January 7, 1954 – May 1, 2012
Michael was born in Victoria and attended St. Michael’s and Oak Bay High Schools. He moved to Toronto after some travel adventures and took his Bachelor of Fine Arts in film studies at Ryerson. After graduation he worked for the CBC doing mostly documentaries which married his love of film and history with research. Michael was always the writer and returned to Victoria to be close to family and pursue his passion. He was predeceased by his parents, Bunty and Ray Wainwright and is lovingly remembered by his sister, Lorraine (Andrew) Gates. He was much loved Uncle Mike to niece, Stephanie and nephew, Adrian (Leah) and story teller and lego builder to great-nephews, Ronan and Cairo. Fondly remembered by his Aunty Barb and cousin Anne and other extended family. Michael had many great friends and he was a true and passionate friend in return. He was for many years a proud member of VEAC and enjoyed the companionship of his Broad Street coffee buddies. Michael was a man of faith and valued the community of St. Peter and St. Paul Esquimalt. Michael was a thoroughly nice guy who welcomed enthusiastically, acknowledged strengths and supported others whenever he could. He loved and was loved by the children of the Sunday School. He really enjoyed old Sci-Fi movies, baseball, good food, a cold beer and Raymond Chandler. Michael was truly an artist who experienced both highs and lows, but in his last years consciously focused outward with compassion and understanding for whomever he met. He chose to be buried close to his friends in St. Paul’s Cemetery (Esquimalt).
Michael’s requiem will be held at St. Peter and St. Paul (1379 Esquimalt Rd.) on Friday, May 4th at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Peter and St. Paul’s or the Cancer Society. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
12 Responses
Hi
I am so sorry to hear that Michael is no longer with us.
We were friends at Ryerson together & I will never forget our first week of school. As part of a film project Mike and I, along with some other students, took the red rocket (TTC streetcar) to the beaches and mucked about on the beach with our 8mm camera. It was a lovely sunny September day with us getting to know each other, a day I will always keep as a precious memory of Michael. He was a very special guy & I am a better person for knowing him.
Bill Sault
I will always fondly remember teaching Sunday school with Michael, doing adult confirmation classes together, but above all discussing anything on history. I was glad to get to know Michael and will sorely miss him. My thoughts and prayers with Lorraine and family. God bless you Michael, your faith is an inspiration for me. Hope to see you again one day.