BITANGO Michael
Posted: November 2nd, 2015
Michael “Mike” Bitango
1928 – 2015
Dad passed away peacefully on Oct. 28, 2015 at Good Samaritans Park Meadows Lodge.
After surviving quick sand, being hit by a train, run over by a cow, almost losing limbs in farm machinery, fire and numerous other incidents; he thankfully was at rest and peaceful in his last days. He finally was able to catch up on lost sleep that he missed over the years working to all hours on his farm work.
He was born in Hardieville and moved to Sunnyside with his family when he was very young. After a short stay at the Research Station he moved back to the farm with his wife Alice and girls. He did not like to stray far from home and only left when absolutely necessary – coffee with the boys and the post office. In the early days beside farming he drove cattle liner and worked at the Research Station but his life and home was on the farm with his cows, horses, machinery and of course the dog.
His blood ran John Deere green and he would get heart palpitations if another color machinery dared to drive into the yard. He hated computers and the new age of technology but somehow managed to appreciate air conditioned, heated machinery with music. Always interested in history and bygone days, he forever reminded many of his favorite saying – “this is how we built this country”.
He worked hard all the time and was always in a rush to get home. To the dismay of many, his filing cabinet was the dash of the truck and many a paper was left to the wind.
When asked how he was doing his answer was always. “Just like an old man”. A tough character to say the least, he will be missed by his family, many friends and neighbors.
His stay at Good Samaritans started out stormy but he soon came to appreciate the staff that made every effort to understand his willful ways.
He is survived by daughters Dianne (Skip) & Carol; brother Francis Bitango, sister Lucy Pavan, nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends.
Many thanks to all the staff at Good Samaritans and especially Cottage 4 girls who were exceptional with him and made his final days comfortable and peaceful. The girls were “HIS staff”.
He helped many neighbors and friends over the years and these people came to our rescue many times when we were in need. You know who you are and we can’t thank you enough.
Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4th Street South, Lethbridge, AB with Deacon Frank Peta officiating.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Good Samaritans Park Meadows Lodge Recreational program, at 1511 15 Ave N, Lethbridge, AB T1H 1W2
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.