Mike Plandowski

Plandowski, Mike
Dec., 5, 1939-July 15, 2022
Mike Plandowski passed away at the Southwood Care Center Hospice, in Calgary where he enjoyed his last two months soaking up the sun on the patio and enjoying outings with family in Calgary. Prior to hospice, he lived independently in Lloydminster, driving to community lunches and dinners at the Legacy Center, Anglican Church, Grace United Church, and the Olive Tree. He was often in the company of his close friends, Andy Hryniuk and Allan Monasterski. He is survived by his children, Allen Plandowski, Shzan Plandowski, and Zha-Zha Abernethy; his younger sister, Jenny Matheson, his kid brother, Steve Plandowski; his sister-in-law Marieanne Plandowski; his brother-in-law Garry Matheson, his daughter in-law Brenda (Allen); his son-in-laws Eric Ortolan (Shzan) and Brett Abernethy (Zha-Zha); his grandchildren Savannah Plandowski, Shane Plandowski, and Jennah Plandowski (Allen); his grandson Orion Ortolan (Shzan); his grandchildren Joshua Abernethy and Lilya Abernethy (Zha-Zha); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Always a tinkerer, he enjoyed projects that kept him on the go. Two handyman items always within arm’s reach were his trusty utility knife and tube of crazy glue. He was an unrepentant lover of butter, yogurt, and McDonald’s double-double coffees.
Mike led a fascinating life, having embarked on an early career in the 60s as a meteorologist, followed in the 70s as a R.N. and finally getting is Power Engineering 4th class from N.A.I.T. in 1980. For his remaining career, he worked in building and mechanical maintenance for various businesses and organizations, while also driving a school bus for over twenty years in the Lloydminster school district.
Always curious and a lifelong learner, he traveled extensively throughout his life. He visited Mexico, Japan, Australia, France, Arctic Canada (work), the Rocky Mountains, Quebec, Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) and his much beloved Tofino, B.C., decades before it became an ‘it’ destination. His desire to learn and explore cultures was part of a progressive and liberal outlook on life, one that advocated for the vulnerable, the marginalized and the misunderstood.
A sincere thank you to Dr. Kerlis, family physician; Jaime Hundeby with Lloydminster palliative care, and the entire staff at Southwood Care Centre in Calgary for respecting and supporting his autonomy through the last stage of his life.
A memorial luncheon will be held at the Anglican church 4709 - 49th Ave, Lloydminster, SK on July 31st at 1pm.