It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our loving father at age 94 on June 4, 2024 after a short illness. Survived by his loving wife Angela with whom he celebrated 62 years of marriage. Loving father of Steve (Mary), Patricia Makaric (Brian), Millicent Hill (Jim), Nada Orshinsky (Dave), and Mike (Michele). Beloved Deda to Tyler, Brock (Arielle), and Brianna Makaric; James, Steven, and Meghan Hill; Nicholas, Alexander, and Matthew Orshinsky; and Michael, Edward, and Angelina Vorkapich. Born November 19, 1929 to Vujo and Petra Vorkapich. Predeceased by his brother Steve, sister-in-law Millie, brother-in-law Gojko Daich, and sister-in-law Ljubica. Stric to Daniella, Lisa, Sonia, Mimi, Mark and their families. Ujak to Boro, Pero, Angie and their families. Will be missed by his beloved Kumovi Dragich family. A special thank you to his niece Daniella (Vorkapich) Dickens who spent his last hours with him in the hospital. Thank you to family friend, Gary Ternovan, whose daily visits to solve the problems of the world put a big smile on our dad’s face. A heartfelt thank you to all of the devoted caregivers at home and Met Hospital.
Mike was so proud of his Serbian heritage, and Canadian citizenship. His Drouillard Road roots connecting with so many other Eastern European families were his foundation of realizing the importance of education and community involvement. He enjoyed a 39 year teaching career at Wallaceburg and Leamington High Schools. Authoring several agriculture and environmental science textbooks was a most rewarding experience that he cherished….almost as much as the yearly field trips for his students to the Royal Winter Fair, Growers’ Convention, and local dairy / livestock farms. He volunteered for several years with the Leamington Kiwanis and KEY Clubs, Federation of Agriculture, MADD, 4-H Club, Serbian National Federation, Cancer Society, and coaching teams at school and in the community.
Mike was a proud graduate of Michigan State University where he was a member of the baseball team. He was easily recognized by his daily Spartan wardrobe. His proudest moments were watching his five children and many grandchildren earn their post-secondary degrees.
Former students, classmates, teammates, colleagues, neighbours, and buddies were given the most important title from Mike: FRIEND. Once Mike crossed paths with you, you were a friend for life.
Some of Mike and Angela’s fondest memories in life were attending their kids’ sporting events. This was only surpassed in later years by watching their grandchildren’s games.
Donations in Mike’s memory may be made to The Windsor Regional Cancer Centre or Grachanica Serbian Orthodox Church.
Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home – Banwell Chapel (11677 Tecumseh Rd E.) 519-253-7235 on Friday, June 7th, 2024 from 2-5pm and 7-9pm. Prayers will be held at 8pm. Saturday, June 8th, 2024 a funeral service will be held at Grachanica Serbian Orthodox Church (1960 Meldrum Road) at 10am. Interment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. To express condolences and share cherished memories, please refer to the online guest book.
Gary Soumis passed away suddenly at the age of 73 on July 10, 2024. Cherished father of Amy Soumis-Crowell (Kevin) and James Soumis (Sherri). Proud Papa of Alexandra and Kamryn Crowell, Sylar and Slater Soumis. Proud dog dad to late Riley. Brother of Linda Soumis. Dear Uncle of Corrie (Tom), Carrie (Tim), and Kellie (Jay). Predeceased by his parents Harry and Doris Soumis. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, especially Vickie, Ron, Mr. Mike, Dan and Chuck.
