It is with great sadness, after a hard fought battle, Mike passed away peacefully with his immediate family and his loving spouse, by his side, at their home in St. Catharines, on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 64 years of age.
Mike was born on June 12, 1959, in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto. He is survived by his cherished spouse, Brenda McKenzie, of almost 23 years and her children, Dillon Hastings & Diana (Oscar) Batz. Mike will be missed by his brothers, Fred (Dianne) Franic, John Sr. (Debbie) Franic and his sister-in-law, Debbie (Hardy) Siegmund. He’s an uncle of John Jr. (Kim) Franic, Adam Franic, Cristyn (Adam) Livingston, Casey Franic, Carly (Tom) Temple, Corinne Franic, Chester and Walter Siegmund and great-nieces and nephews, William, Conner & Hunter Franic, Olivia and Jackson Gallagher-Temple & Curtis and Dylan Rideout. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Mary (nee Ivanac) and Branco Franic.
Mike's working career started at an early age after starting at the Parkway Inn at the age of 14 years old! He spent several years “at the lanes” during his high school and college years. After graduating with a degree as an Electrical and Electronic Engineer Technician from Niagara College, Mike dabbled in a small business of his own for a short while, then worked at Westinghouse Facility in Oakville, later successfully landed a position at Moyer Diebel for a few years and lastly as a Supervisor with Rich Products of Canada, Fort Erie in 1988, until his retirement in April 2020.
Mike enjoyed spending time with family and friends; whether it was bowling, golfing, attending local sports but his best sport was vacationing! Mike and Brenda created a number of vacation memories of their own and also with friends & family. Mike really lived life to the fullest and knew how to vacation! He was an avid golfer. He and his close friends would hit the golf course many times over the years with a lot of fond memorable stories.
Mike had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humour. He was generous and loyal to his friends and family. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He has truly loved each of them and if you knew him, you knew it. He will be missed dearly.
The family wishes to thank each and every person for the numerous ways of support provided during this difficult time and his battle with cancer. A sincere thank you to the NHS-Walker Family Cancer Centre Oncology, Palliative Care and Social Work/Supportive Teams for all your continuous care, compassion and support. You took such good care of Mike and we can’t thank you enough. A special thank you goes out to Dr. Jane Lauermeier, Naturopathic Practitioner for her care and support and to all those who assisted with his continued care at home from Paramed Home Health Care Services, HNHB Palliative Team, Niagara St. Elizabeth Health Care and Niagara Palliative Outreach Team. We also should mention the prompt, kind, attentive service provided by our neighborhood Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy Team.
As per Mike’s request cremation has taken place. A private family service at graveside will take place and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date for friends and family. As per Mike's wishes, memorial donations may be made to the Community Care of St. Catharines-Thorold, NHS-Walker Family Cancer Centre or a charity of your choice. https://donate.mytributegift.org/Service?cid=15144e441d1630299fdb608d7dd9ac75c60563f7bc65b781679c92f589367286
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca
