Mike Vorkapich
November 19 1929 - June 04 2024
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Lucy (Willms) Isley. posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
My deepest sympathies to the family. Just heard today that Mike had passed away in June. I was a neighbour of the Vorkapichs many years ago in Leamington.
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Marcella Choquette posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, July 12, 2024
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Just learning of the passing of this kind gentleman. It was a privilege to know him. Deepest sympathies to everyone.
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Mark Ribble posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Vorkapich’s passing. In recent years, when visiting my in-laws in Tecumseh, I’d run into him often at the Tim Hortons on Southfield and we’d have a nice chat. It’s been 50 years since he taught me at LDSS and he actually noticed me before I noticed him. Always a fair teacher and always told stories about his days in the Tigers farm system and loved to talk sports of any kind. My
Science marks were the best they ever were when he was my teacher in grade 9 and 10. My condolences to the entire family. Steve and I played a lot of baseball together back in the day.
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Steve Vorkapich Posted Jul 4, 2024 at 6:19 AM
Thank you Mark for your kind words. I know my Dad (and our family) always enjoyed reading your column every week. He also liked your brother Pat and always pulled for him in his hockey career. Running into you at the Tim Horton's always put a big smile on his face.
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Tom McGirr posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
On behalf of the McGirr family, I want to extend our belated condolences and sympathy to the Vorkapich family, Mike was a dear friend of my father's through their time in the Kiwanis Club and their love of baseball. I was also fortunate to have him as a teacher during my days at the Leamington District Secondary School. May he rest in peace.
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Marcelo Sarkis posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
My deepest condolences to Pat and all the family.
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Richard Bilinski posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
My prayers are with the entire family after the loss of a very special man. Very few have such a positive impact on the lives of so many. Some of my fondest memories from High School are from his class and our trips to The Royal. The smile that came on his face whenever we met in the years after High School always made me feel special.
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Susie Fioret lit a candle
Friday, June 21, 2024
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Dear Steve and family, I am very sorry to hear the passing of your wonderful father. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. RIP Mr.Vorkavich
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Darren Gilbert posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
My deepest sympathies.
I have a lot of special memories with Mr. Vorkapich and his family.
Growing up in Leamington, our families spent a lot of meaningful times together.
He was a very generous wise man. I remember he enjoyed chatting politics with me.
He will be greatly missed.
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Sandra Nepon posted a condolence
Sunday, June 16, 2024
My condolences to the loving family of Mike. I wish you peace and strength at this sad time. I shall miss seeing you sitting outside to observe the neighbourhood. You always had a smile and story. I will miss you.
Sandra Nepon
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Georgina (Kosanovic) Giles posted a condolence
Monday, June 10, 2024
Dear Teta Angie, Steve, Patricia, Millicent, Nada and Mike:
I was so very sorry to hear of your huge loss and I send my deepest sympathies from England. I shall always remember your father as the coach of our Gracanica SNF basketball team, and the epic journey in the station wagon to and from summer camp in Ohio. Please extend my condolences to all the family, and may your Tata's memory be eternal!
Love,
Georgina (Kosanovic) Giles
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Dorothy Mahoney posted a condolence
Sunday, June 9, 2024
My deepest sympathies at this sad time. As a new teacher I appreciated Mike's kindness, honesty and humour. It was my good fortune to teach his son, Mike, and then to teach with Steve! A beautiful legacy of a truly special man.
Dorothy Mahoney
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Lloyd Symons posted a condolence
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Sad to hear of Mr. Vorkapich's passing . He made an impression to everyone he taught . It's been 54 years since he taught me , and I still remember him very fondly . R.I.P. Sir .
