Obituary of Michael Mudray

MUDRAY: Mike Steven Mudray of Brandon, Manitoba, born in Ste. Rose Du Lac, Manitoba on July 23, 1941, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on September 27, 2014 at the age of 73 years. Mike grew up on the family farm near East Bay with his parents, Mike and Stephanie, his brother Barry and many nearby Aunts, Uncles and cousins. This formed many close friendships that would endure a lifetime. Mike contracted rheumatic fever at age 12 and wasn't expected to survive – he was under care for months but pulled through; this spirit of perseverance was a characteristic of Mike that anyone who knew him recognized. In 1959, the family moved to Brandon. Mike attended Brandon Collegiate Institute and then completed his psychiatric nursing training at the Brandon Mental Health Centre; graduating in 1962. After many years as a psychiatric nurse, he switched careers and worked for many years as a radio communications technician at WestMan Electronics, until issues related to his rheumatoid arthritis forced him to take early retirement in 1992. Mike (VE4OM), aka "Oscar Mike" or the "Old Man" has been a member of the Brandon Amateur Radio Club since 1968. His interest in amateur radio has afforded him friendships across Canada but in particular, the local club was a close-knit group of friends that enjoyed many activities (field days, Ham Fests) together through the years that Mike thoroughly enjoyed. At Saturday coffee, he will be missed. Mike was also a staunch supporter of the animals and spent many years as a volunteer and Board Member to The Brandon Humane Society. He had a particular fondness for Siamese Cats and shared his home with many over the years. Mike lived life with an open heart and open mind. This kind approach enabled Mike to forage many close friendships with a great variety of people. While his family was small, many of these friends where akin to an extended family that supported Mike when needed and could expect the same, without question, in return. Mike is survived by a daughter, Tara whom he raised and was particularly close to, and a son-in-law of twenty years, Steven Rystephanuk (whom he called 'son'), both of Vancouver. Also left to mourn is brother Barry, whom he considered among his best friends, sister-in-law (whom he called 'sister') Anne and very special nephew Colin, all of Winnipeg and niece Trisha of London, ON. Finally, he is survived by a God-daughter, Hannah Koversky of Brandon and his best friends, Mike Bilowus and Jenny Chatt, both of Brandon. Mike was predeceased by his father, Mike in 2012 and his mother, Stephanie in 2013. A Memorial Reception will be held at the Central United Church Auditorium, 327-8th Street, on Friday, October 3, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Walter Gibbons directing prayers. Donations in Mike's memory can be made to his favourite charity, The Brandon Humane Society, 2200 17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6.