Born June 13,1952 in Victoria, British Columbia to Darrel and Elsie Gaiger. Youngest of three, Mike is predeceased by his parents and his sister Rosalie Wallace (nee Gaiger). Mike fought a long hard battle with cancer, won that battle, but due to a secondary infection, his lungs could no longer support his breathing. Mike lost his battle for life on June 2, 2009. He died knowing that his loving wife was there by his side along with the rest of his family and some close friends giving him their full support, love and strength. Mike so enjoyed life – gardening, camping, woodworking, trips to the Seattle Tug Boat races, Scouting, wine making and most of all -cooking. Mike gave of his time volunteering without hesitation to help others. Mike & I were together for a short 34 years. He was my true love and soulmate and my life was complete with him in it. His children were his pride and joy–the second loves of his life and he was so proud of each and everyone of them. Mikes family and friends were very important to him. He looked up to his big brother Paul and Pauls wife Diana — They helped him through some tough times and were always there for him. Mikes extending Scouting family gave Mike a chance to help others, support others and shared a great comradery with them. His shipmates and QHM staff were also a large part of his life. One of Mikes favourite sayings was “I’m not ready to retire yet — I’m having too much fun!” Mike, myself and our children enjoyed many years of
camping together at We Wai Kai campground on Quadra Island and count ourselves lucky with all the friends we have made over the years up there. Mike was blessed with a great sense of humour and a caring loving heart.
To all our family, friends, shipmates and neighbours I’m sure Mike would say: Thanks for the memories, the love and support. I’ll see you all again and will be with you always in Scouting Spirit. As for us that are left behind (for now) I know I will miss him terribly as will my children Alexander, Michelle and Andrew, big brother Paul and his wife Diana and all of the many other loving family members and friends. He was taken from us too soon and I miss him so much but I know he will be watching over each and everyone of us. Thanks to the BMT/Leukemia and ICU Units, VGH (Van). Special thanks to Jennifer and Holly. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the B.C. Cancer Society or B.C. Lung Association.
Viewing: June 11, 2009 6:30 – 8:30 pm Memorial Service: June 12, 2009 at 7:00 pm McCall Brothers Funeral Chapel. At Mikes request a wake will be held late in July, actual date, place and time to follow.
I love you Mike and I miss you so much, your loving wife Diana
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Kathleen and Roy Radu and Family
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Stan Budden Diana and the Gaiger Family
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I met Mike through Scouting, and knew him through his work at QHM. Mike was one of those priceless souls you meet once in a lifetime… he would give you the shirt off your back if it was needed, or would always have a way to make you feel better when you needed it. Mike will definately be missed. I wish I could be back for the service and the wake, but unfortunately I cannot. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you go through this terrible time. God Bless.
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Tara Mcfarlane i will sure miss mike i did not see him much but i sure liked seeing him up at quard island camping he will be derly missed
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Jerri Lynn Wilkins Dear Diana:
I always thought of Mike as a modern-day Buddha–a big, smiling guy who knew the value of family and friends, had his priorities straight, and knew how to enjoy every minute of existence. He set a fine example of what this life is all about and even though our meetings were few, I will miss him.
I will be at the service this evening, not to say goodbye, (I don’t think a sprit as strong as Mike’s ever leaves) but to honour a life well lived and to let you know that I feel your loss.
Love,
Jerri Wilkins
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Connie and Scott Fidyk Dear Diana:
Words cannot express or convey the sympathy we feel for you and your family. Kathleen let me know a few days ago that Mike had passed away. What a shock and a profoundly sad loss. Below are some kind words that someone sent to me upon the passing of my little brother a few years ago. I hope you take some comfort from them as I did:
“God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.”
Including you and your family in our prayers,
Connie McConnell and Scott Fidyk, Nolan, Gus and Zoe
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Mike Bingley Mike was someone who I will always consider to be a friend. His warm spirit and playful nature is something that I hope will live on forever in our hearts. Diana, I’m sorry that I can’t get there for the service – please know that I’m thinking of you.
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Al Orton Our deepest heart felt sympathy and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Unfortunately we are unable to make the service as Melissa is having her Grad Ceremony on Friday.
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Diana, Morgan and Paige Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
Warm Hugs
Diana, Morgan & Paige
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Tim & Lorna Diana, Alex, Michelle and Andy.
Mike was bigger than life, and will continue to be in our hearts and minds forever. Some things go on, and Mike’s spirit and love for his family are just a couple of those things.
He is, and will be missed terribly.
Please remember that your family is always here to offer support whenever you need it. We know that the love that we have in this big family of ours will help you through this difficult time.
Mike: What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we wil begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
Love Tim, Lorna, Sabrina and Rebecca
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Gerry Beatty and Heather Chalmers Dear Diana, Alexander, Michelle and Andrew
Our hearts are with you in this time of sorrow. Mike loved life with a gusto and it is difficult to think of him gone. I am sure that he is watching over you all and that his love will be with you always.
All who knew him will miss him terribly.
Always know that we your family and friends are there for you.
With Love and Deepest Sympathy
Gerry and Heather
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Gerry Beatty and Heather Chalmers Dear Diana, Alexander, Michelle, and Andrew
Our hearts are with you in this terrible time. Mike loved life with a gusto, and it is difficult to think of him gone. I am sure that he is watching over you all and that his love will be with you always.
All who knew him will miss him terribly.
Always know that we your family and friends are there for you.
With Love and Deepest Sympathy
Gerry and Heather
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Andrea,Danielle and Deborah Diana, Alexander,Michelle and Andrew (and any extended family)
On hearing about your loss we are sending you our sympathy…
We are sorry to hear of Uncle Mike’s passing .
May he be with you always in spirit, and the grief soon turn into happy memories.From Andrea,Deborah and Danielle
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Dan and Linda Joanisse Sweet Diana and Family
We want you to know that our thoughts are with you at this time. Everyone who knew Mike will miss him and we cannot even begin to express our sorrow for your irreplaceable loss. Mike was a very special person and we have always been happy for you and Mike, that you were lucky enough to have found each other and experienced such a special love. It always showed!! Together you raised a beautiful family, and short though it was, had a fulfilling life together.
We hope your memories and love for each other will help you all to get through this difficult time.
With Love and Heartfelt Sympathy
Dan and Linda
Dear Diana and family
You have all been on our hearts. Mike was such a bright light who made everyone feel special, he will truly be missed.
Perhaps they are not stars,
but rather openings in heaven
where the love of our lost ones
pours through
and shines down upon us
to let us know they are happy.
~Eskimo Proverb~
Lots of hugs,
Kathleen and Roy Radu & family