February 26, 2022
Michael Janovick of Ladysmith, passed away in the NRGH Palliative Care Unit on Saturday Feb 26th, 2022 at the age of 95 after 9 days in medical crisis with pneumonia/COVID.
Mike was born on Sept 25th to Michal and Elizabeth in Slavkovce, SW Slovakia (near Hungary).
His dad emigrated from Czechoslovakia to Canada in 1928. He, his mother and older brother Andy followed in 1934. They travelled by ship and by trains finally arriving in Chilliwack. The family settled in the Columbia Valley (near Cultus Lake) and homesteaded on what became the Janovick Family Farm.
They had dairy cows, a couple dozen chickens, and pigs in those days. The house was built from recycled lumber from the bunk houses at the nearby logging camp that was shut down. They had wood heat and water had to be carried from a nearby spring.
Dad would walk at least a mile to go to school. When his father and brother left to go logging in the Queen Charlotte Islands Mike became responsible for running the farm. At 15 he worked cutting and selling firewood so he could buy his bicycle. After school he and his horse worked well together to pull stumps and clear 10 acres.
At 17 he left the farm to work at the Port Mellon Pulp Mill on the Sunshine Coast. Mike was drafted and spent 6 months of basic training in the army. He returned to Port Mellon when the war ended in 1945. He began his apprenticeship as a Machinist and in 1947 became a Master Machinist.
He next moved to Cowichan Lake where he worked for Western Forest Industries for 36 years, eventually becoming Maintenance and Construction Supervisor. Towards the end of his career, WFI sent him to New Brunswick to renovate one of their mills back into operating condition.
While at Honeymoon Bay dad enjoyed salt water fishing, water skiing, lawn bowling and hunting. He assisted with the junior baseball team and boy scouts.
Michael met his wife Emily at the local baseball field. They spent 61 years together and raised 3 children. Following retirement they moved to Ladysmith. Dad built 2 houses there. They became members of the Ladysmith Square Dance Club and the United Church.
Dad and mom enjoyed many years of travelling together, cruises and tours through Europe, Cuba, Hawaii and the USA.
They enjoyed their flower and vegetable gardens, fruit trees and lots of preserving and canning. Dad loved being outside on the water and on the side of a mountain.
He enjoyed working with his hands and was always willing to help out friends, family and neighbours. He had strong family values.
He became caregiver to mom when her health was declining.
Dad is grateful to all the people that worked under him at the sawmill. In his later years, for all the support and friendships that nurtured him and blessed him with quality of life, from the Seniors Center, the Villa apartments, LaRosa and Oyster Harbour. The family is grateful to all of you !
Michael will be lovingly remembered by daughters Gayle (Peter), Cathy (Bruce) and son Gary (Terry), his 9 grandchildren and their spouses, 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
We hold you in our hearts and remember you for your hugs, sense of humour, warm smile and caring heart.
The family are planning a small graveside service. Due to COVID concerns the family look forward to having a Celebration of Life service in the near future. Date to be announced.