Michael Tomochko

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mike, who died peacefully on August 18th, 2025, at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary at the age of 81.

Mike was born in Stenen, Saskatchewan, to Thomas and Tekla, who had immigrated from Ukraine. He grew up in the small town of Kamsack, enjoying a carefree childhood as the youngest of four, with his closest sibling being 14 years his senior. He often recounted the freedom he had to explore the town and surrounding area as a youngster. Mike began school in Stenen unable to speak English, having spoken Ukrainian at home, then went on to attend school in Kamsack and St. Joseph’s College in Yorkton before pursuing a career in teaching at the University of Saskatchewan, where he studied history and education. Mike was also involved in the Cadets Canada program and Canadian Reserve forces.

In 1966, while still at university, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley, a registered nurse. After a brief period teaching in Yorkton, they moved to Calgary, where Mike would become a dedicated and beloved high school teacher for 30 years in the Catholic school system.

Mike referred to himself as a "jack of all trades, master of none," humbly downplaying his ability to repair, maintain, and build anything and everything, able to mysteriously produce any obscure part or tool needed for a job from his vast collection. He was an active member of the Braeside community while his sons were growing up, dedicating himself to coaching both hockey and soccer. Mike loved chatting with people wherever he went, whether in his Braeside and Woodlands neighborhoods, around town, or on his travels. Despite spending most of his life in Calgary and loving all the city had to offer, he remained a small-town country boy at heart, always loving his regular returns to Saskatchewan throughout his life. In his retirement, Mike remained incredibly active, finding joy in traveling with Shirley and playing hockey, skiing, golf, and motorcycling. He also enjoyed playing the saxophone in bands, such as the Cappy Smart Band and most recently the Sherwood Community Band. Mike was also always sure to prioritize Friday afternoon meetings at the “MENSA table” with regular attendees whom he valued immensely. Above all, he cherished the comradeship these activities offered.

Mike will be deeply missed by his wife, Shirley; his sons, Paul and Nathan; his daughter-in-law, Kiran; and his extended family and many cherished friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Tekla and Thomas, his sisters, Mary (Steve) and Helen (Orest), and his brothers, Paul (as a child) and Nick (Helen).

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 24 St SW, Calgary) on Monday, August 25th at 11:00 am. A reception will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion - Centennial Calgary Branch 285 (9202 Horton Rd SW, Calgary).

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our family and friends for their support, his family doctor Dr. JP Leung as well as to the amazing doctors, nurses, and staff at the FMC ICU.

 Donations are gratefully accepted in Mike’s honor at the Canadian Cancer Society or the Royal Canadian Legion. 

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