Mike Chutskoff

Mike Peter Chutskoff

May 13, 1933 – August 12, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mike Peter Chutskoff, beloved husband of Eileen, on August 12, 2021, at the age of 88 years.

Mike was born on May 13, 1933 in Cote Siding, Saskatchewan. This was a generational family land which he grew up on. He attended Little Boggy School until grade 8 and played baseball with the Cote Royals in his youth.

His twin brother Fred, got Mike a job with the Rural Municipality of Cote, while Mike, was only 16 years old. This job turned into a 46 year career, working mainly as a grader operator. Mike created and built roads and other travelling passages all throughout the Assiniboine Valley, which he often found enjoyment telling tales about his work. Along side this career, he also continued his passion of farming. He continued to farm, with the help of his wife Eileen and in later years, his children and grandchildren until his passing. He leaves his knowledge and experience of farming practices with all of them. Mike was always willing to assist with harvest or seeding even if that meant only moving equipment between fields.

Mike married the love of his life, Eileen Jean Podovinnikoff on October 10, 1960 in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. He met her at a country school dance and started dating Eileen at the age of 25; they were married 2 years later.

His greatest achievement in life was his growing family. He enjoyed spending as much time as he could with each and every one. Mike and Eileen would attempt to be at all their children and grandchildren’s activities and would travel far in order to do so. In a way to bring the whole family together, a family tradition was to host shishliki BBQs, where he was known to be the number one shishliki cooker. As a form of entertainment Mike alongside some of his old band members would play music and perform at the gatherings.

In the early days, having a passion of music, Mike, his brother Fred, and friend Peter Cherkas, started a band. Mike was a talented accordion player and was also known to play guitar occasionally. Once the band members had children, they were able to teach their love of music, to their children and have them involved in a 2 family band called “The CC Band”, which stood for The “Chutskoff – Cherkas” Band. The CC Band evolved into “The Silver Creek Band” where they were hired for many social events across Saskatchewan and Manitoba even playing as far north as Flin Flon, Manitoba. The music would entail many polkas, old time waltzes, and covers from some of Mike’s favourite musicians such as Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, and Elvis Presley. 

Other pastimes Mike enjoyed included meeting up with friends for coffee, storytelling, driving around checking crops, assisting Eileen with her garden and even cleaning beans and berries. Mike and Eileen created a lot of memories together. Together they enjoyed camping and travelling. Memorable vacations were Hawaii and a bus tours in the United States. Above all, he loved to eat his wife’s cooking and baking. Some of his favourite treats were Oh Henry! chocolate bars and black liquorice but really any sweets he could sneak and an occasional nice cold beer and clamato juice. 

He will be missed by many, but will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone he has encountered, especially on the roads of the valley and RM of Cote.

Mike leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife Eileen, his children Murray, Kevin (Kim), Lisa (Glenn) Bergman, 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents Peter & Anne Chutskoff, his siblings Polly, Tom, and Fred.

In memory of Mike, any donations can be sent to the Tomboka Cemetery, Box 1027 Kamsack, SK., S0A 1S0.

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