Obituaries
Michael Semanchuk, 69
July 13, 2020
Michael Semanchuk of Lancaster PA died on the morning of Monday, July 13th, after a long illness. He was 69. As Michael himself might have observed, Friday the 13th came on a Monday for him.
He was born May 16, 1951 to Harry Semanchuk and Alice Kramer, the second of the six children they would eventually have. He grew up in Springfield, Delaware County, PA where he graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School. He settled in the Lancaster area after attending Millersville College.
Michael lived life in a way that made sense to him, and was willing to swim outside the mainstream. He was strongly committed to his principle of living lightly on the Earth and was proud of his work weatherizing houses with the Community Action Program. He also worked for a time with Condor Construction.
Michael constantly helped others, was generous to a fault, and had a strong sense of right and wrong. He loved animals, especially dogs, and, truth be told, he probably preferred their company to most people.
He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his creativity, and his love of music and books, especially science fiction.
He is survived by his mother Alice, and his siblings Stephen, Peter, John, Irene, Philip, his sister-in-law Liz, and his niece, Julien.
In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, please consider a contribution to The Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Hwy E., Lancaster, PA 17602.
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Condolences to the Family
July 27, 2020
I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s illness and passing. I knew Mike through my dear friend Marilyn Landis. She and Mike were dear and close friends for many years. I’ll always remember Mike as a gentle spirit and sweet soul who cared for our earth and beloved animals. May Mike rest in peace and enjoy the reunion with those who have gone before. Praying that you will be surrounded with God’s comforting love.
Karen Crouse
July 27, 2020
Michael and I were great friends for 30+ years … I miss him, his creativity and most of all his friendship. Rest well, my friend!
Marilyn Landis
July 27, 2020
I attended college with Michael and remember him as a good and caring person.
May the good Lord grant comfort and peace to members of his family.
Galen Dise
July 27, 2020
My condolences to Mike’s family. I worked with Mike at CAP’s Energy Center starting in 1980. We all were idealistic in our environmental outlook. Mike to his credit never wavered from that idealism in his humble simple lifestyle as long as I knew him. I too shared that view and still do. This summer I restored a solar water heater we as a team installed in the mid ’80’s. That customer “donated” it back to me almost 20 yrs ago and has been in storage until now. I am going to label it the “Cement Truck”, as we affectionately called him, in Mike’s honor. I am also making a donation in Mike’s name to the Humane League. The world would be a better place if Mike’s ideal of “Live Simply so Others May Simply Live”.
Kip Adams
July 26, 2020
Mike was such a good neighbor and such a good friend to me, my dogs, and later on to my family. He always had a book to share, a funny comic strip, a newspaper article, or something out of mother earth magazine. He was very smart, very wise, and always willing to lend a hand or give advice. He loved to come to our house and cook out and have a few beers. We have also shared a few holidays together. I will never forget one Christmas he helped us assemble my sons electric four wheeler. He was always good with reading the schematics and the directions while my husband used the tools. He liked to be part of everyone’s projects but his own. He hated to ask for help and I know he probably didn’t want us to see him during his end days. He knew we would be there for him no matter what the circumstances however he wanted us to be left with all the good memories we made together over the years. I truly believe he is with the Lord and he sure as heck didn’t want to sit around earth much longer given all the political unrest and BS! Mike will be greatly missed and We will never forget him! 🌈🌈🌈🌈
Shelby Jayne
July 26, 2020
Dear Semanchuk Family,
My condolences to you. I was saddened to read of Mike’s passing. We, and a few others, were friends and co-workers at CAP for several years back in the 80’s. We lovingly referred to him as “Cement Truck”. Although I haven’t seen him in many years, I’ve often remembered him…spending days driving around in the work van, with its dashboard and rearview mirror decorated with “quirky” finds, good conversations, his great sense of humor, his “hippyness”, and often times giving him a ride home to his “retreat” by High Steel. I can still picture him walking and wearing his backpack. Mike was a good person who I am glad to have known. May he rest in peace.
Sherry (Weathers) Saxton
July 26, 2020
Dear Steve, So sorry about your brother Michael’s passing. Please accept my condolences and email me back if you care to. Sincerely, Dave Fellenbaum
July 26, 2020
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Michael’s passing. My sincere sympathies to you all.
Sue Wolfe
