Jul 9, 1950 - May 19, 2018
Born July 9, 1950 in Oliver, BC. Passed away May 19, 2018 in Vernon, BC.
Mike was a lifelong resident of the Okanagan and lived in Vernon for over 60 years. He started elementary school only speaking Russian, was a very hard worker and made taking care of his family a priority.
Mike was a sports fan all his life. He loved hockey and very much enjoyed softball, fastball and soccer. He started work at 10 to afford hockey skates and ended up winning the BC Championships with the Vernon Esso's. He later played for the Reno Aces in the NAHL and has many hat tricks under his belt.
After hockey Mike started curling and quickly showed he could curl at a high level as well. Far too many league championships and bonspiel events to mention, with Super League and Zone championships as well. Always a tough competitor.
Mike found another passion in Duplicate Bridge. In 1980 he achieved the Life Master ranking in the American Contract Bridge League. In 1996 he became Bronze Life Master.
Later in life he took up golf and skiing. The Winter prior to his diagnosis, he was at Silver Star 48 days. He met many great friends at Predator Ridge where he worked and golfed for 10 years. His favorite golf courses were Christina Lake and the Ridge course at Predator.
Late in the Summer of 2017, after having lost 100 pounds, he played his favorite Christina Lake course with his Son Trevor (TJ), wife Terri and their Daughters Hana (5) and Paige (4). He taught Hana how to putt, and a great putter he was! Mike made a par on each of his last two holes, the final a great 10-foot breaker that was center cup.
The greatest joy in Mike's life was his family. Michael was a single parent and took great pride in raising his son TJ. Raising and helping his Son was his greatest joy in his life. Mike was so pleased when a wedding came about which brought with it the birth of his two beautiful Granddaughters whom he loved deeply and was sad to miss them growing up.
Mike fought so hard against a terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis, believing all the way that he was going the distance. As he did with most things in his life, he fought very successfully. While there were some very difficult times, the end was peaceful - thank God.
Mike and the Perepolkin family would like to thank Dr. Humphrey and Dr. Andrew along with all the staff at Vernon Jubilee. Hospice was a blessing, a heartfelt thank you to ALL their staff - it made a world of difference to Mike and his family.
Mike's request was that there be no funeral service. Mike will be buried at the Vernon Cemetery.
The Perepolkin family will donate to the Hospice Society and welcomes you to support them as well.