On Saturday, June 20, 2020, Robert Michael Blades, loving husband, father, brother and uncle passed away at the age of 70.
Mike was born in Halifax, NS to Lionel and Lillian (Garrison) Blades. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from UVic in 1976 and later achieved a Chartered Accountant Designation in 1983. He fulfilled his aspiration to have his own practice until retirement in 2010. He married the love of his life, Vicky (Zellenskey) on May 8, 1976. They raised two sons, Max and Duncan.
Mike was an amazing athlete, whether it be baseball, gymnastics, football, rugby or squash, he excelled. A great card player and a Life Master of Bridge at the age of 26. He loved the Yankees, the Seahawks and a good hot dog.
Mike was predeceased by his father Lionel in 1955 and his mother Lillian in 2005. He is survived by his wife Vicky, sons Max (Alexandra), Duncan (Alexis), his brother Jim (Gayle), his sister Susan Woodburn, mother-in-law Irene Dumka, sister-in-law Tina Burrows (Walt), nieces and nephews.
A private celebration of Mike’s life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, c/o Alzheimer Society of BC https://www.alzheimerbc.org/
The long, hard journey is over. Rest in Peace our dear Mikey, we will love you always! Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
80 Responses
Vicky,
I only learned of Mikes passing today. I am so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful Husband and Father and best friend. Please feel free to reach out if you ever need to talk.
George
Dearest Tina, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your partner and love in life. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Vicky,
I only learned of Mikes passing today. I am so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful Husband and Father and best friend. Take Care my friend. I know you have many friends to love and support you, but know that I am one of those friends.
Dear Susan and family. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, Susan….I send my condolences to you and your family. Helen Rose (Paterson)
Vicky, Max and Duncan,
We are so very sorry for your loss. I remember my cousin Mike as a smart, kind, loving man. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
With love,
Deirdre and Gary
Vicky, we never met, but I was a good friend of Mike’s during our Elementary and Junior high school days. We started to run in different circles by High School though, so for a time, we lost touch, only catching up a bit a few years later while we were both at UVIC. I moved away soon after that and our paths didn’t cross again. I have fond memories of Mike though, and am deeply saddened to know that he is gone. My deepest sympathy.
I spent much of the summer of 1965 monkeying around on the gymnastic equipment at Carnarvon Park. One day Mike and his teenage bodybuilding friends showed up and showed us how to really use the rings and bars. Mike was the most ripped 15 year old you had ever seen.
We respectfully cleared out to the sidelines and kept our smart-ass, 11 year old mouths shut. What we witnessed was the Iron Cross, the Dislocation and more. By studying them practising 2 or 3 times a week, we became not bad, half-assed, wannabe gymnasts ourselves.
A couple of years later, Mike became friends with my older brother and hung out at our house a lot. They both dressed the same and drove MG sports cars. Many fond memories.
My condolences to the family.
I worked with Mike near the end of his career. He was such a kind, nice man and always had something nice to say, or a smile to pass along. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to Vicky and the rest of his family.
Ah Vic. So sorry for your loss. Mike was such a great guy! Don’t need to tell you and the boys that. You made such wonderful memories together. Remember them always.
RIP dear Mike. Peace and love be with you and the boys Vic.
I was saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I was a few years behind Mike at Oak Bay football and Velox and Uvic rugby but always looked up to him. I admired Mike as an intense competitor on the field and a super nice guy off the field.
My Sincere sympathies to Mike’s family.