MICHAEL GEORGE HARTY

Posted: November 29th, 2021

1946 ~ 2021

 

Michael George Harty “Mike” beloved husband of Joanne Faye Harty went to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at the age of 75 years.

Besides his wife of 50 years, Mike leaves to cherish his memory two children: daughter, Tamara Darnell (Bob) Epple and their children Ainsley, Felicity and Quinn, Bob’s children Kelsey, Jackson and Haylee; son, Landus Michael (Mary Corinne) Harty and their children Gavin, Donavin and Brodin.

Mike is also survived by brothers, Richard (Gladys) Harty, Ron Harty, Bruce Harty, Les (Ann) Harty; brother-in-law, Elmer Wehlage; sisters-in-law, Peggy (Clarence) Johnson, Cheryle (Bob) Schick and brother-in-law, Roy Ayearst and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Harty; Joanne’s parents, Paul and Sue Nikiwski; son, Michael; sister, Marjorie Wehlage; sisters-in-law, Bernice Harty, Bernice Ayearst, Kathy Harty and nephew, Kirk Johnson.

Mike was born February 24, 1946 in Lethbridge, Alberta. He was raised in the Hoping area on the family farm. Mike married the love of his life, Joanne Nikiwski on January 2, 1971. They bought the family farm and lived there and raised their children.

Mike loved farming. Mike and Joanne started out mixed farming and later switched to grain farming. He also did custom combining and later worked selling fertilizer and then doing road maintenance. In 2009, Mike took a job with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in Fort McMurray doing road and street maintenance. Mike loved his job in Fort McMurray and cherished the friendships that he made there. At an age that many would retire, Mike was one of the hardest workers as he put all of his effort into everything he did whether it was repairing roads, sweeping streets or plowing snow. Having spent his entire life in southern Alberta, you could find Mike outside in Fort McMurray marveling “I can’t believe there is no wind.”

Mike and Joanne lived in Fort McMurray until they retired in 2017 to Sherwood Park, Alberta. Mike didn’t take retirement seriously, he stayed busy. He enjoyed helping Landus on his farm in Saskatchewan and he and Joanne did some travelling.

Mike was the perfect driver, especially from the passenger seat and spent years coaching everyone how to drive. He had a great sense of humour and he was quick to come up with something clever to say to make people laugh.

Whether it was badminton, horseshoes, chess, crib or any other type of competition, Mike played hard and played to win. He would say “there are no friends in games”. But there were friends in his life and there are many who would say that Mike was the best friend they ever had. He had the kindest heart and would help anyone, anytime.

Family was important to Mike. Any family event was not complete without “Uncle Mike”, he loved to spend time with his siblings, in-laws and nieces and nephews. The door was always open and the coffee on.

He loved both of his children, their spouses and all of his grandchildren very much and was so proud of all of them. He enjoyed playing cards with them (teaching them his “no friends” rule early on), fishing, farming and watching them in all of their events and activities.

His whole life, Mike loved and trusted God with all his heart. Mike wanted his grandchildren to remember three things: love God, love people (including yourself) and live until you die. Mike did all three of those.

To know him was to love him and while his family and friends are sad and will dearly miss Mike, they know that he has taken possession of his heavenly home. In lieu of flowers, please take your children or grandchildren for an ice cream cone to remember Mike as it was one of his favourite things to do.

Well done good and faithful servant. The only scars in heaven are on the hands that hold you now.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, November 29, 2021 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions in place, the service honouring Mike’s life will be by invitation only. The Funeral Service will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Jeff Gullacher officiating. While the Funeral Service is by invitation, the Graveside Service is open to the public and you are invited to join the procession and attend the interment which will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to experience the chapel service may visit our website at www.cooksouthland.com and select the ‘View Broadcast’ button on the homepage at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

 

 

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”