July 31, 1959 – July 17, 2012
Peacefully on July 17, 2012 in Victoria B.C., beloved son of the late D’Arcy and Norah McGee. Predeceased by sister Kath, survived by brothers D’Arcy (Leslie), Gordon and Tim (Mary) and sister Margot (Jeremy). Uncle to D’Arcy (Katty), Peter, Kate, Jennifer (Mark), Sarah, Julia, Gord, Charlotte and Fraser and great uncle to Sophia, Ella, Christophe, Marcel, Thomas, Olivia and Mateo. Mike was a very special person. He warmed the lives of everyone he met and he made enduring and loving friends throughout his life and wherever he visited. He was a man of many talents; swimming and a love of music were top of the list. Many a competitor has seen only Mike’s wake as he churned and torpedoed his way to victory in the annual Trackshoes swimming meets. His taste and appreciation of music knew no bounds – from polkas to the Beatles to Irish ballads and from contemporary hits to classic hymns and carols – Mike had an inner rhythm which he was always eager to share. Mike faced many challenges in his life yet he set an example for all of us with his warmth, his indomitable good spirit, his aversion to conflict and his exceptional sense of fun and humour. Many people near and far have been touched by Mike’s spirit and his humanity. And many in turn have given unselfishly of their time and talent to make Mike’s life a happy and fulfilling one. This role was exemplified by the extraordinary lifelong efforts and commitment of Mike’s Mum and Dad. During an earlier era when kids with Downs Syndrome were often expected to stay outside mainstream life, his Mum and Dad brought the world to Mike and Mike to the world. He became a well-rounded man because of their vision and dedication. From his early days at the Victor Street School to his beloved Maplewood Home and his many travels with the Happy Wanderers, Mike has been blessed by an army of friends, supporters and caregivers including Dr. David Bell and all those at Maplewood including Patty, Deb, Cathy, Linda, Krista, Nikki, Elaine, Meko, Ed, Tanya, Leonida and Gail, and his long time companion Des. The family is eternally grateful to each of you. We all can rest assured that no one has gone to heaven with any greater haste than Mike and that he is now reunited with the Old Fella and Mum.
A Celebration of Life followed by a reception will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Victoria Association for Community Living, 3861 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, B.C., V8P 2M7. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
25 Responses
I was saddened to hear of Mike’s passing and my thoughts are with you all. The Langran’s and McGee’s spent a lot of time together in the 70s and 80s at Haliburton and Seaview respectively. Mike always recognized me, he was the type of person that I wish everyone was – he was interesting, but more importantly he was interested. Mike was never without a smile, always happy, and he brought light and energy to the room. One of the most valuable things I learned was how normal someone with Downs Syndrome is, and that, for me, was something I am grateful to have learned at a young age. Bless you Mike. Love from us all, Rory, Pippa, Georgina, and Beatrix
Such a darling, sweet, smiling man. This is how I remember Mike. My thoughts are with those left behind.
I was saddened to hear from Mum about Mike. I have such fond memories of him over the years. He brought so much to family occasions and to dinner parties. He was a consummate partier — he sang, danced and gave great toasts, and graces! He was blessed with a sparkle, an easy grin and a way about him that brought joy to so many, My thoughts are with you all and I send much love to each of you.
with love, Henrietta
I will always treasure the time I got to spend with Mike. I watched as he established himself here at Maplewood making it his home and the way he developed relationships with Jim, Cecil, Ken and most recently Mike P. Mr. Mike was a joy. My most treasured memory was a few weeks ago when I was sitting with him and he looked at me and said Hi Deboroah with such a smile. That moment of recognition was one of the many blessings Mike gave me over the years. We will truly miss Mike. Deb
Dear Margot, Jeremy & family
We send our sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear brother Mike. There will be many people missing his special smile and hugs! Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Sincere sympathy, Bob and Doreen Alton