Suddenly at home on June 18, 2008, age 82.
Predeceased by his parents, James and Vivian (nee Matthews); former wife, Sally, and several members of the Tyson, Pottinger, Humber clan. He was from long-time Victoria families on both sides. Great grandparents, John and Mary Anne Matthews homesteaded in the Island View Beach area, grandparents, Ambrose and Ellen Matthews were well-known and lived on Quadra near Hillside. Grandparents, Captain Michael and Helen McCahill lived in the Hillside/Bridge St. area for many years and were active in the Odd Fellows/Rebekah Lodges.
Mike attended Burnside Elementary, Central Jr. and Victoria High School, and the Victoria College in Craigdarroch Castle. After a short break in the Army, he returned to education earning his BA at UBC, his BLSc at University of Toronto and later Advanced Computers at the same university.
After receiving his BA, he travelled a year exploring Britain and parts of Northern Europe. Returning to Canada with his bride Sally, he earned his BLSc at the University of Toronto then worked inVictoria at the Greater Victoria Public Library and later at Uvic. He later worked at Sir George Williams University in Montreal and spent most of his career at Robarts Library at the University of Toronto. He played a major role in establishing the computer cataloguing system that replaced the overloaded existing system. He excelled and was well-respected in his field and will be missed by all.
Michael is survived by his sister, Mavis McCahill; cousins, Laurie McKay (nee Matthews), Craig and Randel Matthews, and their families, many other relatives and a great many friends.
After many cold winters and sizzling summers in Toronto, Mike returned to his beloved Victoria in 1986, and was able to enjoy over 20 years doing what he enjoyed – being involved in politics, volunteering for various organizations, attending the opera and ballet, collecting books and music, lunching with friends and family, and travelling. He was also a really great brother!
A celebration on Michael’s life will be held at McCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets on Monday, June 30, 2008 at 2:30pm. A reception will follow in McCall’s Family Centre.
Leave Condolence