves and expanded to building houses throughout the Kelowna area. And build they did, houses that still stand today and motels that have long been demolished—motels that stood along what is Gordon Road today from Sutherland to Bernard. Soon after arriving, Dad met his soulmate, Mildred, one day when he was picking up his mother from work at the Laurel Packing House and they married July 29, 1950. The 60’s came and the housing market died. As he had a family to feed, Dad decided to become an orchardist and we moved to the Ellison District. After 4 years, Dad went back to what he knew and loved best-building homes, from foundation to roof, rough framing to finishing he single-handedly built them. Seeing Kelowna expand from the 40’s, he knew where to build. He knew the areas where the saw dumped all of the sawdust to be used for fill or areas that were flood prone from periodic high water. So those areas were off limits to him. Dad built his last house in Lakeview Heights and this became the family home. From house construction, Dad started into Commercial Construction and worked for some of the largest construction firms in Kelowna. He put his time in and became foreman and superintendent for projects from schools, banks, wineries, and rec centres to federal buildings. Dad has left to mourn his passing, sons Ken and Rick, both of Kelowna; numerous nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law. He was sadly predeceased by his parents George and Anne Chutskoff, brother George Chutskoff, sister Lorraine Brown, brothers-in-law Alex, George and Boris Kabatoff and Gordon Brown. Our thanks go out to Dr. Erasmus, KGH Emergency Staff and especially to the KGH Staff of 5B who ensured that Dad spent his last days as comfortably as possible. Dad is now with the one with whom he has wanted to be since her passing and that is our Mother. Hopefully he has been greeted by her and all who have passed before him. No service by request. Should family and friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Central Okanagan Hospice Association – Hospice House, 2035 Ethel Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2Z6.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.