Michael Dolha

Michael Edward Dolha, affectionately known as “Mookie” was born on January 8th, 1985 passed away in his home in Winnipeg on September 7th, 2022. At 37 years old, Mike transitioned beyond this earthly realm by listening to classic rock, surrounded by prized treasures from past adventures, his loving family and friends by his side.

Mike enjoyed the simple things in life and had a gift for being in the moment. He loved spending time with his wife Alexe and son Alex. Whether it was travelling, watching Lord of The Rings, gaming, drawing, fishing and boating in Gimli or spending time at his mother’s trailer at Chelsey’s Resort in Petersfield. One of Mike’s last big adventures included a trip to Tofino and Delta, B.C, that included a deep sea fishing trip with uncle Kevin. That turned into quite the escapade when the weather would turn, Mike would joke that “if the Cancer doesn’t kill me, those 10-foot squalls would have!”

Mike had an incredible ability to make people laugh. He would effortlessly use humour to lift himself up, and those around him. He appeared to thrive at anything he applied himself to, and was eager to share his skills to help others. He was a resilient and resourceful man who would do anything for his family. He built a life he could be proud of with his devoted wife Alexe and beautiful son Alex. He found great joy and fulfillment in sharing their hopes and dreams.

Mike was a very proud “papa” to Alex, he loved sharing stories about all of his son’s accomplishments with other people. Mike wore fatherhood as a badge of honour and did not ever hesitate to show affection, be protective, supportive and unconditionally loving. Alex, your dad gave you two very important things that he cherished: he gave you the middle name of his favourite football team and he gave you the best parts of himself.

Mike was a loyal and loving husband to Alexe. This young couple was fortunate enough to start a business that provided them with the opportunity to travel across the USA. They were ghost hunters at the Winchester mystery house in California, sightseers all over Canada and Mexico, storm chasers in Manitoba along with many other memorable trips together. Mike and his family had the privilege of a once-in-a-lifetime Roughrider Experience that included meeting players and cheering the team on from a skybox.

Mike is survived by his wife Alexe and son Alexander Dolha, mother Shauna (Brady) Ohanley, father Dan Dolha, Sisters Dana (Justin, Zayda) Monette, Danielle Staruiala-Dolha, grandparents Elizabeth Bencze, Rita Dolha, step-grandparents Oz & Lorna Lutz, parents-in-law Noreen Solmundson & Russell Trochim as well as Cam & Margaret Goodman, brother-in-law Ryan Melsted, grandparents in-laws Roy & Joan Solmundson, and godson Mathis (Tommy, Katie & Paul) Reis and many aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.

Mike was pre-deceased by grandfathers Edward Bencze, Joseph Dolha, and stepfather Jeffery Lutz.

Mike and his family wish to send a special thank-you to the Doctors and Nurses at CancerCare Manitoba and Riverview Health Centre (E wing) in particular Dr. Ted St. Godard and nurse Daniella Scerbo for their professional and compassionate care.

There will be a celebration of life held at the Park Pavilion located at 1 Fourth Avenue, Gimli, MB on Saturday, September 24th, 2022 from 1 pm to 6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made directly to the Alexander Ryder Dolha Education Fund at the TD/Canada Trust. Transit#03997 Inst#004 Account #6622601

Mike wanted to send us off with this J.R.R. Tolkien quote: ‘’End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it.’’