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
Linda and Tom
We are so sorry to hear of the sudden death of your son, Michael. He has left you far too early. We know he shall be missed so very much. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Kathy and Lloyd Barnes
Tom and Linda
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this sad and difficult time.
Mike
Mr. & Mrs. Essery and family
My condolences to you all.
There are no words to describe how sad and heart broken i am. Mike and i worked together for 13 years at BCAS. Not only was he a great boss but we became good friends over the years.
I will miss you my friend. Until we meet again.
Tom, Linda, and Michael’s family and friends,
What a shock it was for Deborah and me to learn of Michael’s untimely death, so we can only guess what sadness you must be experiencing, and our hearts are with you.
Michael was full of life, full of fun, and a great guy to be around. He will be missed, but he will be remembered.
We only wish we can give you a hug, reminisce, and remind each other how precious our time on earth is, and how precious our time with our loved ones is as well.
Sincerely,
Patrick and Deborah
Dear Linda and Tom, We are stunned to read about Michael’s passing! Our hearts are with you-much too soon to lose a cherished son. Your bountiful love especially for your sons has always been obvious.
Linda, with Tom at your side, have always been a strength within our Oak Bay High Class of ’59, connecting with so many far and wide and blessing us with your kind, enthusiastic involvement. Maureen Marwood and Ted Cameron
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of a son, brother and partner. Mike was absolutely one of the good guys. We saw some great times and some tough times at BCAS. We had many a great conversation and his sense of humour was always front and center and you alway felt good after chatting with Mike. I last saw him at YYJ in January and, after not having seen each other in about 5 years, rather than shake my hand he greeted me with a giant bear hug. To me that typified just who he was. Rest in peace Mike.
We have been neighbours across the street for 10 years. My husband Bill Foster cared a lot about Mike, considered him a good friend and would have been devastated by his death. I remember Mike’s and Rhonda’s very kind words to me when Bill died last summer. Close family relationships with their ups and downs really define our lives, so it is an incredibly painful shock when suddenly your loved one is gone.
My deepest sympathy to Rhonda and all of Mike’s family. Another good man is gone. In my experience, those who are left are sustained by remembering his love, appreciating all the good times you shared and valuing what he taught you in your time together.
With love,
Oh Linda – my heartfelt condolences.
Linda and Tom,
So very sorry to read of your son, Michael’s passing. I can’t imagine your heartbreak. Thinking of you with love.
Dear Linda and Tom,
I am so sorry to see of your loss of your dear Michael. A wonderful man and so soon to have him pass on.
Please accept my sincere condolences, and remember that Michael will always be with you.
David