With great sadness that the CDDA reports the passing of Mr. Stephen Michael (Mike) Pistak. Mr. Pistak passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, November 11th, 2017 at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail, BC surrounded by his family. Mike was born February 9th, 1936 in the Old Trail Hospital to Michael (Mihály) and Boriska nee Bay (Barbara) Pistak.
Mike grew up in Trail, BC. His education included J.L. Crow, Notre Dame University and The University of British Columbia. He never stopped learning and teaching himself new things. He was widely read and could pull facts out of his head faster than google.
Mike created Kootenay Exploration Drilling in 1966 and operated as an independent drilling contractor for the next 40 years. He travelled all over North America and could remember every fact about every location whether flora, fauna, mineral or formation.
He was part of the mining community for almost 50 years. He was a 51 year member of the Rossland Rotary Club and recognized by 5 Paul Harris awards. He lived the Rotary motto: Service above Self.
Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Pistak (nee Turner), his children Brian, Stephen, Margit and Karan, the sons and daughters of his heart, Jody, Catherine, Mike and Cameron and his grandchildren, Jesse, Nick (Tjasa), Catie (Matt), Sam (Bethany), Micah (Dakota), Claire, Alec, Ben, Tyla and Marie. He will be missed by his brother David and his wife Helen and his sister Eve along with his nieces, nephews and extended family. Mike was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all. He was extremely proud of his children’s accomplishments and let everyone at coffee know.
A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. on Friday November 17th at the Rossland Legion (2081 Washington St.). You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence by visiting the family’s register at www.myalternatives.ca.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to your favourite cause.
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