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
Jennifer Eby Jones
Sending my sincere condolences to the Essery Family and friends of Mike. I was a classmate of Mike’s at Cedar Hill and Mt. Doug. I have fond memories of Mike. He always had a big smile and a contagious laugh. I last saw Mike at the 30 yr. high school reunion and he was the same fun guy. He touched many lives.
To the Essery Family,
Maryann and I pass our deepest condolences. When I worked with him, Michael was a bright star in the Air bc sky. I was fortunate enough to become a friend and enjoyed many a fun time either on a golf course, a houseboat in Penticton or elsewhere. Always the brightest light in the room. His love for aviation was in his blood. Besides his family, it is what brought the biggest smile on his face. It was with genuine sadness we learned of his passing. Grief is the price we pay for love.
Please accept our warmest thoughts during this time.
Brent & Maryann Monks
Penticton BC
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of Mike. I have nothing but fond memories of Mike, he was always so friendly and pleasant to everyone. I know all of my colleagues past and present who knew Mike remember him the same way. He was truly a wonderful human being, one I will always remember as my friend Mike! God Bless!
Rhonda, Linda, Tom and family
I am so sad to hear of your loss. I had the privilege of working with Mike for just five years at BC Ambulance but what a wonderful guy. He will live on in the memories all who knew him.
Ian
Another angel flies in heaven. Miss you Michael.
Dear Linda & Tom,
Please accept my sincere condolences at the passing of your son Michael John. I can only imagine what a terrible blow that must have been, and I wish that there was some way that I could help to ease your pain.
I hope it is some consolation for you to remember how very successful he was in the career that he so obviously loved. You must be very proud of him.
Fond regards,
Doug
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Dear Tom, Linda, and family,
We read about your son Michael. We were so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. We want to pass on to you and your family our deepest condolences in this time of extreme grief.
To Linda, Tom and Family
I was saddened to hear the news. Mike was a great boss in BCEHS – Aviation and always cheerful and smiling. Always had time for you. He loved his job SO much and wanted everyone to know as much as we could about BC Ambulance and even arranged a flight for me at Stn 280, when the Finance/Admin clerks were allowed ,(flight cancelled over Vancouver) but the excitement of being up there with the paramedics was incredible.. He encouraged visiting Dispatch and learning all about them. He was very social and fun to be around and his heart was in right place. Your flying high now.
Linda and Tom, how very shocking to read this news. My condolences to all your family, but especially to you two. There is no greater loss than the loss of a child. A meditation was left for me at on point, a quote from The Prophet, “When you are sorrowful, look again into your hearts and you will see that, in truth, you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”
Tom/Linda, Tom Jr. and Rhonda,
Bozena and I send you our deepest condolences. Mike was my best friend and a brother to me for over 40 years. We were there for each other through good times and bad and our friendship never wavered. The laughter and joy we shared throughout these many years will always be in our hearts and minds. Mike was truly one of the great ones.