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 send special thoughts and remembrances of so many years. Your family and mine, were not only neighbours but treasured friends. Mike always gave me the very best hugs. He always chatted when the moon was full,when our mother’s were talking on the phone.
Dear Margot and Jeremy, Jen and Mark, Sarah and Julia and McGee Family,
One of “The Brothers” is now gone and I know you will miss him and his infectious smile very much.
He was blessed with parents and siblings who dearly loved him. Friday outings with Big Sister Margot were a special treat for years.
Thinking of you all at this time and I know you’ll keep happy memories of your brother and uncle close to your hearts.
With special love, Arlene and Garry
Dear McGees,
John & I were so sorry to hear that Mike has passed away.
We only met him once when he was a very young fellow but we heard numerous stories from “Mick”, (Mary Macdonald) who spent much time with the family in Victoria. We know what a special person he was.
We offer our sincere condolences to you all.
John & Mary Macdonald North Vancouver
Traveling on business I read about Mike and was immediately touched by his story. When I arrived home in New Jersey I had my oldest daughter read Mike’s story as she is entering her junior year studying to be a special education teacher. From his story we all earned how a loving and caring family, supported by so many friends and caregivers, enabled such a wonderful person with special needs to shine his bright inner light for all to see what can be achieved despite the challenges. Thanks for that important life lesson, and may God Bless Mike and all of you.
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s death. I remember when he came to study music with my mother, Clarice Rummel at Cadboro Bay Music Studio, and how I would always help with his lessons until he and I became great friends. At the annual recital where all the students played, Mikey participated too, and at the end we could not get him to stop bowing as he was given a standing ovation. Afterwards I will never forget how proud and happy his Mum was as she told us that it was the first time he had participated in something which was not for people with special needs. Every time I ever saw him he would come running over and give me a hug, and even after years apart he would always remember my name. He left a special mark on the world, and there are many people whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
As a member of Mike’s Maplewood family I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the McGee family. Mike was a great friend and will be missed dearly by his roommates Jim, Ken, Mike P & Cecil. Mike was here to teach and that he did, RIP friend.
All our love to the McGee family and the caregivers at Maplewood Home, Mike was a very special person.
Thinking of you all.
I have so many memories of meeting Mikey at Peppers in Cadboro Bay, grocery shopping with Nonie. I have special memories of volunteering at the Special Olympics at UVic, and Mikey’s joy, especially at the dances.
I last saw him at Clover Point with a group not so long ago. We hugged and reminisced, not sure if he remembered me, yet it certainly felt like he did.
love to you all.
Hilary
I am saddened to hear the news of Mike. I had the pleasure of playing my fiddle for Mike and his roommates at Maplewood a few years back. On most shifts I would play music and Mike loved it. It was so much fun to watch him sing and dance. Mike, Jim and I would attend Sunday morning services at Fairfield United Church and he was well loved for his joyful singing. My condolences to your family. I will always remember Mike with his beautiful smile and his angelic soul.
Debra Dunsby
26 years ago I had the honor of meeting my friend Mike McGee while doing my second practicum. Mike and I stayed friends going daffodil picking, to the Empress for Tea, Disneyland and every year shopping for his large family at Christmas time. Mike enriched my life in so many ways. You were well loved Michael McGee and hugely missed. RIP my friend ♥♥