Obituaries

With heavy hearts, we are sad to announce the passing of Mickey (Verne) Kroschinsky. Mick died with his skates on, and so his wish was granted. Mick was born in Wilkie, Saskatchewan and moved at the age of 3 to RUTLAND, BC. He was the 7th of 10 children. Mick married Lorraine Mallach in 1965 and together had two children Mike (Evie), and Karen (Brad). Mick became the proud grandfather of his grandchildren, John, Heather, Taylor and Jayme. Mick had many treasured years with Lorraine and the Mallach family. After Lorraine passed away, Mickey was fortunate to marry the second love of his live, Trish, with whom he shared 24 wonderful years. His family expanded to include Cam (Lisa) and Elizabeth (Brad) and four more cherished grandchildren, Heath, Piper, Max and Liv. Mick also travelled to New Zealand several times to connect with his Haslam in laws.
Mickey was a skilled carpenter, orchardist, gardner and an avid outdoorsman. Mick LOVED sports. Amongst many sports teams, he was especially a proud member of the Rutland Rovers ball team for many years. Mick also shined on the badminton court, curling rinks and of course, his renewed love, on the rink playing hockey. Mick always had a sense of humor, a strong work ethic and was always known to be generous and charitable. These were the things he proudly modeled for his family and friends.
Mick is survived by his siblings Alma (Jeff), Leona (Paul), Robbie (Trudy), Don (Ina), Dave (Brenda). He is also survived by brother in law Harold and sister in law Dolly. Mick is also survived by many nieces and nephews with whom he dearly cherished and enjoyed spending time with. Mickey is predeceased by his parents Elizabeth and Joseph, his brothers Ernie, Laddy, Jerry, sister Marlaine and sister in law Audrey.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, October 5th at 1:00 pm at the Rutland Centennial Hall. 215 Shepherd Road, RUTLAND BC. A private family service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Mick’s many years of donating blood, you can donate to the Canadian Blood Services. Or in turn, you are invited to donate to the Salvation Army Kettles this Christmas to honor the many years Mick enjoyed talking to members of the community, collecting for the Salvation Army while he joyfully rang the bells wearing his Santa hat.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

• Nov 12, 2019
  To the Crow family, so sorry for your loss of a great man. Fish and Francine.
• Oct 04, 2019
  Growing up in Rutland as a member of the Mallach clan I have many memories of Mickey.
  
  Hours and hours watching softball at Centennial park.
  
  I remember Mickey always with a big smile on his face and a soft distinctive voice.
  
  I remember him always taking the time to talk with me.
  
  I thought he was so cool.
  
  My condolences to the family.
  
  Greg Stearns
• Sep 30, 2019
  Dear Kroschinsky Family, our deepest condolences for your loss, Mickey went to school with my mom, back in the day, and just last year they celebrated their 60 th Rutland high school reunion.
  
  As a little girl, I have many memories of the Rutland Rover ball games, eating sunflower seeds and liquorice. Attending all the fun parties at my uncle Don Volk’s, who was the coach. Those are fun memories, of the strong vibrant community of Rutland. Blessing Doreen, Sue and Darran Boser
• Sep 30, 2019
  Kroschinsky family: Lots of good memories of coming to your place on Longhill road when we were kids, and your dad (Micky) would come and check on what we were up to, usually saying something funny. Susan and I are thinking of you at this sad time.
• Sep 29, 2019
  These condolences really sum up Mick’s life on and off the field, rink and court. He was a tremendous sportsman, family man and friend to everyone he met. He was 24 years short of his goal, but the memories of what he meant to all of us will live on in our hearts forever.
  
  Puss and family, a sad loss of a great person.
  
  Lon & Marilyn Brinton.
• Sep 28, 2019
  Trish & Family. Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Mickey. I only got to know Mickey a few years ago through hockey and became a very good teammate & friend. Always a fun time to be around him and I will miss his happy fun loving demeanour on the bench, dressed my room and old timer Christmas party. Mick will be missed.
  
  Bob & Marleen Knoblick.
• Sep 28, 2019
  Granger & Margaret Evans says:
  
  September 26, 2019 at 8:02 pm
  
  Mickey played his last shift with us but his memory won’t be lost to us. Kindness was his trademark , a quality he was so admired for. He put others first and was always helping someone or some organization . As a role model for us and his family he stood tall. His indomitable spirit and ready smile gave everyone that he met a big lift. . To the family , thank you for sharing him with us . Our condolences.
  
