Dec 15, 1947 - Apr 18, 2018
It is with heart breaking sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father, Mike Savich on Wednesday April 18, 2018. Despite heroic efforts by family and first responders, Dad joined the love of his life, Sandra, his youngest son Steven and his parents Harry and Nellie in paradise. Dad's unexpected passing came while he was enjoying the spring sun and tinkering around the back yard, surrounded by his beloved dogs.
Mike was born in Brandon, Manitoba on December 15, 1947. The younger brother to Vi, his childhood years included school, working on the farm, curling, volleyball and trains. In the early 1960s, the family relocated to Chilliwack. Dad took to working at 'the ole cannery' becoming a retort operator and foreman. He met Sandra in the 1970s and the couple married on August 8, 1981, establishing a prosperous life full of hard work, dedication and perseverance. During these years Mike and Sandra welcomed their three children Michelle, William and Steven.
Beginning in 2001, Dad began to face a number of health issues, shortly before Michelle's high school graduation. Supported unconditionally by Mom, Dad recovered, but she too faced her own significant health challenges. Despite these challenges, Mom and Dad remained devoted and dedicated to one another - their love and care for each other and for their children never faltered; the famous Savich resiliency was tested and proven stronger than ever. When Sandra passed away in August 2013, Mike's life was forever changed by the loss of his partner and constant companion. This loss was compounded by son Steven's leukemia diagnosis and eventual death from the disease in September 2014.
In the face of these losses, the Savich family, with Dad as the patriarch, had their lives twisted and turned upside down. However, the world renowned Savich stubbornness and tenacity reigned supreme. Dad's perseverance was, and is, a constant reminder that life is about putting one foot in front of the other, even if it is just one step.
Dad fostered many community connections throughout his lifetime. From building fences, dealing with construction sites and painting houses, Dad did it all and took great pride in his attention to detail. Dad always made sure that his kids had every opportunity, but that they worked for it. He was always on call to build sets, for late night drives to practice or dress rehearsals. We three children were equally on call as sweepers, couriers and any other job that needed to be done. Dad's famous adage of "the family that works together, stays together" rang true over the years' time and again.
Retirement never sat well with dad, he always felt he had more to offer and more to do. He became the odd job expert and we will miss writing out the 'Daddy Do List' that kept him working and focused.
Michelle and William express their deep gratitude to Dr. I. Kishi and his staff for the kindness and patience they showed over the last few years. Flowers are greatly appreciated and donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Society of BC in Dad's name.
A private interment will be held at Chilliwack Cemeteries. A Celebration of Life Open House will take place Thursday May 10 at the Hope River Hall (47130 Hope River Rd) from 3:30-5:30 pm.