With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son, Michael Jon, in Victoria, far too early at the age of 56 with so much more to offer to this earth.
Survived by his grieving parents, Linda and Tom, brother Tom Jr. (Rachel) nephews Mark, Austin and niece Linda Ana, his favourite uncle Alfred, and Rhonda, Michael’s partner of many years. Michael will also be dearly missed by his many aunts, uncles and cousins all of whom loved his wonderful, infectious charm, intelligence, wit and warmth.
Michael’s passion from an early age was aviation. He gained his private pilot’s license at 16 years of age. Beginning his career at age 13 as a part-time “ramp rat” with Air West in the inner harbour, he advanced with what became Air BC to ground management positions in Victoria, Prince George, Calgary and Edmonton. Countless friends and colleagues loved his sense of humour and respected and admired his management skills and ability to bring people together. Michael’s, career highlight, in which he took great pride, was with BC Emergency Health Services where his dedication and leadership were well recognized. His final position was Director, Aviation Provincial Programs.
Goodbye, our darling son, may you rest in eternal peace.
There will be a celebration of life announced at a future date.
Donations to the SPCA https://www.spca.bc.ca/branches/victoria/
or the Wild Arc Foundation in Michael’s memory would be gratefully appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com.
90 Responses
Generous. My single word to sum up many great memories of working and socializing with Mike at AirBC. He was a generous man.
Tom and Linda,
So sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. Beth and I offer our sincere condolences.
Dave and Beth
linda & Tom
We offer our deepest condolences to you. It is never easy to lose a son, we always think that we would go first. We feel your pain having lost our daughter a month ago.
Dear Tom, Linda and family, so sad to hear about Michael. I wish I could be there. I’m sending much love and many hugs.
Everyone, anyone, who met or knew Michael – be they family, friends, colleagues or acquaintances – benefitted greatly from his genuine interest, endearing warmth & caring, never-ending enthusiasm and amazing hugs. I was fortunate enough to meet Linda & Tom almost 50 years ago, and very quickly fell in love with Tommy and Michael too. And now, I’m incapable of finding adequate words to describe what a massive, tragic loss his passing is for those of us who knew and loved him.
Michael was our shining star! Now we’ll just have to look to the heavens to be blessed by his eternal “sparkle”. Shine on, dear Mikey!!
Love always, “Hotlips” and Family
Linda, Tom and family,
I was so saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. I cannot imagine what you are going through. I know you will cherish the memories of your amazing son and you will always keep him near your heart.
Thinking of you all and sending my deepest condolences.
Cathie Worthington
Tom and Linda
We send our love and sincere condolences to you and your family. There are no words, I am so sorry
Mike had a heart of gold. He knew how to touch people’s lives with his heart. He was like a warm summer breeze to so many and will be deeply missed. Soar high with the eagles.
Linda, Tom and family. So sorry to hear about Michael. My heart aches for your family during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy. Carol Petersen
Ken white /Lucia
Linda /Tom
My condolences, I have had the pleasure to work with mike
For many years we both started very young and grew up in the aviation business a great man and friend
He will be missed
God bless