It is with great sadness, the family of Mike Arishenkoff announces his passing on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at the age of 86.
Mike leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Vera, sons Lawrence (Linda), Wayne (Connie), daughter Shirley (Randy), grandson Tyson, granddaughter Casey, and sister Edna.
He was predeceased by his son Ron in 2005, brother George, and sisters Mary and Mabel.
Mike was born on March 26, 1928 in Kylemore, Saskatchewan. He moved at an early age to Nelson B.C. where he would eventually begin a 42+ year career as a locomotive engineer for CP Rail.
Mike and Vera were married in Nelson in 1949. In 1964 he and his family moved to Cranbrook, where he continued to work for CP Rail until his retirement.
Mike was an avid sports fan. He was a strong supporter of the early Nelson Maple Leafs, later the Cranbrook Royals and eventually the Kootenay Ice. He enjoyed watching baseball, especially the Toronto Blue Jays.
In later years, Mike developed a passion for curling and golf where he cherished the camaraderie as much as the sport.
Mike and Vera enjoyed camping with their good friends Ken and Evelyn and occasional trips as snowbirds to Arizona and California.
Mike was extremely appreciative of the excellent care he received on the third floor of the East Kootenay Regional Hospital as well as at the F.W. Green Memorial Home and he was especially grateful to Dr. Kevin McIver for his dedication and compassion.
The family plans to have a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the: Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, Okanagan/Kootenays Area Office, #4, 1551 - Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 9M9 or the: Alzheimer Society of BC, #300, 828 - West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1E2.