Mike Werestiuk

Mike was born on February 3rd, 1941 in Sundown, Manitoba, second child of Michael Werestiuk and Jean (Martin). Mike was survived by his devoted wife Jean (Graham), daughter Lori Kraynyk (Trevor Kraynyk), daughter Sandie Romine (Jason Romine), son Michael Werestiuk (Nadia Katasonova) and grandchildren Kaleigh Aschenbrener (Lee Hastings), Tanner Aschenbrener (Brooke Mann), Dylan Kraynyk (Kirbee Wallis), Brendan Kraynyk (Paige Stokowski), Savannah Romine, Michaela Romine, and Sascha Werestiuk. He is also survived by his brother Bill Werestiuk (Helen), his favourite sister Mary Symynyshen, sister-in-law Daphne, and brother Nick Werestiuk. He was survived by Jean’s siblings Margaret Graham, Grace Slawinski (Joe), Mae Ann Goldsmith (Robert), Hazel Fahie (Jr.), Edward Graham (Gail), Helen Samm (Dave), Norman Graham (Laura), Alan Graham (Pam), and Harold Graham (Tammy). He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Jean Werestiuk, brother Paul Werestiuk (Kathy), and brother Stan Werestiuk. He was predeceased by brother-in-laws Graham Haslam and Alfred Graham (Betty Graham). Mike was survived by numerous nieces and nephews in the Werestiuk and Graham families.

Mike grew up on the family farm in Sundown, where he learned his incredible work ethic. After grade 6, he decided that helping support his family was more important than school, and he began working full time. He moved to Winnipeg as a young adult and met his wife of 58 years in a bowling league. They married a year later, October 7th, 1967, and had three children. They lived in their family home on Gilmore Avenue in Winnipeg from 1973-2006.

Mike had a long career as a butcher; working at Swifts and later at East West Packers, Flasher Meats and Preferred Meats, where he was known for his meticulous work and efficiency. He was always proud to outwork the younger staff, even when he came out of retirement to cover vacation leave. His butcher skills were valuable to many hunters as he cut countless deer in the garage and the basement at their house on Gilmore. He never tired of his sausage-making duty for extended family, producing endless pounds of breakfast sausage, garlic sausage, koulbie dogs, and smoked goldeye.

Mike was an outdoor enthusiast and had incredible bush skills, never afraid to boat in for a fishing trip and spend the night under the stars. He took his family camping and fishing in Point du Bois and Asessippi, where he would show off his skills for trapping squirrels and catching fish.

In 2006, Mike and Jean built their retirement home In Pinawa, with help from family and friends. He enjoyed many years fishing daily from his backyard, golfing, and cutting wood. He would take off in his boat and be gone for hours, either alone or with one of his kids, grandkids, or whomever was blessed to have a ride in his boat. He knew where every rock was in that river and where the best fishing holes were.

Mike enjoyed visiting his kids and grandchildren and beamed with pride when he talked about them. They all hold countless precious memories with their dad and grandpa. He was one of a kind.

Mike’s wife, Jean, was by his side through many medical challenges and life changes over the past few years. He was well taken care of over the past 8 months by loving staff at the Pinawa hospital and the Whitemouth Personal Care Home. It gave Jean and family great comfort knowing that he was loved and cared for when they couldn’t be right by his side. Mike will be sorely missed by many, leaving behind countless cherished memories, and his legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 at 1:00p.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, 1035 Park Avenue East in Beausejour, Manitoba.

The Family encourages all to come share their stories and a light lunch with one another in honor of Mike. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mike’s name to Whitemouth Personal Care Home or The War Amps at: https://www.waramps.ca/ways-to-give/donate/

SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL

AND CREMATORIUM

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com