  
• Sep 28, 2019
  Trish and Family,
  
  We are greatly saddened to hear of Mick's passing. It was a pleasure to have played baseball with him. He was a wonderful caring person.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Ernie and Marlene Boback
• Sep 27, 2019
  So very sorry for your loss- thinking of you during this very difficult time-- Charlene (Anutooshkin) Wehrmann
• Sep 25, 2019
  Trish and Extended Family: So many stories so many memories. However I know by reading through this that he was admired and respected as a gentleman, competitor, family man, sportsman, and most of all a smiling supportive friend. Micky would always check up on you after an injury and encourage you to do the work required to get back out there . I actually attended the hockey game to watch Micky and throw a few barbs his way. My fondest memories are grabbing and holding him on the ice and he would start laughing which resulted in both of us laughing. I must admit this passing was difficult to accept because of the loss we all felt and the positive influence you had on all of us. Miss you and your Smile and Laughter Mick. Brian Tapp "Tapper"
• Sep 25, 2019
  Very sad news.
  
  Thoughts and prayers for the family.
  
  Dan & Aimee Schlosser
• Sep 25, 2019
  My condolences to you Mike and your family, I have many fond memories growing up in Glenmore. Your dad was always a lot of fun.
  
  Wayne Turk
• Sep 25, 2019
  There are many heavy hearts because Mickey had a huge heart. We never saw him without a smile. He was a huge part of our family because as our dad Fred Rieger coached the Rutland Rovers every team member became family.
  
  Mickey was there when dad passed away and did the eulogy. Mickey and Lorraine were uncle and aunt to us kids growing up. He will be missed. But this I know for sure. My mom and dad were there to greet him in heaven with open arms and smiles.
  
  Trish, Karen and Michael talk about your dad always. Brothers and sisters tell stories about him and laugh. He was one special man.
  
  All our love to you.
  
  Karen, Debbie and Gail Rieger
• Sep 24, 2019
  Mike, Ev and family,
  
  Please know we are thinking of you all at this very sad time.
  
  Big hugs, Dennis & Pat Frederiksen
• Sep 24, 2019
  Trish and Family, the members of the Kelowna Badminton Club were deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Mickey. He was a fixture at the club and put in many hours making the club what it is today for so many to enjoy. His passing leaves a huge void that will be noticed by all of us.
  
  Sincerely, KBC members
• Sep 24, 2019
  Trish and family, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Mickey. He will be missed by all who knew him. He made the world a better place to be with his joy of life, friends and family.
  
  Sincerely, Mike Christian and Linda Estabrooks
• Sep 24, 2019
  It was an honour to play softball with Mickey. He taught me so much about leadership and passion for sport. When we were down 15-4 at the world senior games in 2017 he gave a speech that inspired us to comeback and win 18-15. He was an exceptional leader and a good man. Our hearts go out to Trish and his family. Mick will be missed.
  
  Barry and Dale
• Sep 23, 2019
  So sorry to hear of Mickie's passing. Watched many a ball game and always enjoyed his zest for life. Have know him and his family most of my life, Rutland was a close knit community back in the day. God Bless you all.
  
  Jean Fortney/ Carol (Fortney) Koenig
• Sep 23, 2019
  Trish and family,
  
  I had the pleasure of playing ball with and against Mickey for the last 20 or so years. He was a mighty fine player and more so a true gentleman on and off the playing field. We reside in Surrey and every year came to Kelowna for the annual tourney and looked forward to my annual chat with Mickey. I played with Mickey in 2004 when we won The Nationals in Calgary. He was a great teammate. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Will see you in October.
  
  Brian and Karen Powell
• Sep 23, 2019
  As far back as I can remember, I would watch Mickey on the ball field with my dad. Later, I would be batboy for the Rovers and got to see Mickey in the dugouts first hand. He was a great teammate and a fierce competitor. He was also always so kind and inclusive with us kids (the kids of the ball players). Mickey always had a smile for me and recently when we would see each other he had a big hug to give. To Karen, Mike, Trish and the entire Kroschinsky family - I am sorry for your loss and am thinking of you.
  
