MICHAEL “MIKE” MUNROE

It’s with great sadness we say good-bye to our beloved husband and father, Mike, who died suddenly a few days before Christmas. He is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Rose (neé Nadolny); son Chris; daughter Kayla; and nephew Daniel. He was predeceased by his younger brother, Patrick Munroe; father, Wayne Munroe; and mother, Carrie Munroe (neé Moser).

Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Mike moved to Winnipeg as a child, where summers at Camp Manitou sparked a love of the outdoors. At Grant Park High School, he made lifelong friends and discovered a love of photography. He then worked with Katimavik, which he enjoyed immensely, learning outdoor skills and self-reliance.

Mike knew machines and mechanics inside-out. At Red River College, he excelled in his studies, becoming a Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic, and eventually an elite Red Seal Mechanic. He was qualified to inspect every type of licensed vehicle in Canada, earning the nickname “the Rain Man” for his exceptional ability to solve complicated problems. From his time as a Heavy Duty Mechanic for Manitoba’s Department of Highways, to his many years in management, service, sales, and consulting, Mike’s expertise and enthusiasm for a job well done garnered him the respect of customers and peers alike. 

Throughout all this, Mike met his devoted and lifelong partner, Rose. They married on May 30, 1984, and moved into a tiny house on Elmhurst in Charleswood, where they raised their family of Chris, Kayla, and many, many cats.

Mike loved Chris and Kayla with all his heart. When they were little, he always had his camera with him, capturing their childhoods in beautiful pictures. Throughout their school years, Mike spent countless happy hours coaching every hockey team Chris played on. He and Rose were incredibly proud to watch them both grow up into amazing adults.

When Mike was at home, he enjoyed hanging out with friends in his garage. He always had some vehicle up on a hoist or a pile of parts being tinkered with. Sometimes they’d just talk shop; other times he’d join them on his beloved Beamer motorcycle for a road trip.

Unexpectedly, Mike’s other love was his pear tree. A housewarming gift from his mother and Grandpa Bill, he and Bill planted it in the backyard when they first moved in, and Mike watered and babied it for the rest of his days.

Although heart issues slowed him down in later years, Mike remained a loyal friend, always ready to lend a hand or his expertise. His final moments were spent, fittingly, in his happy place: tinkering in his garage.

A private celebration of Mike’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully asks people to consider a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society. 

Mike’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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