Obituary of STROICK – Michael M.

1927 – 2011 Mike Stroick passed away peacefully at the Rockyview General Hospital on Monday, February 14, 2011 at the age of 83 years. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Mae in August 2003, shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. It is fitting that he was reunited with his sweetie on Valentine’s Day. Mike is survived by his loving daughters, Sharon Stroick and Ramona Dragani, son-in-law Joe Dragani, and beloved grandson Jarrett Dragani, all of Calgary. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ron and Linda Stewart of Kelowna, BC and nephews Jeff, Terry and Robbie Stewart and their families, all of Barrie, ON. Born December 10, 1927 in Forest Lawn, Mike lived his entire life here in the shadow of the Rockies. After graduating from Western Canada High School, he joined the Canadian Pacific Railway and began working there fulltime in 1950. Mike worked his way up through the ranks and was appointed Superintendent of Calgary Division in 1974. With Division mergers in 1991, Mike became the first Superintendent of CP Rail’s Alberta Division. During his many years as a railroader, he developed a reputation as a unique and special individual and was well-known for his frequently heard motto, “we serve in so many ways.” Mike retired from CP Rail in December 1992. In October 2001, he was extremely honored to have “Stroick” siding at Mile 86.3 of the CPR’s Leduc Subdivision named after him. During his career, Mike was an active volunteer and well-known in the Calgary area. He was a member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Calgary Rotary Club and the Glenbow Foundation. Along with his wife Mae, he enjoyed participating in events at Spruce Meadows through the years. Mike was particularly proud of his involvement with the Heritage Park Society. As a long-time member and twice past president, he was the driving force behind the construction of the railway roundhouse. Starting in 1968, he helped organize and later chaired the annual Old Time Range Men’s Dinner, handing over the reins in 2003. As a proud Calgarian, volunteering for the 1988 Winter Olympics was another highlight. He coordinated the logistics for the transportation of the 120 foot Olympic Flagpole from northern B.C. to Canada Olympic Park, and celebrated the achievement with fellow Committee members at COP during the opening of the 2006 Winter Games. Mike also enjoyed more than 35 years as a volunteer with the Calgary Stampede and retired in 2008 as a senior associate and member of the Reception Committee. Mike was a dedicated sports fan and armchair coach, and especially loved F1 racing. He was very proud of his time as Manager of the Tuxedo Little League Baseball team from 1953-1956, when the team went on to win the 1956 City Championship. Mike and Mae enjoyed many years of bowling on Friday nights at Westbrook Bowl and later curled in the CPR League at the Big Four Building. For many years, he and Mae were also season ticket holders for both the Flames and Stampeders. In his later years, Mike avidly followed many sports on TV and could always be counted on for up to date scores and results. Mike was a devoted husband, father and gramps and he will be deeply missed by his family, as well as his many friends, neighbours and colleagues. The outstanding care and kindness provided to Mike and the entire family by the staff at Wentworth Manor is gratefully acknowledged. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Bret Simmons and nurses Shelley, Trudy and Donna on Unit 73 at the Rockyview for the superb care they provided during his recent hospitalization. A private graveside service will be held for the family. A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory to his favourite charity, the Salvation Army, to support their work in Calgary would be greatly appreciated. In living memory of Mike Stroick, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200