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
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George Musselwhite
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Paul and Rosalind Turje 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.
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Laura Cathcart 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.
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Helen Rose 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)
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Deirdre Hetherington 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
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Brian Alguire 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.
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Gary Scott 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.
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Evan Machin 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.
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Joette & Bob Burrows 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.
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Doug Branter 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.
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Charlotte Holtan Dear Vicky
I just learned about Mike’s passing. My heart goes out to you, Duncan and Max. I remember the wonderful, tight family life you shared.
Reading about Mike it’s easy to see that he was one of those cornerstone people in our lives who gift and inspire us and impact our lives like no other. I’m sure he will be revered and missed by all who loved him.
Charlotte Holtan
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Joette & Bob Burrows Joette & Bob Burrows
Ah Vic. Honey so sorry for your loss. Mike was such a great guy! Don’t need to tell you and the boys that. He is at peace now. You two made such wonderful memories! Always keep them close to your heart.
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Alan Sotkowy Alan Sotkowy
Vicky, Max, Duncan and family
My heart goes out to you all. So many good times have made many great memories. Mike will be
remembered as a good man who will be missed.Sending my deepest sympathy.
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Paul Edgar Baines Vicky & Family,
Sorry to hear of Mike’s passing . His smile & love of life will be with you forever.
He was a true gentleman and had a lot of class.
My condolences and thoughts.
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Brent Carbery Very sad to hear the news of Mike’s passing. It’s been a tough few years and we all hope he is able to rest now. One of my fondest memories of Mike was watching him and Daryl Howe work out at Carnarvon Park as they developed into two very talented gymnasts. And that was just one of his many skills. He was one of a kind and such a fine person. Our deepest condolences to Vicky and the boys.
Brent and Pam Carbery
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Nino Barbon Dear Vicky, Duncan and Max,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I am personally thankful for the wonderful memories Mike created with us. I personally enjoyed my time as his “side kid” running the music while Mike perfectly controlled the crazy Raquet Club clock effortlessly, full of smiles and laughter. All our kids were lucky to blessed by his kind heart and dedication.
All of my love,
Nino
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Jannine Richardson Ranniger So many wonderful words about Mike surely speaks to the man he was. Every time I saw him or saw a photo of him He would remind me of our Grandpa Blades who also had that twinkle in his eye. Vicky & Family, Jim and Susan so sorry for the loss of Mike. My heart is with you guys.
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David R Bremner To Vicki and the boys,
Our condolences to you and the family. Many great memories with all of you. Mike was a great person. Always made us laugh. Rest in Peace.Dave, Cody and Rhyley Bremner
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Andrea Sanders Vicky, I worked with Mike at MDBW for the last 2 years before his retirement and will remember his fun, friendly nature and his twinkling eyes while laughing over some joke on a Friday afternoon. Sherman and I send our condolences to you and your family. Rest in peace Mike.
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Jim Tarbuck My deepest condolences go out to Vicky and Family Mike was well liked by all myself and Family.
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Kris Wirk Vicky, Max & Duncan,
I’m sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He always brought great joy and enjoyment to our office. My thoughts are with you.
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Ron Smith I offer my heart-felt condolences to Mike’s wife Vicky, his sons Max and Duncan and to the rest of his family at the loss of a good man to a tragic illness.Besides being a highly skilled athlete in a variety of disciplines he was gifted intellectually to excel in tournament bridge and more importantly to achieve the Chartered Accountant designation.At the end of the day the real measure of a man is who he was,what his values were and how important they were to him.Several years ago Vicky mentioned the quality that epitomized Mike,his kindness.The adage”whatever you want to receive,give”came full circle when he became incapacitated.The following years Vicky faithfully and lovingly visited Mike returning the love and kindness he had shown her.The words love and kindness are truly his legacy.
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Pat (Curtis) and Oz Tancock We are so very sorry to hear Mike has passed away. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
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Nadia Ognistoff Dearest Vicky, Max and Duncan,
My heart goes out to you and the family in your great sorrow. Take courage, my dears.
Michael is at peace now. Jack and Eleonore are joining me in expressing our deep condolences.
Koka, Jack Ognistoff and Eleonore Trumblay
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Wayne & Nancy Simpson Dear Vicky and Max and Duncan,
Our hearts go out to you all. Thinking of Mike with fond memories.
He was a good man and will be missed.
Deepest sympathy.The Simpson Family
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Al & Barb Higgins Alan & Barb Higgins
Vicky, Max, Duncan and family
Our love and condolences go out to you.
Your many wonderful memories will always gladden your hearts.
Rest in peace cousin
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Ray Rogers Vicky, I was really saddened to see that Mike had passed away. He was such a great guy. I remember fondly the years we played together. Mike was always such a competitor but also loved the game and the comradery that was such a part of those years. I especially recall the friendship he had with Chuck. It is such a loss that they are both gone.
My thoughts are with you and your boys.Ray
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Olga Godoroja Dear Vicky and family ,we are thinking of you at this sad times .After such suffering I hope that Mike has found peace. Cherish the happy memories of your lives together and celebrate the legacy of what you shared together . Much love , Olga and family.
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Daryl Noullette Mike will always hold a special place in my thoughts. A good friend who evoked a smile, a dependable team mate, a man with so many good qualities.
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Deb Anderson Susan and Vicki, and families,
My thoughts are with you all. He always stood out in a crowd, in a good way.
take care,
Deb
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Jim de Goede Jim and Shari de Goede
Vicki, we are so sorry for your loss. The photo you chose to post of him radiated his joy in life. His passing leaves many friends to mourn your loss, especially at JBAA. With sincere condolences, Jim and Shari de Goede.
