December 17, 1937 – October 29, 2010
Mike passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Phyllis; son, Dan and children, Tory, Reena, Rebekah and Quinn; son, Mark (Melissa); brother, Bryan (Joanne) and sister, Dianne (Pat Zanichelli), nieces and nephews. Mike’s life was of music. He was a talented pianist, playing classical music, popular music of the 1920’s–’50’s era and rock and roll. He played in the Pharaoh’s Band in the 1960’s and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Victoria, B.C. For 36 years, Mike worked as a draftsman in the Esquimalt Dockyard. His interests were cars, motorcycles, gardening and designing and constructing scaled layouts, buildings and scenery for his model trains. He played organ and piano at Church worship services, entertained family and friends, enjoyed playing at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Extended Care Unit and at four Senior Residences, playing music of their era. He loved to play their requests and see his audience enjoying the music. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Colin Tamboline who was so caring and attentive to Mike and grateful thanks to the Caregivers.
A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
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Mike and Sandy Renaud
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Jason Flower my deepest condolences to the Kersey family. Mike was always very friendly and positive. I was lucky enough to have him share many stories about the Pharaohs with me. he will not be forgotten!
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Don Karvelis I met Mike in 12th grade at Oak Bay High School. He sat right behind me in class. We chatted occasionally, but I didn’t really get to know him until years later at a class reunion. That was when I learned that he had become a Christian, and we connected immediately. Since then we kept in touch regularly, and I came to consider him a special friend. I enjoyed especially our opportunties to visit when I got to Victoria. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with Phyllis and all the family at this time of loss, but I’m sure all of us look forward to a wonderful day of reunion with Mike one day soon!
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GLAD AND RUSS HI SWEETHEART SO SORRY WE ARE NOT THERE TO GIVE YOU A HUG BUT WE REMEMBER ” MIKEY MAID ” WITH GREAT FONDNESS WE HAD A GREAT TIME WITH YOU AND MIKE WHENEVER WE MET UP AND WAS PLEASED TO MEET MIKE’S FAMILY OUR CONDOLENCES TO THEM ALSO LOVE TO DAN MARK AND FAMILIES WISHING YOU ALL OUR LOVE AT THIS VERY SAD TIME MY LOVELY TAKE CARE YOUR LOVING COUSIN GLAD RUSS NICHI BEV AND THE GANG XXXXXXXXXXXX
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stella higgins My deepest sympathy to Phyllis and family,also Bryan and Diane. Norma and Rick join me in this. I remember our good neighbours of many years ago and how the kids all played together.
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Brant Kersey Phyllis, Dan & Mark –
Uncle Mike will be missed – he truly was one of the great ones.
Much love,
Brant, Jennifer and Bergen
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connie (cownden) mckenzie To Diane and Pat Zanichelli
So sorry to hear of the passing of your brother Mike. His years of music will be remembered and missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and his family.
Sincerely, Connie
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Ray and Tish Tessier - Oliver, B.C. Dear Phyllis and family…
Great sadness and sympathy in the loss of your husband Mike. He was sincere and caring. We loved to hear him play on the piano and he thrilled many, old and young with his love of music. We share your sorrow and sadness. Ray and Tish Tessier
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Corinne Okell Dear Phyllis,
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have very fond memories of Mike playing his accordian for our MCF Bible study group at the Dockyard and also at morning worship at SBF and at our wedding. May you find peace and comfort knowing Mike is in the arms of Jesus.
In Jesus’ love, Bill & Corinne Okell
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Groffe Braithwaite Phyllis and family, I feel very fortunate to have been able to share time with you and Mike many years ago during the Pharaoh’s era. He was always such a caring, considerate guy. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Groffe Braithwaite
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Wilma (Willie) Taylor To Michael’s family
My sincere sympathy to each of you. I met Michael through Uncle Morris who was a long time friend of my family. Uncle Morris took me to meet Michael some years ago when we stopped by the house. Michael played the piano for us! How absolutely joyful to meet him and to hear him play.
Michael was very thoughtful and kind to Uncle Morris when he was ill and this seemed to be very typical of him. I’m so very sorry that Michael became ill himself – he will be missed. Michael was generous with this talent and his time and made a positive difference to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. God be with you in this sad time. Sincerely Wilma (Willie) Taylor
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Sue Whitlock Dear Phyllis,
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Your road hasn’t been an easy one, but I pray that you find that God’s grace is sufficient for you.
I appreciated the chat you and I had at the store a few months back. I’ll continue to pray for you as you grieve and go through all the adjustments that come when you lose your life’s partner.With love and prayers,
Sue Whitlock
Dear Phyllis & Family,
We were saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen you. I’m sorry to hear that Mike had such a long struggle with his health. He’s home now and ‘healed’!
Mike and I have some great memories of you and Mike up at Parksville at ‘Paradise Beach’ in our motor home! Those were the good old days and I remember having lots of laughs.
I pray that the Lord will strengthen you and give you courage in the days ahead.