Mike suddenly passed away at his home in North Saanich on December 8, 2022. Predeceased by his father John Peter Lauener. He is survived by his mom Patricia Lauener-Romses and her husband Roger Romses. He will be forever missed by his wife and partner of 43 years, Christine, as well as his beloved children, Veronica, Brett, and Charlotte, and their spouses. Grandson Beau and granddaughter Stella. His nieces Jessica, Brittany and nephew Jake. His older brother Ron and family and his little brother Mark and family. He will be greatly missed by all extended family, friends, and construction community.
Mike was born in Vancouver and spent his childhood in Coquitlam. He was an incredible and talented athlete who played lacrosse, football, rugby and was a wrestler and lifeguard. He graduated from Centennial High School in 1980 and went on to become a plumber/mechanical contractor and owned and operated Omni Mechanical Inc. for the last 31 years.
Mikes passions started with his family, but also included: sports, fishing, travel, swimming and diving. Anyone who knew him would tell you he was an incredible chef.
A lifetime love of Piers Island and his family cabin, he cherished his boyhood summers there with his brothers.
Words are not enough to convey the hole he has left in our hearts. We cherished our partner, father, grampy, son, brother, friend, uncle, boss, coach, neighbor.
Our hero, we will love you forever.
We will honour his life with a Service in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Pacific Salmon Foundation. If you have ever worked for Omni Mechanical, please feel free to honour Mike by wearing an Omni Mechanical company shirt.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Carl Severson
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Cathie Kulcheski (Layng) Chris and family,
So sorry to hear the sad news of your husband/father’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to you all.
Cathie Kulcheski
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Frank and Trina Sims Mike lived and loved life!
Mike had many “loves”,…fishing,…a good card game with the boys,…travels,…his sports,…a good joke,…friends,…his work and business,…..but more than anything Mike loved his family. Our condolences go out to Chris, Veronica, Brett and Charlotte.
Mike will be missed by many.
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Bob Meilleur I’ve been Mike’s wholesale salesman since he arrived in Victoria with Martina then opened Omni Mechanical. I will miss his sense of humor and our many discussion about our industry. All the very best to his family and friends.
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Saad and Sawsan Masri Chris, Veronica, Charlotte and Brett, we are very sorry to hear about your sad news. Our sincere condolences and prayers go to you.
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Ted Imhoff It is with a sad heart that I am rightiing this today as I am still in disbelief of Mikes sudden passing. I was fortunate enough to be hired by Mike back in 1989 as he was running Martina Enterprises in Victoria. Mike and his wife were still in the process of relocating to the island and looking for a home to buy. I never realized from that day forward how my relation ship with Mike would have such a profound effect on my life.And how It helped me become the person I am today. It was wonderful to watch Mike become a proud father, as Him and Chris built a beautiful family together. Mike was so proud of his children. I am grateful to have known Mike.
THANKS MIKE: For being my mentor and instilling in me all your knowledge, so I could be the best plumber/mechanical contractor I can be.
THANKS MIKE: For not just being a boss for 23 years, but for being a great friend, for all the times we fished together, scuba dived, played sports, wrestled, or just hung out. For all the ups and downs, laughs and cries you were like a brother to me and will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace my friend
My Deepest sympathy and condolences to Chris and family for your loss.
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Jeff Miller I worked for Mike for 17 years. Along with Ted, we were the first employees of Omni Mechanical.
In those 17 years, I regarded Mike as both a mentor and a friend. He was a man who could always see the best in people and was both patient and caring.
He was always proud of his children and it was something I realized all the more after I began having children of my own.
I left Omni many years ago to start my own company and Mike was always more than willing to offer sage advice anytime I asked for it.
Mike, you will be missed. It’s hard to step foot in a wholesaler where I don’t run into at least a couple plumbers who have worked for Omni over the years and all have fond memories of those days.
My condolences to you Christine and all his family who he loved dearly
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Elaine and Paul Lacroix We are very sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Our thoughts are with your family.
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Christine and Ross Angelucci Dear Christine and Family, Ross and I are still in shock and disbelief after hearing of Mike’s passing. He has left this world much too early and no doubt has left an enormous hole in your hearts and in your lives. We are so thankful we got to spend some quality time with the two of you in Cabo in November and we will cherish those memories. We share in your grief and offer love and support to help you through this difficult time.
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Peter Drummond Phylli and I were shocked and so saddened on hearing the news of Mike’s passing. His departure will indeed leave a large hole in the family. Our feelings of sorrow are passed on to Chrissy and the family.
Uncle Peter
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Grant MacPherson Mike was a huge supporter of the Sidney Anglers and of public fisheries restoration in our local area .
He was a regular participant in our annual event that raises money to support our environmental restoration efforts.
I will always remember his laugh and gregarious nature ,it was a highlight for myself and others who always showed up to support us year after year.
Very saddened to hear this.
I would like to pass on our sincere condolences and prayers from myself and our entire organization.
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Candy Dear Chris I’m still in disbelief that Mike is gone to Heaven. Too soon, too young, life is so precious and you shared a life of Love & Devotion. Your precious children Veronica, Brett and Charlotte will continue to grow in their lives with their spouses and their precious children, your grand babies. Mike will be with all of you in ways but I know it is not enough because he is not standing right next to you all
A good man who created memories for all that knew him will keep him alive forever. Love you Mike and Love you all hugs Candy xoxox❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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David Mike and I had a few over the fence conversations. He was our neighbour for awhile when we lived in North Saanich. We usually talked about fishing, our boats or trips to Port Renfrew and Quatsino Sound.
Mike was a hard working fella who took care of his lot in life; immaculately tending to his property and belongings.
Condolences to those affected by this loss. May the Sea ahead be calmed.
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Mitch Laporte It is with sadness to read about Mike’s sudden passing. I knew him mostly professionally, but also we had the occasional squash game and cross paths in kids lacrosse. He was someone who was personable and genuine. I will miss our occasional conversations about job prospects and just life in general. My condolences to his wife Christine and family. Rest in peace Mike.
My heart goes out to Mike’s family and friends on this sudden passing. As a fellow Centennial 80 Grad and friend of Mike’s from the Centennial years, I will remember our fun times at school, parties and mutual friends. Mike’s QB skills in Grade 11-12 were very worthy. All the best to Chris and family.