Michael passed away on September 4th surrounded by his family. Forever grateful for the love of Sharon (nee Moir) – his best friend, gentlest critic, boon companion, and beloved wife of 62 years. Proud father of Ian and Gillian, and delighted grandfather of treasured grandchildren Connor, Calla, and Alison. Predeceased by his parents and brother William. Michael was born in Walkerville (Windsor), ON, raised and educated in Toronto and Lakefield until 1952, when his family moved to Ottawa.
His long, varied working life included RCAF pilot training, chartered banking, and life insurance. His 1959 transfer by Standard Life brought him to Vancouver. Moving to Kelowna in 1963, he became Administrator of the Knox Medical Clinic until 1974, during which he was awarded Fellowship in the American College of Medical Group Management. In 1975, he became a Realtor. During his 16 years in Kelowna, he was active in numerous community organizations: the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, the Kelowna Aviation Advisory Committee, and Gyro Club. In 1979, he was appointed Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Executive Director of Government House, proudly serving Their Honours H.P. “Budge” Bell-Irving, Robert G. Rogers, David See-Chai Lam, and Garde B. Gardom until his retirement in 1998. For his service to the Crown, he was awarded the Vice-Regal Commendation and was appointed a Lieutenant in the Royal Victorian Order which was presented to him personally by Her Majesty The Queen (Elizabeth II) in 1994, the highlight of his working life.
An 18-year member of the Canadian Army Active and Supplementary Reserve, he was commissioned in The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own) (1960), transferring to the British Columbia Dragoons in Kelowna (1963), and serving until transferred to the Supplementary Reserve Officers List (1968). He was a member of the Victoria Branch Executive Committee of St. John Ambulance for 15 years, and a Commander of The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.
His many interests included architecture, genealogy, military history, and photography. But his passions – apart from family – were aviation and music. A quietly adventurous sort, he qualified for his private pilot’s license at age 19; attended and photographed airshows and aviation museums all over North America; went aloft in a variety of military and recreational aircraft. He was among the first recreational scuba divers in Ontario; an avid motorcyclist – enjoying touring, field trials, ice-racing on the Ottawa River, and his last ride alongside Ian at 87; he sampled the thrill of sky-diving; hiked the Grand Canyon on several occasions. His home was always filled with music of every genre from opera to jazz, classical to country, film soundtracks to rock, folk to easy-listening, comedy to experimental – all amassed in his large collection of LPs and CDs.
His legendary sense of humour, great company, and genuine curiosity about people shone through every day and in each connection he made – and were our shared joy, till the end. His compassion and caring for those he loved and those in need were the enduring heart of his character. Always loved, dearly missed. We are forever grateful for you, JMR.
Michael and his family extend their warmest thanks to Dr Eugene Leduc and Dr Eric Fretz for their years of commitment to his health, and to the extraordinary doctors, nurses, and wellness teams at Royal Jubilee Hospital South 7 for their dedicated expertise and devoted care.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Saturday, October 24th, 2026, at 2:00pm. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, tributes may be made in his memory to Michael’s preferred charities: Boys and Girls Club of Greater Victoria Summer Camp Program, BC Lions Society Easter Seals Summer Camp Program.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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