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Sam Kaspar posted a condolence
Saturday, June 8, 2024
So sorry to hear, but I know he lived a full life and inspired his family, students, and the community....he was definitely one heck of an all star teacher (9th grade science, 1983!!) & mentor... he'd stop to chat with me over the years: hallways of LDSS or wherever our paths crossed. 2 of my buddies and I wanted to become stronger swimmers and took lessons at Kinsmen pool from his daughter... I last saw this wonderful man at the post office when I was home from university, the year he'd just retired... he was so proud yet so humble when I recounted the foundations he'd helped provide me with, and I echoed the same compliment about the swimming... he then smiled that smile which was somehow head coach sternness and goofy buddy joy simultaneously, he shook my hand and brightened as he said "Millicent will be so thrilled to know that, I'll tell her," and with a hearty nod we parted ways amicably. Loved that guy: charisma, brains, and caring
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Perry and Marlene Impens posted a condolence
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Our condolences to the Vorkapich family. We are so very sorry for you loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
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Mark Loop posted a condolence
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Rest in peace Mr Vorkapich. My deepest sympathies to the family
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Leah De Leo (Jackiw) posted a condolence
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Dear Mrs. Vorkapich, Nada, Millicent, Mike, Pat and Steve,
Our parents were always such good friends and yours were always so welcoming to me as a kid, coming over to swim and play, then later to my children to play and swim with yours. I have such fond memories. Please know that you are all in my thoughts. Much love. Leah
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Crystal Nash posted a condolence
Saturday, June 8, 2024
My condolences to the Vorkapich family. As a student of Mr. Vorkapich I can still remember the day he had our class dissect a frog. He always said hello whether you were in the school hallway or later in life. When you saw him years later he would stop and say hello and as how you were. It always amazed me that he could remember your name considering how many students he taught.
I am a very lucky person to have known Mr. Vorkapich.
May the memory of him carry you through this difficult time.
Crystal (Ribble) Nash
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Blanche (Reid) Rabideau posted a condolence
Friday, June 7, 2024
My deepest condolences to Mike's family. I knew him as a teacher, my brother's 4H leader and a friend. He was always one of my favourite people at Leamington District Secondary School.
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Marla Funkenhauser-Wiper posted a condolence
Friday, June 7, 2024
My high school years were made much more enjoyable due to this wonderful man who was a great Science teacher but also wonderful friend! I hold many fond memories of him and he will never be forgotten. My condolences to the whole Family as you go through this difficult time. Sincerely, Marla (McLean) Funkenhauser-Wiper.
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Robert Mclean and Joyce McLean posted a condolence
Friday, June 7, 2024
Our condolences to all of the Vorkapich family on the passing of Mike. I taught with his son at Ruthven and enjoyed Steve's friendship. Steve could really hit a golf ball! My daughter had Mike as her science teacher early on in high school. I went in for an interview even though Marla had an excellent mark. I asked if he had any concerns with Marla. I was astonished when he said ,
" Yes"! He informed me that although she had a terrific mark, she socialized too much in class. He mentioned who sat near her and they were all close friends of my daughter. I asked if he had a spot close to the front. Mike did move Marla and the two of them developed a very good relationship. Mike enjoyed Marla's bubbly personality, and he asked her if she wanted to go on some class excursions even though she wasn't taking that class at that time. Marla enjoyed her friendship with Mr. Vorkapich for many years.
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Kevin Nichoson posted a condolence
Friday, June 7, 2024
We am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father. Mr Vorkapich was a great guy and will truly be missed. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Kevin ,Lisa Nicholson and family
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Allan Techko posted a condolence
Friday, June 7, 2024
Dear Mrs. Vorkapich, Steve, Pat, Millicent, Nada, Mike, we are so very sorry to hear of Mr. Vorkapich's passing. He was a wonderful man who loved his family dearly, inspired his students, and gave so much to others and his community. Our sincerest condolences. Alice, Allan, Susan Techko
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Stacey Bailey posted a condolence
Friday, June 7, 2024
Deepest condolences on the loss of Mr Vorkapich, I was a former student and he was always one of my favourite teachers.
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Joan Motruk posted a condolence
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Dear Vorkapich family, we are sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father, Mike. Mike was a friend of the family for many decades, from growing up in the neighbourhood with Val and through meeting on the ball diamond where Steve coached the girls, we have many fond memories of visits talking the old days and sports. May he rest in peace… Joan Motruk and family
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Leigh Comartin posted a condolence
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Vorkapich Family
Very sorry to learn of Mike’s recent passing. He was a true gentleman and always a pleasure to talk to. I met Mike at Blonde’s Restaurant and always teased him about his MSU ties. Come to find out that way back in the day, in area of Lowe and Lanspeary Park, Mike had chummed with my mother, Lois Comartin, and various friends. Small world. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sorrowful time. Prayers up.
