Obituary of Michael Anthony Allen Almen

Michael Anthony Allen Almen was born at Burnaby General Hospital in Burnaby, BC to Jerry & Lorraine Almen, and lived there for a short time of only 8 months before we moved to White Fox, SK, where we lived until he was 4 years old. Then we moved to the acreage just west of Love, SK, where we lived until he graduated high school. Michael was always a tidy child who liked things in order, had a very good sense of humor and was quick to make others laugh with his dry, witty sense of humor. Michael was always chasing after his younger brother picking up after him, whether it be his clothes or toys lying around or going into his room and making his bed. Michael ended up meeting someone who was an important part of his life, Loretta Harvey, at Hi-Way Tabernacle church in White Fox, SK., during his teenage years.

Michael’s next chapter of life started quickly when he moved out shortly after graduating from LP Miller High School in Nipawin, SK, where he stayed & lived in the area with a couple of his friends. Michael decided to pursue additional education in Prince Albert, SK., at SIAST, where he wanted to learn more about technology. While he was in Prince Albert for schooling, it turned out that Loretta had already moved to Prince Albert, and she and Michael reunited, started seeing each other and before we knew it, they were getting married. Michael and Loretta married on Nov 21, 1993, in White Fox, SK. Not too long after that, they welcomed their first son, Kelsey. Kelsey became a big brother to Kody 2 years later and then again became a big brother in 1999 when our family welcomed Michael’s youngest son, Kolby into the world. Michael was so proud of his sons and spoke often of them. He loved his boys with all of his heart.

Michael became the proud grandfather of his only grandchild Charlie earlier this year. Wouldn’t you know it, Michael fell in love with that baby girl. He was so proud to call himself Papa Michael, his sweet baby Charlie. He only had a short while enjoying his time with her, but he was always talking about her and couldn’t wait until the next time he saw her.

Michael’s jobs included positions in sales and distribution, which included Riverside Dodge, Schwan’s, Prince Albert Photocopier, PA Janitorial and Prairie Mobile in Nipawin. Whether it was working in the shipping and receiving or front-line sales, you could always count on being greeted with a smile, a warm spirit, and you might have even been on the other end of a joke.

Michael grew up in and around the church from the young age of 3 years old. He decided early on that he was going to be a follower of Jesus and at the age of 8 decided to give his heart to Jesus. He wanted to get baptized and did so by his own decision at age 11. Jesus became such an important part of his life to the point where he was involved in singing in the church and leading the youth services at his home church. Michael was a dedicated follower and heavily involved in churches through the better part of his life on this earth. Despite all the hurdles life through at him, Michael’s faith would not waver and until the last breath he breathed, he walked with Jesus. Jesus was his everything. Michael had an amazing voice, was a talented singer, and would often sing specials in church or on the worship team. When he was asked to sign a special, Michael would turn to his “signature song” The Lighthouse, which Pastor Ches Jacobs would say, “No one could sing it as well as Michael did.” Michael was such a blessing to everyone he came in contact with. He was gentle, kind and wanted everyone to feel the love that he carried, because of his relationship with Jesus.

Though our hearts as parents are broken from the hole left by Michaels early departure from this world and the great loss we feel, we are comforted knowing that Michael joined his best friend, his Savior and Lord, Jesus in heaven.

Michael was predeceased by his grandparents Roy & Jessie Almen and Mary & Frank Mardell. His aunts Carol Mardell, Dianne Mardell, and Sharon (Stan) Burton.

Michael is survived by his father Jerry (Mary Lou) Almen, mother Lorraine Almen, brother Blake Almen and his daughter Kirsten (Selah) and their son Edrick, and son Jaden (Allison) and children Chloe, Madilyn, Hannah & Bennett, ex-wife Loretta Harvey, sons Kelsey, Kody (Brooke) and Kolby, granddaughter Charlie, Aunt Diane (Jim) Mazurkewich, Uncle Keith (Fern) Almen and children Jonathon, Jeremy, Katie, Aunt Debbie (Spencer) McCleary and children Carmen Lana and Ryan, Uncle Jeff (Liz) Almen and children Jessie, Corey, Tyler and Zoe, Aunt Janette (Al) Robertson and children Dwayne, Frank & Lance and their families, Uncle Richard Mardell and children Kristine & Ian and their families, Uncle Robert (Colleen) Mardell and children Jeremy, Matthew, Penny & Adam and their families.