Michal Schovanek
1945 - 2020
There once was a man from Nantucket…
After escaping the clutches of the Grim Reaper for many years, Michal Schovanek threw up his middle finger on April 3, 2020, and said “F**k it, I’m ready!”. Mikey leaves behind 2 dogs that will no longer be spoon fed ice cream alongside him, and a cache of “priceless antiques” which his family will soon be selling to any takers, at any price.
Mikey is survived by Mia, his wife of 45 years. The love of his life, the apple of his eye, she was “the best looking one” out of the group of young nurses Mikey met at a bar in Edmonton 47 years ago. He is also survived by his sons Marek (Manuela) and Kelly (Madeleine {Honey Bunny}), and his daughter Jessica, the self proclaimed “favourite child” (Dan). As well as his favourite (only) grandchild , his “little darlin” Dylan.
Born in Prague in 1945, Mikey spent his youth in the Czech Republic playing professional hockey for the army. He learned discipline and skills that would elevate him to the top ranks of the Mens beer leagues in Canmore and Banff. He slipped through the fingers of Communist invasion in 1968, joining thousands of Czech immigrants in their exodus to Canada. One participant of many that would eventually give the Canadian government cause to implement a visa system to weed out the undesirables. Living in Canada, Mikey enjoyed the good life; skiing, fishing, tennis and strumming House of the Rising Sun on his guitar. Upon graduation from the University of Drumheller, he settled down in Canmore with his young family. He became the carpet master for the Banff Springs Hotel, a title that brought discounts on Sunday brunch and home furnishings that gave the Schovanek home the same aesthetic as the hotel.
In his later days, Mikey enjoyed a glass of wine with his friends, smoking his puffer in non-smoking bars, and watching a good movie at home in front of the fire with his family. A few of his favourites were Gladiator, Pretty Woman, Tin Cup, Gladiator, Notting Hill and Gladiator.
Friends can cheers to his life with a bottle of Czechvar, or a glass of Chateauneuf-du-pape. Once this Covid-19 issue settles down we will announce a party to celebrate Scovid-75.
Much thanks to Dr. Quinlan and Bow Valley Community Care for their understanding and support
through this journey. And apologies to all the nurses Mikey swore at in the hospital.
