Passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 20, 2025, at his home in Victoria, BC. Born Tuesday December 12, 1933, in Co. Donegal, Ireland.
Predeceased by his son Sean (Carole), he is survived by his wife Rosemary, his son Liam (Violet), his daughter Rose-Ann (Scott), grandchildren Colin (Danielle), Katya and Nicholas and great grandchildren James and Wyatt.
Mike always had stories of his upbringing with his much loved brothers and sisters on the family farm in Lettercran, Ireland. Emigrating to Birmingham, England in the early 1950s he worked as a bus conductor. From there he became an iron worker and worked all over England and parts of Wales. He met and married Rosemary in Gosport, England in 1961. With Sean and Liam, they emigrated to Calgary in 1968 where he continued his career in steelwork. He volunteered at many a Lions Club event, including raising money to build a senior centre in Calgary where he provided support and called bingo.
Mike retired in 1987 and began refinishing antique furniture (Belleek Furniture). In his later years he participated in half marathons in Calgary and Victoria. Always crossing the finish line with his children and grandchildren then off to enjoy a pint of Guinness at the pub. He was a voracious reader who kept detailed records of family history he knew would be lost in time.
Despite his constant hard work he knew how to take time and enjoy life’s pleasures. Whether that be camping trips in western Canada, US and Mexico; winning a record amount of horseshoe tournaments with his friends; losing the occasional horse racing bet and many trips to the west coast to visit Liam and Rose-Ann to watch his family grow and where he spent his final years.
Throughout his life his generosity, charisma, thoughtfulness and grace were always admired.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at a local cancer agency.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Morris” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Brenda and Mike O’Brien
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Liz Morris Sally, Jim, Liz and family.
Dear Rose, Liam, Rose-Ann & family
We are far apart in miles but we are with you at this sad time. We talk about him together about the calls across the pond. Mick was a great wordsmith, we looked forward to his letters.He will have left a large hole in the family but will be reunited with Sean. Love Sally, Jim, Liz & family
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Deb Wilson & Larry Hildenrand We wish to express our sincere condolences to Rosemary, and to Rose, Scott, Nicholas and Katya.
We remember Mike as a loving kind soul and know his absence will be keenly felt by his kin, and all whose lives he touched.
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Bill Thomson Dear Rose, Liam, Rose-Ann, and all the In-Laws, kids, and grand-kids,
Mike made a strong impact on all your lives. He also impacted many others, myself included. Being one of Sean’s friends I can remember many a weekend going down to “the track” and meeting up with Mike and sometimes Rose. Most of us didn’t have a clue about horse-racing but Mike would do his best to explain it all. Mike was a generous man, especially with his quick wit on various topics. He always made us feel like we belonged at his table. On other occasions he always made sure everyone was acknowledged and involved where ever we were. Mike will be missed by all that knew him.
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Theuns & Erika Venter Dearest Rose, Liam, Rose-Ann, Scott and extended family,
Our most sincere condolences with Mike’s passing and your family’s loss. Mike became our children’s “grandfather” after we immigrated to Canada, and he introduced us to Tim Hortons. Mike shoveled our driveway and took our girls to the bus stop so that I didn’t have to take our newborn out into the cold. We spent numerous Thanksgivings, birthdays and Christmases with him and Rose. Mike will forever have a very special place in our hearts and we treasure the wonderful memories of him.
May God be with you during this difficult time and fill you with peace as you remember Mike.
All our love … Theuns, Erika, Catharina, Mariè and Eline Venter
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George Setterington Rose, I know you have lost a big part of yourself, a husband and a friend. Many a visit to your Calgary home to chat and taste a wee bit and many a chat with Mike in his workshop including advice and an update on Calgary and world events. Loved the refinished furniture we purchased from Mike and you.
Mike is now at peace after several health issues and I wish you peace and solace in your days ahead to bear your loss. May your days be full of memories of your enjoyment with that Irish soul.
God Bless.
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Thomas McLeod I am sorry to hear of your loss Rosemary and Rose. And regret that Katya and Nicolas have loss two grandfather’s. I hope you are able to find peace and support with your loved ones as you grieve this loss.
Rose, Mike is in our thoughts. It was always a comfort having you and Mike down the street in Rocky Ridge. We’ve spoken on the phone a few times, and we admired his energy and perseverance as he walked every day. I always looked forward to conversations with you and him when we met on the back pathway. I will miss him as I miss you since you’ve moved to Victoria. I can only imagine how wonderful it has been to close to your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mike took old, scratched antiques, and turned them into a work of art. Your garage served as a showroom for impeccable capabilities. Stay strong and stay well, Rose.