I am one of the fourteen cousins to Michael that some have named the infamous “Fabulous Fourteen”. Mike was the oldest male cousin while, I, Elmer, was the youngest. Perhaps, that is how Mike and I became bonded in a sense.
I recall his mother calling him fondly as “Meenya” and as a child that was the name I used. In chatting with my brother Lawrence, he says that cousins Sam, Peter and Russel were all the same age and had a problem pronouncing his name in Russian and what came out was “Miska.”
I knew Mike as someone that always had something humorous to say when we were young. He seemed to have time to talk to me and that relationship continued through our life-time.
I remember having to travel with Mom and Dad and Mary on a buckboard all the way from Pelly to attend Mike and Verna’s wedding.
Unfortunately, we did not live close to each other and in later years we became even further separated but when we did come to visit, Mike and Verna were always a must see. They, in turn, were generous in their hospitality. When I introduced my wife Marilyn to them, it was the genuine visit which included playing “Doorakee” in cards with the usual complaint that the men were cheating which you all know never happened.
I recall that when they still lived on the farm, we visited them at Christmas time. As we were ready to depart, Mike warned me about this slippery part on the hill located about 600 yards from their yard. He cautioned that cousin Peter Verigin had visited him the evening before. Several minutes later Peter was back and claimed that an icy patch had caused his truck to spin around and come back. This apparently necessitated another drink.
And so, this routine was repeated by Peter several times until finally he was left that evening. So Mike warned me that he was not sure whether Peter was using this as an excuse for another drink or perhaps it was true. We laughed and agreed that Peter was exaggerating and being funny.
Well lo and behold, just as Marilyn and I were still laughing, our 1955 Ford, just spun around and there we were driving back into the yard. Yes, Mike and Verna were standing there in uncontrollable mirth. Of course, we had to have another drink, wouldn’t you?
Over the years, we visited them in all the places that they lived until finally, Kamsack. In later years, we could always find Mike at his favorite Coffee place in the morning and afternoon.
Life was not easy for my cousin as he became the man of the house as a teenager when his father was away. Lawrence, again, recalls how Mike had to represent the family with a rack and horses to be one of the contributors in hauling sheaves to the threshing machine at harvest. Brothers Russel and Lawrence made up one rig and Mike alone handled his. Lawrence recalls how the high wagon used was unstable and Mike had his loaded unit tip over to Mike’s embarrassment but could be well understood considering his age.
He matured quickly and had to find work away from home in order to have spending money.”
I watched him after he took to farming his own farm after marriage and he was frugal with money. He seemed to have all kinds of animals on the farm, trying to make the most of what he had. He was definitely a good farmer.
After retirement, he made a trip to visit all his relatives in British Columbia. We enjoyed his visit well.
Verna and Mike were proud of their son and especially of the grandchildren. We were fortunate to see mike at Eaglestone July 19, 2016. He again told us what all his grandchildren and Great Grandchildren were doing. He was concerned about Marilyn’s cough and offered one of his special cough candies to relieve her cough which is an indication of his love for. people.
We did not realize that this was our last time together.
Rest in Peace Michael and you are now with Verna and many others that are there to greet you!
Our condolences to the family and all of you at this funeral.
Submitted by Elmer Verigin, August 10, 2016
Elmer Verigin 