July 30, 2024

In loving memory ~

1934 to 2024

Michael died peacefully at the Comox Valley Hospital on July 30th, with his loving wife Brenda at his side. He was predeceased by his first wife Phyllis, his mother Eileen, and his father Charles.

Michael was born and raised in London, England. He had a varied career, starting as a carpenter's apprentice immediately after leaving school. When it came time for Michael to do his national service, he joined the Royal Air Force and spent three years in Malta. He left there as a certified aircraft engineer, fostering his lifelong passion for planes. After immigrating to Canada, he worked for various airlines. His time spent in the Arctic with Nordair, servicing the remote DEW Line posts led to some of his fondest memories.

After meeting Phyllis in Montreal, he decided to establish a permanent base there. He then went on to pursue post-secondary education, earning a Bachelor's degree from Concordia University and graduating from teacher's college, after which he completed his Master's degree from McGill University.

Michael spent many happy years teaching the sciences as the department head in Montreal High Schools. Near the end of his teaching career, he taught for Department of National Defence at Baden, making many lifelong friends.

After retirement, he moved west, bought a lot in Comox and supervised the building of his new home. Michael enjoyed his many years in Comox, being involved at various times with the Newcomers Club, Habitat for Humanity, Probus, Air Canada Pionairs, NIC Elder College, and the Comox Valley Hard of Hearing Association. It was at the Hard of Hearing Association that he met his second wife Brenda. They had a wonderful decade together, belonging to many of the same clubs, sharing friends, and travelling the world. He loved learning and maintained an inquiring mind throughout his entire life. Michael will be remembered by those who knew him as being keen, kind and considerate. He was a true gentleman.

A very special thanks to Dr. Olga Lamykina, his family physician, who took fantastic care of Michael considering his multiple health concerns. Michael was always very grateful for the time and energy she devoted to him. Also, a heartfelt thanks to the Unit 3B staff at the Comox Valley Hospital for their skilled attention. The family is grateful to Dr. Tal Kaikov who handled Michael's palliative care with compassion and sensitivity.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.