  James Schneider
• Sep 22, 2019
  Dear Mike and family, so very sorry to hear about your Dad.... Thoughts and prayers go out to you! Hugs!!
  
  Len and Linda Comeau
• Sep 22, 2019
  So sad to hear about Mickey. The Rutland Rovers were a big part of my growing up. It was (and maybe still is) like a family. Mickey was a very important part of that family. He was so kind and funny and I'm privileged to have known him.
  
  Sharon Siverns (Volk)
  
  
• Sep 22, 2019
  Sincere condolences to the family and relatives. I remember many fond gatherings with their family in the 50 & 60's. Playing games, softball and hockey. R.J. (Bob) Mettlewsky.
• Sep 22, 2019
  My condolences to the family, Mickey was a good friend of my dads, watched him play ball many times as a kid, got one of my first bats from him. Kelly Heltman
• Sep 22, 2019
  Don, Dave and family, so sorry to hear of Mickie’s passing. He was passionate and competitive in all sports he loved, and a gentleman at all times, thinking of you, Jim Robertson
• Sep 22, 2019
  My deepest condolences to you Don and the Kroschinsky family. RIP Mick.
  
  Darren McClelland
• Sep 22, 2019
  Still in Shock, Micky was his usual self, joking and telling us he went hunting in the morning. We talked about he being born in Wilkie Sask. My Dad was born in Rouleau and moved to Wilkie when he was 5. later relocated to Prince George.He was right winger on our line and started the game. Micky almost scored in the first 10 seconds of the game, we kept the shifts to 25 seconds. Micky pointed out in 5 games we had not had a goal scored against us. The second shift was short as well. Micky was sitting beside me and we changed on the fly, we were only on the ice about 5 seconds when the whistle had blown. Edgar said Micky said "go for me, I don't feel well" I got to the bench and Granger was already doing CPR. He continued until the referee brought a Nurse that took over. She continued until the Para medics took over. I was quite confident Micky would be ok, but despite all the efforts, he managed to slip away from us. To all Micky's family and friends, my condolences, Jay Hunter- Kelowna
• Sep 22, 2019
  To the family of Mike: Sorry to hear of Mickey's passing. He was a great competitor on the ball field and a friend off. A real class act.
  
  Ed Sehn
• Sep 22, 2019
  Trish, Karen, Mike, Elizabeth, Cameron and all the grandchildren.
  
  Lorraine and I have had the privilege of knowing Mick and Trish for about 15 years since we moved to Kelowna. Mick and I have played ball together for all of that time and hockey together for most of it. Trish and Lorraine have been friends for all of that time. We had many great times together at ball tournaments, dinners and get togethers.
  
  Mick was the kindest, most caring person we knew despite him trying to play the tough guy at times!!! Many times after a game, he would phone just to talk or ask how I was doing after another of my injuries! He and I had many discussions about how lucky we were to be playing sports at our advanced age and how it would be nice to go out still doing those things. You did it Mick!!!
  
  Nobody loved his grandchildren like Mick did. You guys were everything to him.
  
  We still cannot believe that there will be no more dinners, New Year's parties etc. with him. Love you, man
  
  Lorraine and Glen Shuttleworth
• Sep 22, 2019
  Trish and the Kroschinsky family, we were so shocked to hear of Mickie's sudden passing. Dan and him had a great time hunting every year. It was nice that they had one more hunting this year. We are so sorry and our deepest condolences goes out to all of you.
  
  May and Dan Coe
• Sep 21, 2019
  To the Kroschinsky Family.
  
  I had the pleasure of working with Mickey and Trish recently. All I can say is that when Mickey would walk into my office he brought in a ray of sunshine. I am so very very sorry for your loss. I only knew him personally for a short while but I do know he knew many of my family members and they all have spoke so very fondly of him. May you find strength through the kindness and love of your friends and family during this very difficult time. Sincerely, Carol Romanchuk (Hoffman), Capri Travel
• Sep 21, 2019
  Sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
  
  Mike & Karen Tallmadge
• Sep 21, 2019
  Evie and family our deepest condolences. Scotty-Dwli
• Sep 21, 2019
  To the entire Kroschinsky family, we were shocked and deeply saddened when we heard of Mickey's passing, he was a great person and friend. very competitive at all his sports but a gentleman. Mickey was a huge part of the Rutland Rovers winning the BC and western Canadian fastball championships in 1985 as a player coach. I have never forgotten the speech mickey gave us just before the final game coming from a guy that had been around the block many a times. WOW !!! and the Roveretts cheering us on with there chants they like the one for Mickey hey mickey hey mickey your so fine your so fine you blow my mind hey mickey hey mickey, he will be missed what a privilege to call him a friend.
  