A donation has been made in Mike’s name with the Heart and Stroke Society.
Leigh and Victoria Comartin
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Ron McGuire posted a condolence
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Angie, Millicent and families. My journey with Mike was brief but intense. We talked about the rivalry of Leamington and Essex high-schools, about the teaching profession, but mostly about sports. He had passion, but always a smile. Sorry for your loss and your pain, but the memories will be great. To the grandchildren (I know 3) remember him as a GIFT!
Ron McGuire.
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John Dowhaniuk Jr posted a condolence
Thursday, June 6, 2024
My condolences to the family on the passing of Mr. Vorkapich. He will be welcomed by all the other Druillard Rd kids that have passed before him. May he rest in peace
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Sam Dragich posted a condolence
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Julie and I wish to share our condolences to Kuma Angie and the Vorkapich family on the passing of Kum Mike.… who had the greatest smile in the world. Some of our fondest memories are of the good times at our family get togethers. Mike was responsible for my interest and love and respect for the game of baseball. He loaned me his brother Steve’s baseball glove so I could go and try out for a little league baseball team when I was 10. I remember going to watch him and his buddies play pick up ball between the large oil tanks off St. Luke Road. Later, I was proud that he played baseball at MSU and then again in the senior leagues in Windsor. I recall watching many games at Lanspeary, George Avenue and Stodgell Parks. I thank Kum Mike for not only inspiring me to become a longtime baseball coach, but also to pursue an ieducational career. It is good to see another Druillard Road kid make it in the world… A great loving parent, successful educator-author, and a goodwill ambassador for Windsor and the Serbian community. May he rest in peace. Love, Kum and Kuma, Sam and Julie ❤️
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Steve Vorkapich Posted Jun 10, 2024 at 8:00 AM
Thank you Kum Sammy. The friendship between Vaso Dragich and Vujo Vorkapich has led to so many birthday and Christmas celebrations, christenings, family gatherings, etc. You being my Dad's Best Man and my Godfather carries a special place in mine and my Dad's heart.
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Lynda Pigeon posted a condolence
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Love and prayers at this most difficult time.Murray and Lynda Pigeon
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Ray Buncic posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Dear Angie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. Please accept my sincere condolences. Life next door to the Vorkapich family in my childhood on Albert road is filled with many happy memories. Mike was my go-to guy, friend and babysitter ( being 10 years older) and we spent many happy hours together, often sharing cookies with Strina Petra. in the kitchen.Their home was my home. I recall running away from home with my little suitcase at age 4 knowing I would find safety and compassion at Mikes ( at least till I tired and returned home!). When I was an older teen, he invited my to drive to Michigan State to watch a football game and meet his professor. It was a great and inspiring experience to join the vast university culture for a day. Every birthday of mine Mike would telephone me in Toronto and we'd catch up, share stories about hour activities and children. I will always remember Mike as a generous and caring friend, who was honest and giving of his love and support. May you all be blessed with and cherish the many memories of sharing life with Mike.
Sincerely and with love,
Ray
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Pat Makaric Posted Jun 5, 2024 at 10:16 PM
Thank you for some stories of his/ your childhood. He loved you and was so proud to know you. Love, Pat (Petra) and family. I spoke with you on the phone when you called one evening after my mom broke her legs. Take care
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Terry Galloway posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
I was a student in Mike's Agriculture classes at LDSS, where I took Agriculture from Grade 9 to Grade 12 (1964-1968). This in no small part contributed to my pursuit of a B.Sc.(Agr.) at the University of Guelph when I finished high school. It was at Guelph that I majored in Entomology, what eventually led to graduate work and a long and rewarding career in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba, incidentally, where Steve Stothers and I shared the same building and attended many quilt events in attendance with our wives. I am long retired now, but I still speak often of the ground-breaking Agriculture programme at LDSS, and the impact of Mike Vorkapich on my professional career. My sincere condolences to the family.
