Mike Potrebenko

April 16, 2024

In Loving Memory ~

We would like to announce the passing of Mike Potrebenko on April 16, 2024 at the age of 86 at his home in Port Alberni.

Mike was born the third of five children to Russian immigrant parents Makar and Olena Potrebenko on the family homestead in Woking Alberta. He grew up working hard on the farm and school when he could. He was very intelligent, but preferred to work with his hands.

At 17, he rode his bicycle / hitchhiked to Vancouver BC, getting caught sleeping on the lawn of City Hall. He attended school and became a mechanic. Deciding that career wasn't for him, he went to Port Alberni and got a job logging with MacMillan Bloedol's Franklin division.

He met his wife there, Ruby Dalley, who worked in the office. They were married August 10, 1959 in Victoria. Soon after, Joe was born in '62, Teresa in '63, and Don in '69. They were divorced in 2002.

In 2003 he met Jean Snider and they spent the next 10 retirement years together until she returned to Alberta to be closer to her sons.

Mike loved working outside. He worked stints for M&B logging, the pulp mill, for other independent logging outfits, as well as the city. Not one to sit still, if logging was shut down, he'd fight fires in the summer and plow snow in the winter. In 1968 he purchased a 5 acre parcel in Beaver Creek and built the family home where he lived until his death.

In his younger years, he went fishing and hunting. After retirement and stricken with arthritis, he was a horseshoe champion and enjoyed, crokinole, shuffleboard, and playing card games including blackjack.

Mike was predeceased by his sisters Rose and Helen, by his brother Art, his son Joe, and his grandson Andrew.

He is survived by his daughter, Teresa (Tom), his son Don, and his ex-wife Ruby.

A graveside service to be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Tuesday April 30 at 11:00 am. All are welcome to come and say goodbye.

The family thanks all those who helped him in his later years and for all your heartfelt condolences. Please no flowers. Donate to your favorite charity if you wish.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.chapelofmemories.ca