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
We are very sorry to hear about Michael’s passing. Our condolences to you Linda & Tom and your family.
Hugs
Bud & Hilda
Linda and Tom,
Ed and I are so sorry to read of your son’s passing. It’s not
supposed to happen this way, but it does. Our first born son.
Paul, was just seven when he died. It was along time ago but you never forget. Your sadness now will turn into wonderful
memories of you son. The memories you have will always live in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Lynne & Ed Vishek
Linda and Tom,
Ed and I are so sorry to read of your son’s passing. It’s not
supposed to happen this way, but it does. Our first born son.
Paul, was just seven when he died. It was along time ago but you never forget. You sadness now will turn into wonderful
memories of you son. The memories you have will always live in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Lynne & Ed Vishek
Tom Linda and Rhonda:
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your son and partner Michael. He was a lovely man with a big heart and even bigger soul. I have so many fond memories of working with Mike and relying on his great sense of humour to get us through the workday. I first met Mike in the early 90’s when I moved my office to the south terminal at YVR and set up shop across the hallway from Mike at Telus air operations. We were separated by a large glass window and Mike wasted no time introducing himself and was full of questions about BC Air Ambulance operations. When we lost PUN in in January 1995 Mike offered to help in any way he could and he very quickly became my go to source for information on the many aviation terms and regulations that we were processing post crash. Mike initiated and organized, with Telus’s blessing, the use of their aircraft to ferry BCAS personnel, politicians and Ministry of Health Officials to Vancouver and back for the huge memorial serice held at YVR. I was so grateful for Mike’s help during that tragic time and proud that we were able to bring him over to Air Ambulance a few years later. Mike’s spirit will live on and he will never be forgotten.
Linda & Tom:
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your son. We know that he will be sorely missed by so many. Heartfelt wishes for you at this time.
Bob Wilson (Gail) and Pat Ryan (Dan)
Dear Tom and Linda,
Kathy and my thoughts and hearts go out to you upon reading of your dear
Mike’s passing. I first got to know Mike of course during our ‘pioneer’ days with AirBC. Golly, we were both just ‘kids’ ! He was a most dedicated person and great ambassador for the airline. Always a smile always friendly, always ready step in and be of help. I know that his fellow workers at BC Ambulance would have similar words of praise and respect.
Fond regards, Graeme
Dear Linda and Tom,
I know our paths have not crossed for some time but fond memories remain. Please accept my heartfelt condolences at the passing of your Michael. My thoughts and prayers are with you both at this truly most difficult time. May the best of memories guide you through the days ahead.
Carolyn Bell
My dearest Linda and of course Tom,
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your precious Michael and am wrapping my arms around you and holding you tight with much love.
I remember all the stories of all of Michael’s exploits and how your face would light up with pride and all of the love that you had in your heart for him.No matter how far away or what kind of a new adventure he was under taking ,he was close in his mother’s heart
and I am sure he felt and knew it.
Sending all of my love and will be lighting a candle each night for you and your family.I cannot wait to be able to share some of our uproarious laughter in the not too distant future.I feel sure that Michael would like to hear you laugh.
Lovingly,
Meredith
“What the heart has once loved,it can never forget”
Reflecting on life, we note the angels. Mike was one of them. I was lucky he moved across the street and became part of the same neighbourhood gaggle. Playing kick the can, lawn darts and wrecking neighbours lawns, we laughed on carefree summer evenings together. Mike was a deep and intelligent person that grew into the good looking guy with the hot car and the cool friends. He was fun and popular and would do anything for anyone. I will never forget listening to Boston in his living room for the first time….and pre-car, walking up Doncaster so many times while he made me laugh. Mike knew what he wanted and pursued his aviation career from such an early age. I am so proud of him. He was loved by all and so kind and fun. I will miss that angel.
Linda and Tom,
My deepest sympathy!
I am so sorry to read about Michael. He was taken far too soon. My thoughts are with you both. Although I lost my husband (also in his 50s, from Heart problems) I can only imagine how deep your loss is. To lose your child is heartbreaking.
I am so very sorry!
Hugs to you both.
Love, Linda