Mr. Michael “Mike” Gerald Kudrac

Obituary

Michael “Mike” Kudrac passed away peacefully on April 9, 2022 at the age of 52 after a courageous and inspiring 17-month battle with cancer, surrounded by his family and friends. He was and continues to be deeply loved by everyone who knew him. His passing has had a profound impact on his extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Born on March 30, 1970, Mike was, at heart, always a Toronto boy. He attended high school at De La Salle College Oaklands, where he was an integral part of the school community. He was co-captain of the football team, goaltender for the hockey team and even tried out for theater, although his rendition of “Yellow Submarine” convinced us all that his “stage” was best contained to the athletic sort. He went on to double major in English and Film at University of Western Ontario and earned his MBA at San Diego State before returning to his beloved Toronto, where he launched and ran a successful property management business.

Mike met the love of his life, Darci Palter, whom he married in 2008. Being Ava’s dad was his happiest and most fulfilling job. Mike was at his best when he was Ava’s sidekick – whether it was kicking around the soccer ball, strumming a tune on the guitar, cooking gourmet feasts, or having a princess tea party at Disney World.

As an accomplished athlete and a successful businessman, Mike’s inner strength and tenacity in fighting whatever obstacles he faced were an inspiration to all. He also possessed a deep compassion for those who were less capable of standing up for themselves. Dubbed “Dr. Doolittle” by his family, Mike was quick to take in injured animals or provide a home to the least likely of pets (there was an episode with a hairless guinea pig). As a child, he freely offered his allowance to help children in developing countries and, as an adult, quietly raised money to make life easier for those with disabilities. He treated everyone he met, regardless of social standing or economic status, with a genuine smile, a witty conversation, and an eager offer of coffee or lunch.

Although Mike’s life was cut far too short, the outpouring of visitors and the loyalty of his friends and colleagues was so overwhelming, visiting hours at the hospital were changed to accommodate the crowds who traveled far and wide to see him, recount a memory, and share a laugh. Nurses and hospital staff often remarked that Mike must have been a man who lived life well, who loved deeply, and who obviously left an impact on those who were lucky enough to know him.

Mike is survived by his wife, Darci, and daughter, Ava, mother, Dr. Mary Kudrac (Gunther Gazdag, deceased) father, Emil Kudrac (Nadezhda), sister, Stefanie Mauler (Mike) and nephews, Scott and Eric, brother, Darren Gazdag (Heather) step-brother, Max Pons (Wendy), and nieces, Carlie and Lauren, mother-in-law, Leni Edwards (Selwyn), father-in-law, Joel Palter (Dr. Rachel Kassner), brother-in-law, Jason Palter (Donna), brother-in-law, Kass, niece, Dalia and nephew, Zachary, sisters-in-law, Dawn and Candace, and brothers-in-law, Derek (Malee) and Curt (deceased) Edwards, and countless loving family members and friends.

The family would like to thank Mike’s medical team and all the support workers at Dorothy Ley Hospice, who provided such excellent care. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Dr. Rachel Wortzman for her compassion and medical wisdom, and to Dr. Raymond Jang for his expert care. A special thanks to Mike, Darci and Ava’s uncle, Dr. Steven Levinson, for his continuous guidance.

Visitation will be held at Cardinal Funeral Home, 92 Annette St.at Keele St. on Sunday, April 17, 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm. To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.cardinalfuneralhomes.com.   Funeral services will be held at St. Demetrius Catholic Church, 135 La Rose Ave., off Royal York Road, 1 block north of Eglinton Ave. on Monday, April 18 at 10:30am

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make deductible donations to De La Salle College Oaklands, the school that laid the foundation for Mike’s character, courage, sportsmanship, friendships, and community impact. Through your donations, we will spread the Oaklands’ tradition of excellence, fighting spirit, and gentle servant’s heart for which Mike will always be remembered. Online donations can be made at www.delasalle.ca and visit our GIVING PAGE. Select “Michael Kudrac (Del 89) Memorial Fund (Bursaries).

The Kudrac Family Respectfully Request that all Those Attending the Visitation and Service Respectfully Wear a Mask

Visitation

Service

Burial / Entombment / Cremation