Mike was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England in 1930. He was educated at Doncaster Grammar School and Durham University. He dropped out of University to join the British Army’s Royal Artillery and was commissioned in time to serve in the Korean War. Later on, he saw active service in Borneo and Malaya and in the withdrawal from Aden. He was a pilot in the Army Air Corps and he also served in a Commando Artillery Regiment. In 1969 after seventeen years in the army, he retired as a major and came to Canada.
Soon after getting off the boat, he was drawn to the North and joined the Government of the Northwest Territories in Fort Smith. He worked in the North for twenty years and was at various times Regional Director of the Baffin Region, Secretary to the Cabinet, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Board. Mike used to say that his happiest times in the North were when he lived for seven years in Frobisher Bay (now Iqaluit) and got to know people in all the communities of the Baffin Region. But it was in Yellowknife that he discovered the joy of sailing and qualified as a CYA Advanced Level Cruising Instructor on Great Slave Lake.
Mike retired for the second time in 1989 and lived aboard his yacht “Arctic Willow” in Sidney, B.C. teaching sailing and running skippered charters. In April 1994, he married Irene Stilwell, his close friend of many years, in a ceremony onboard “Arctic Willow” in Victoria Harbour. He later became involved in Outreach activities at First Metropolitan United Church and took a leading role with the Inner-City Dinners and the Out of the Rain night shelter for homeless youth. He also served as Chair of the Ministry and Personnel Committee and Co-Chair of the Management Group.
Mike and Irene had twelve happy years together in Sidney until Mike suffered a major stroke in 2006, from which he never recovered. He remained in Extended Care at Saanich Peninsula Hospital until he died. He leaves behind his beloved Irene, his stepdaughter Kerry Schaffer (Warren) and grandchildren Ian and Taya of Haileybury, Ontario; and stepdaughter Dawn Woodhurst (Ed) of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Also left to mourn is his sister Sally Cant (Peter) of Scarborough, Ontario.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the” Out of the Rain” night shelter for homeless youth through Beacon Community Services, Victoria BC.
THOSE WHOM YOU TRULY LOVE NEVER DIE
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
22 Responses
Irene, Kerry and Dawn, I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Sincerest condolences to all.
I had the privilege of working for Mike in the NWT. He was a good leader, and his passing is sad for all who knew him.
My condolences to Irene and Family.
Dear Irene Kerry and Dawn
So many wonderful memories of knowing Mike in Frobisher Bay and then Yellowknife and Sidney. He was such a fine man.
Irene you made his life complete and a bonus for the girls to have him in their lives.
Cherish all those wonderful adventures you and Mike shared together and know that although saying goodbye is so very difficult – you are a strong woman and you have strong faith and good friends to help you in your grief.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am sending you love and strength. Marcia
Irene, Kerry & Warren; Dawn & Ed: So sorry to hear of MJ’s passing. May the support of friends and each other bring you all comfort and peace of mind.
Grief never ends …
but it changes.
It’s a passage, not a place to stay.
Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith.
It is the price of love.
Mike was a “rich” man based on the love and affection he engendered throughout his lifetime. As part of that early cadre of GNWT officers, he contributed to building the backbone of the territories’ development.
Dear Irene, Dawn and Kerry,
So very sorry to hear your sad news about Mike dying. He was so wonderful to you all! And your daily visits with Mike over these past years must have been the highlight of his days, Irene. My heart goes out to each of you now and in the days,weeks and months ahead.
Love to you all from,
Betty Vaughan
In our thoughts and heart at this sad time.
Janet and Keith
Dearest Irene,
Daniel and I are very sad to hear of Mike’s passing. Although we all knew this day would come it still is a very sad occasion.
Happy to hear your family has taken you under their wings. It is your time to receive care now.
Rest in knowing you were an amazing partner to Mike
and your care for him kept him going for much longer than he might have.
We knew Mike as a sailor and then as your husband. What great years you must of had together, sailing the seas. Although the seas became rough for a time you still had your beautiful sunrises and sunsets. This final sunset will now give you time to process all the beautiful memories you and Miked shared together.
Take time for yourself and remember there are many of us here that will surround you with love and prayers.
Irene, I’m sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, but I’m thankful that his ordeal is at an end. My thoughts are with you.
Irene: my deepest condolences to you!
You and Mike were a great duo, and enjoyed many happy years together.
He was so lucky to have you at his side after his stroke, and your loving and positive care made his remaining time much better than it could otherwise have been.
You have been a champion! Now I hope Mike is at peace and you are too.
Love Lori S.
Our dear Irene,
Lee and I were so sorry to hear about the death of Mike. You are blessed to have had so many happy years together. May our Lord bless you and keep you and your family in the days ahead with His comfort and his grace.
With our love, prayers, and blessings,
Sarah and Lee Berry