The legend has officially left the building. On October 17, 2024, Michael left us but he will always be in our memories. Michael Robert Ellchook was a giant man with a giant heart. He was a red seal chef who knew the way to a person's heart was through their belly as the saying goes. Michael first started out cooking for his parents’ friends when they would come to the farm to talk about farming or politics. They would get anything from cheese bread pizzas to chicken kiev and crème brulée.
Graduating from culinary school, he moved on from local restaurants like the Airlane and the Valhalla to the Bonhoff in Ryden, Switzerland and Jasper Park Lodge in Banff, Alberta, then returning home to his roots to open his own restaurant "This Old Barn" on a piece of the farm that his father owned. People would often ask Mike if he would consider catering their special event and then came "The Runaway Chef".
Michael met many amazing people in 4H clubs, Junior Farmers, Oliver Paipoonge Fire and First Response (he himself was on the team for many years), though the restaurant business and Shot Gun Motorcycle Club.
Michael enjoyed time with his brother from another mother, Tim Kiezebrink, and his little brother Dennis Ellchook. They were always pulling pranks on whoever was their victim at the time. Sometimes it was as simple as hiding in the closet, and other times it was reserving a whole restaurant for a team or group that didn’t exist. A regular evening out meant picking up grocery carts and pylons and placing them in a random vehicle of someone they never even knew or removing tailgates and spare tires and placing them in the front seat of peoples cars. At some point he and the other two decided to became members of the "Road Kill Patrol" and, as a member, it was your duty to hit every skunk you saw and make sure to leave the smell behind for the community. His father found 6 in front of his driveway one morning.
Years later, Michael had an interest in motorcycles. He retired from the restaurant business, got his AZ license and took a job at Emcon. Michael opened a new chapter in his life and became a member of the Shot Gun Motorcycle Club where he enjoyed road trips, and riding his bike with a group close to his heart.
His legacy of dedication and kindness and selflessness will leave a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Michael served the community in honour and compassion and his memory will continue to inspire us all.
Michael leaves behind his mother Betty, sister Jeanne (Carl) and brother Dennis (Kristie) along with nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Sandy and brother from another mother Tim Kiezebrink.
To celebrate Michael’s life, we invite you to join the family at Kakabeka Falls Legion on Saturday, October 26th between 12:00pm and 5:00pm. Donations in Mike’s honour can be made to Oliver Paipoonge Fire and Emergency Services, a Teddy Bear for Toys for Tots, or TBHSC Intensive Care Unit.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