  Wayne & Doreen Weninger
• Sep 21, 2019
  Trish and family. We were so sorry and sad to hear of Mick’s passing. We have fond memories of dinners and occasions with you guys, especially Fraser’s anniversary party where you and Mick first met. Treasure your many happy memories and embrace the comfort of your family and friends at this difficult time. You are in our hearts and prayers. Danny and Denise Butticci
• Sep 21, 2019
  To Karen and the entire Kroschinsky family, sorry for your loss. Thoughts are with you. Take care.
  
  Glen Sobchyshyn
• Sep 21, 2019
  Dear Don, and ALL of your Family.
  
  Awe... I was so saddened to read about that Awesome Guy, named Mickey. We shared such great visits over the years. Our Community has suffered a great loss. He always had that ever ready "Kro" smile to greet people while he manned the Christmas Kettles, also on the Sports Field. You will be missed. R.I.P. Mickey
  
  Marjorie W.
  
  
• Sep 21, 2019
  Trish and extended family:
  
  When I heard of Mickey's passing I was deeply saddened and I thought of all the good times we had. I enjoyed many years playing ball with Mick the coach and Mick the player. As a coach, he new his ball and was annoyed if you made a mental error, and as a player he was fun and had a way of clearing out the dug out.
  
  He will be missed, take care Trish.
  
  Dave Fujibayshi
• Sep 21, 2019
  I am so saddened to hear of Mick's passing. He was much more than a friend and team mate to me, he was a mentor. Not just as a Rutland Rover but also as a foreman at Mac and Fitz, as a co-worker in construction and team mate in slow pitch. He always had that infectious smile or a funny prank and was quick to advise or add a philosophical comment. He will always be the guy across second base from me.
  
  Tim Rieger
• Sep 21, 2019
  Don, Dave, Mick will be missed by all, we were rivals friends his butcher. I will miss his wit his competitiveness his happy attitude towards everyone he new he was a truly great sportsman. Don and Joyce Favell
• Sep 20, 2019
  Don, Dave and the Kroschinsky family.
  
  We are sad to hear of Mickey's passing. It was so much fun watching him play ball with the Rovers. He was such a nice man.
  
  Daryle Edstrom
• Sep 20, 2019
  Trish & The Kroschinsky family, when we heard of Mick's passing we were saddened and shocked by the news. We send our deepest condolences at this time of need. At the ball fields, hockey rinks, golf courses or wherever I saw him, he always asked "How's Momma" (Susan). He was always thinking of others rather then himself. He was passionate and dedicated with whatever he was involved with. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
  
  Orv & Susan
• Sep 20, 2019
  Karen and Family,
  
  Our families were neighbours on Longhill Road and I spent lots of time at your house. Our Dads were rivals on the baseball field, mine played for the Budget Boys, among other teams. Maybe they're tossing a ball now.... R.I.P. Mr. Kro.
  
  Deb (Loseth) Laramee
• Sep 20, 2019
  Don; Dave; Trish; Mike; Karen and Grandkids:
  
  I had the privilege of knowing your brother, husband, father and grandfather for many years.
  
  I knew him as a parent while teaching, an opponent while playing fastball, a teammate when curling and as a good friend.
  
  The words gentleman, competitor and overall great guy describe Mickey. He will be missed by the people of Rutland and Kelowna.
  
  Take care of each other. Mick would expect and demand that from all of you.
  
  Lorne Buna
• Sep 20, 2019
  When my wife was losing her battle with cancer, Mick was right there – bringing her some ‘special’ brownies. Then when she lost her battle, he was a tremendous support to me. I always felt a close connection with Mick as, I know, did EVERY one of his friends and family. That’s just how he made you feel. I know each and everyone one of us will miss that connection, that smile, and that wonderful sense of humor. My condolences go out to Trish, Karen, Mike and every one of his family. Sincerely.....Brian Harms

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