Michael Dika passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 after enjoying 93 years of life, family and friends.

Mike was born March 3, 1922 on the Dika Homestead six miles south of Rycroft. He served his country during WWII, joining the Canadian Army in April of 1941 and served until December 1946.

His family was so much a part of his life and he leaves them many fond memories.

Mike is survived by two sons: Jeff (Linda) and Greg (Diane); daughter Mary (Eddie); daughter in-law Trudy; eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild, who gave him immense joy until his final days: Sandra and Miguel (Diego and Maya), Jodie and Brian (Kiersten and Reaghan), Chad and Nichol (Jesse and Sydnee); Kim and Dale (Corbin and Shelby, Taylor and Ashley (Luca), Jace); Kory and Pam (Breize, Jaxon and Kaydence); Ryan and Sarah; Garett and Caitlin (Sullivan and Elliott); Chase and Jennifer (Bennett and Isabella). Also mourning his loss are his brothers: Jerry (Hilda), Nick, George, Matt (Eunice), and sister Ann; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and all of his lifelong friends.

Mike was predeceased by his parents Ivan â??Johnâ?? and Annica; his in-laws Johannes and Marta deBeus; his brothers: Peter, John, Joe, Rudy and William; sisters Pauline and Mary; his beloved wife Elly Louise and his son Leslie Alan.

Our Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa and Great Great-Grandpa was our hero in wartime, in peacetime and in our lifetime. He has left us a â??Beautiful Legacy of Loveâ?? and we will miss him very much.

The family extends their thanks to the emergency responders and our heartfelt gratitude for the many acts of kindness we have received.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 2:00pm at the Rycroft Agricultural Society Building in Rycroft, AB. We would like to extend an invitation to family and friends to share a memory of Mike at his celebration of life.

Cremation has taken place and a private interment of ashes will be done by the family.

Memorial donations if desired, may be made to STARS Foundation â?? Grande Prairie Base (1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570 Calgary, AB T2E 8M7), The Salvation Army â?? Grande Prairie (Donation Processing Centre (P.O. Box 1292 Edmonton, AB T5J 2M8), or to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #224 (P.O. Box 112 Rycroft, AB T0H 3A0).