April 21, 1937 – September 23, 2024
On Monday morning, peacefully Michael Rogers passed away. Lovingly known as Dad, Grandpa Mike, and Uncle Mike, left this world ready to reunite with the love of his life, Rose Sawka (nee Barta), whom he had dearly missed for the past 9 years. We take comfort in knowing they are together again.
He was the baby of 8 children and predeceased by all of his siblings: Billy, Eddie, Jimmy, Joey, Jenny, Florence, and infant Danny. Also predeceased by his infant son Michael. He is survived by his children Danny, Cheryl, James & Donna, and by his stepchildren Debbie (Rick), Steven, Cathy & Shari (Brant), and by his grandchildren Josh, Dillon and Cameron, and great grandchild Emmett on the Rogers side, and on Rose’s side Peggysue, Selena, Shauna, Amber, Stephen, Carly, Stephanie, Frankie, Curtis, Paul, Gerald, and Brooke, and numerous great grandchildren. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton Island the sea has certainly remained with him however inland he moved. In his early years he worked in the mines on the island, eventually moving west for work. He worked in Fort Frances where he met the mother of his children Dona. He later moved to Winnipeg and last worked at Reeds, where in the late 70’s he met his true love, Rose.
Mike’s life was full of adventure, especially with Rose by his side. Whether they were hitting up casinos or taking road trips across Canada, they shared a deep love for each other and the world around them. Their home on Zamec Road in Hadashville hosted many late night card games. In Hadashville Mike would take daily walks to the river and back, often with his most beloved dog Hobo. The love of the river was instilled in all of his children and grandchildren, and many days were spent joyfully swimming there. Mike and Rose made dear friends with those around them, and their neighbours truly became family. Mike and Rose were always the hosts, so it was no surprise that when their home flooded their entire community rallied around them to assist. Their happiest years were spent in Hadashville, a place they called home for many years together and held dear in their hearts. It will forever remain a place of cherished memories for all those who knew them.
Mike and Rose loved to travel to Las Vegas – often on a whim. Their spontaneity was infectious, and once they decided they were going to do something, they would do just that. Nothing would hold them back – they would just get up and go. Their last trip to Vegas was one of their favourite trips even though they were both mobility challenged – that didn’t hold them back. They travelled the strip on their dueling scooters and enjoyed every minute of it.
In Mike’s later years he still remained as sharp and witty as ever, brightening even his toughest days with his fantastic sense of humour. His Montréal Canadiens and Blue Jays kept him entertained, and he even took a liking to cheering on the Winnipeg Jets in recent years. He enjoyed connecting with his family during visits and daily by telephone, often speaking with Gary, his nephew that was more like a brother to him.
Mike especially loved being with and talking with his children and grandchildren. When it was time for us to leave or hang up, he would often say “So soon?” He was so proud of each and every one of us, celebrating our accomplishments in the form of storytelling at his adult day program, with his home care attendants, and with his family and friends.
Mike loved seafood. Never has there been anyone else in our lives that we know that loved seafood more, especially lobster. He loved his lobster like no other but would never turn down a good meal of fish, shrimp, or “anything that swims” is what he would often say.
The family is thankful for the care provided to our Dad by Debbie and Shari after Rose’s passing, as well as to the dedicated special home care workers that have been with him for many years.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private immediate family service has occurred, just the way he wanted.
Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that you are back with Rose. You were loved so much and will be missed more than words can express. Rest easy and visit us often in our dreams.
Please don’t hesitate to share your memories with us, we look forward to reading them.
1 thought on “Michael Rogers”
Brooke brought so much joy to Grandpa Mike. He was so very proud of her accomplishments and oh so loved her singing. She sang at our private family gathering and I know both Grandpa and Baba were smiling down on her and us.
She sang his favourite, Shenandoah that he insisted she learn for him, and every time in the past few years that she saw Grandpa she would sing it to him. The day before, well in actuality only hours before he passed away, she sang it to him and although he was so tired he was seen trying to sing along with her. will forever remember “Uncle Mike” and will miss his quick wit and sense of humour immensely. He was always game for adventure and did whatever my mom wanted. They were spicy in their earlier years however as they grew older together he would rather be happy than be right, and he was a true partner for my mom, and cared for her as cancer overtook her. When Brant and I were away on a trip abroad, he even attended the attached nursing home and fed my dad, aka Grandpa Peter. He had no problem looking out for those he loved, and in actuality he quite liked my dad too.
They got to know one another more when my mom first got her cancer treatments and we moved both he and Mom into our house for over 6-8 months, where lived me, my dad, Brant, Brooke, my mom & Uncle Mike, my dog and my cat!
Necessity, for the sake of a loved one, trumped all. I am glad that I had the opportunity to make memories with all of them together for that period of time, however tough those days sometimes were with my mom’s illness.
I am so thankful for “Uncle Mike” and the impact he had on my life when raising me. He made me believe that anything was possible for me, and in turn shared that belief for Brooke. I spent countless hours of my life talking with him on the phone when they were in Hadashville and when my Mom wasn’t home, he would speak to me for hours. We were very close. He would read with me when I was little all the time, and I would recite the same book over and over to him – he never tired of that. He kept me engaged and never grew tired of my boundless energy. He and my mom attended all of my softball games and he gave me $20 for each home run… they loved watching me play so much that when we won the provincials, both he and my mom bought themselves jackets with my number 12 on them.
He loved my husband. He and Brant shared many laughs and loves – particularly ice cream and seafood, and me.
I will forever miss his cheerleading for me and for Brooke – but I knowing my heart he will be cheering from above along with our other dearly departed.
I take comfort in knowing you are with Mom again. Rest easy – I love you.