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
Mike was an amazing person and touched my life in a possitive way. He will be greatly missed but always remembered. It was my pleasure to meet Mikes siblings Margot, D’Arcy, Gordon and Tim. My thoughts are with you.
Ed Chapman
Our sincere condolences to all of you. Mikey was very special . There are many good memories of seeing him on his walks with Nonie and D’arcy when Seaview was his home. His smile was contagious. He loved everybody because he knew everyone loved him.
Blessings, the Hosie’s
dear mcgees, we havelots of good memories of mikes, and his life on seaview. d’arcy was amazing – every hallowe’en out in costume door knocking with mikes. it was a beautiful obit. hope things are good with you. with love, us xxxxx
Dear Tim:
It has been many many years since we were last in touch during law school. Occasionally in the intervening years, as I have been raising my daughter, I have thought of you and your brother, and I was saddened to see the notice today in the Globe. As someone who has spent the last 19 years parenting a special needs child, I can understand how tremendous the gap your brother leaves must be for all of you. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Mike, it is clear that all of you made choices which allowed him to have a meaningful and important life and hopefully that will be of some comfort to all of you as you mourn his loss.
Please accept my sincere sympathies for your loss.
It was my priviledge and pleasure to have known D’Arcy and Norah [Nonie Fleck] when I was quite young growing up in Ottawa. Their love and devotion to young D’Arcy was an example we could all well emulate
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your sad loss
D’arcy always talked about Mikey in such a loving and caring way and often shared the “stories” of his humour. We know that he was such a big part of all your lives and that you will all miss him so much. May the memories of the joy and laughter that he was fill your hearts during this difficult time. Please know that we are thinking of you all and sending good healing thoughts.
My deepest condolences to the family for the loss of beloved Mickey. I will treasure the time I spent with him especially singing “Oh my Papa” to his daddy.” He was indeed a very special person!
It sounds like Mike had a good life; he got to enjoy many people and experiences and that his was a life filled with music inside and out. Kudos to your parents, family and carers for loving Mike the way you did.
Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
We were saddened to hear of Mike’s death and send our sincere sympathy to you all. He was a very special member of your family and enriched the lives of all who knew him. Our loving thoughts are with you.
Elizabeth and Ted.
Mike was a very special person whose joyous energy and appreciation of the little things made all those around him notice and appreciate those things, too — like just how yummy Tim’s mashed potatoes and gravy always are.
The Mullens-Baldrey family were definitely touched by his spirit and humanity and we share our love in this time of loss.