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Michael Saffran posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Dear Vorkapich family: Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. As an East Windsorite myself
I know Mike represented that great European culture our parents gave us and he in turn passed it on to his family. An excellent educator, professional, and most important a kind and caring gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Mike Saffran
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Tracey Kelly posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Mrs. Vorkapich, Steve, Pat, Millicent, Nadia, and Mike,
Please accept our family’s deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. Our families have been connected since the seventies and to lose our loved ones within weeks of one another is almost too much to bear. We will always remember Mike attending every one of Steve’s ball games. Not a game went by that he didn’t talk to “Coach” John. Of course, we all know his love of MSU that he passed on to the family. So much green and white. We wish you all peace in this most difficult time.
The Upham Family, Carol, Tracey and Martin
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Ed Gaier posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Mrs. Vorkapich, Steve, Pat, Millicent, Nada, Mike and families. My deepest condolences on the passing of your husband and dad. I have many fond memories of hanging out at your home on Margaret Street when I was young. As we all got older, Mr. Vorkapich would often stop and talk to me for an extended length of time whenever I ran into him. He was always very kind and sociable. You were all very fortunate to have him as your family patriarch.
Ed Gaier
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Jo-Anne Grozelle posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
To Steve and Millicent, Our condolences on the passing of your father. A beautifully detailed description of his life left me in awe of such a man. The entire family must be so proud. May God support and guide everyone through these days of sadness.
Russ and Jo-Anne Grozelle
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Gord Miall posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Mike’s smile was like a big hug. He surrounded you with positive energy whether he was in the classroom or on the baseball field. Gord and I will hold close many happy memories of a man we called friend! Our hearts are with you all.
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betty dadd (moore) posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Our sincere condolences to Millicent and all her family on the passing of her dear father! May all your fond memories give you comfort at this most difficult time! God bless everyone! Wayne & Betty Moore
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Ross Spettigue posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
I knew Mike, firstly as a teaching/coaching (Mike coached soccer at LDSS) acquaintance. In time, through my interaction with Mike’s family, I came to know Mike as a fine friend. The more I learned about Mike, his teaching ability, his athletic prowess (baseball), and his devotion to both his wife and each of his children, my respect and admiration for Mike as a man grew exponentially. Mike had a great sense of humour never failing to point out to me that while my Michigan Wolverines were OK, they could never reach the level of his MSU Spartans—we laughed together during those conversations. I shall remember for a long time, the trip to see Notre Dame play Brigham Young in South Bend, set up by Mike’s son, also named Mike—we took a chance and let Mike’s other son, Steve, do the driving. Mike Vorkapich was a highly principled man with solid integrity. It was an honour to be his friend. To Mike’s family, I express my most sincere condolences and please know that warm memories of Mike are will be me always. God Bless.
Ross Spettigue,
Windsor, ON
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Duane Bear posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Dear Steve and Mary, Please accept our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your Dad. His beautiful obituary radiates your love and his legacy, a life well lived. Duane and Marcia
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Diana Radoja posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Dearest Teta Andja and cousins,
Our sincere condolences to all of you on the repose of +Tetak Mike. Fond memories for all of us of a life well lived. May his Memory be Eternal. Hoping to be with you on Saturday, God Willing.
Love,
Bob and Darinka Radoja and family
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Wayne LaBute lit a candle
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
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Mike was a wonderful family man, a mentor, and all who knew him respected him. He would visit me at work and we would trade books to read. He will be missed by all. Rest in Peace Mike. We loved you. Wayne, Carolyn, Derek & Brad LaBute
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Royce Drummond posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Vorkapich family for your loss. Mike was a great teacher at Leamington High. I personally had him for a year between 64-68.
Thanking you Angela for letting him teach us all through the years may he rest now knowing his job was well done.
God Bless.
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The family of Mike Vorkapich uploaded a photo
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
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