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The White family We all have so many memories of Mike, such a fun guy to be around! Love to all of you,
Laurie, Tim, Kevin and Sean White
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Pat Griffin Vicky my sincere condolences to you and the family. Many fond memories of Mike
Pat Griffin
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Jas and Rita Dusanj Mike will be so missed.
He built an accounting practice based on ethics and integrity.He passed these principles to all who worked with him.I was honoured to have him as a business partner and a good friend.It was always a joy coming to work and seeing him,starting off the day quibbling about sports.
Vicky,Max and Duncan,you have our heartfelt condolences.
Rest In Peace Mike.
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The Orr family Thinking of you and your boys,Vicky
So sorry for your loss.
Many great memories of Mike at the ball park.
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Mike and Kathy Jawl Dear Vicky,
It was with heavy hearts we read of Mike’s passing. We have such fond memories of a great sportsman, wonderful husband and father …. just a good man.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you all.Kathy and MIke Jawl
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Pat Griffin Vicky my condolences to you and your family. Thoughts of Mike bring fond memories
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Gary Johnston Vicky and the boys. Mike was a friend and a teammate. We loved to play against Mike and Archie when they were
Vike centres . We always tried to break them but it never happened . We would hammer then both
but they never quit ! That why, when they joined JBAA , we were delighted to get a couple of
Character Guys. A few tears have been shed over Mike’s passing but great memories remain.
Huddy Huddy Jono
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Howard Tweed Real sorry to hear about Mike . To his family and Jim’s and Susan’s family’s also please accept my sincere condolences .
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Pat & Lois Higgins Pat & Lois Higgins
Vicky & Family
My deepest condolences. Thinking of you at this difficult time, But Mike fought a very tough battle in his last couple year. Mike was a very special cousin and will be loved & remembered always.
R E S T IN P E A C E …. M I K E
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Sonia Polson Dear Vicky,
Thinking of you and your family with caring thoughtsl. Great photo of Mike…it brought back many fond memories from our younger years. Having done some gymnastics at OB Junior with Mike (he was such a great athlete)….and connected later through both rugby and our card-playing Moms….what I remember most is Mike’s smile, his big laugh, the constant twinkle in his eyes, and his kindness….he was always kind. May you and your family now find comfort in knowing how loved you were and knowing that you loved Mike beautifully until the end. RIP Mike.
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Peter Jones This has brought back many fun and fond memories of Mike when we were growing up. My condolences to the family, he will be truly missed
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Jim & Liz Gillies Vicky, our sincere condolences go out to you and your family. Mike was a great friend and as a business colleague was one of the most dedicated and hard working guys I ever knew. Your Christmas parties and our ski trips together are great memories. Mike’s sense of humour, his sports prowess and allegiance to his many friends will be missed by many. We will always remember him.
Jim & Liz Gillies
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Janice Hemming Vicky and family,
So sorry to see Mike’s passing. You have wonderful memories of him and all the joy you shared.
Thinking of you at this sad time. Doug and Jan Hemming
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Colty and Barry Mike was honest, reliable, interesting, funny, considerate, kind and a great friend. He will be sorely missed.
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The White family We all have so many memories of Mike, he was always so much fun to be around, a really special person. Love to all of you, Laurie, Tim, Kevin and Sean White
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Dave and Maureen Wilson Dear Vicky, Max and Duncan. The picture of Mike is exactly how we remember him, full of laughter and fun! We have so many amazing memories at the baseball park and hockey rink and when we think of Mike it always brings a smile to our face. We were so blessed to have know him. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love Dave, Maureen and family.
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John Gidden John Gidden
I am so sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. I am old friend of the family from our school days
in Oak BAy when Mike grew up on Epworth Street. My thoughts are with you Jim and Susan. Again my
deepest sympathy
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Paul Docherty Paul Docherty
Vicky, so sorry to hear about Mike. A great guy and better friend.
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Tammy & John Gendur Vicky, Max & Duncan,
We are very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our thoughts are with you. Mike will always have special place in our hearts.
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Heather and Randy Vicky, Max and Duncan, We were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Thinking about you all during this sad time. Take Care.
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Alex Robertson His infectious smile and sense of humour will be missed. Mike and our squash fraternity at the time always enjoyed the “social” side of the game just as much , or maybe even more that the fierce competitive battles on the court.
Classy guy. My condolences to the Blades family.
Alex Robertson
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Brock and Debbie ❤️❤️❤️
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Andrew Jackson Dear Vicky and family,
I am very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a great accountant and a true friend. Although our paths crossed infrequently he always had a smile and time to chat about how things were going. I will always remember riding our bikes together up McKenzie Avenue to UVic to attend classes at the CA School of Business, I think that was in the summer of 1981.
He will be missed
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Marlene Filipchuk I just read of Mike’s passing this morning & wanted to send you my condolences Vicky- I’m truly sorry. Take Care…
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Barb Kuyvenhoven (Strachan) Dear Vicky and Family,
So So sorrry to hear of the passing of Mike.
My deepest condolences!
Take Care
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Larry Powell My thoughts go out to Mike’s family. My contact with Mike was through squash….at first blush he did not appear that accomplished, quite often he would have adhesive tape on a thumb or finger, what a mistake to judge a book by its cover…R.I.P.
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Liz & Murray Slezak Vicky, we remember the day you and Mike married. You both beamed with so much love for one another. It was a beautiful union!! Although we have been away from Victoria for so many years, we have always loved hearing about the Blades. Keep your memories close to your heart and lean on those who love you. To Vicky, Max, Duncan and of course Irene, our deepest condolences. Liz and Murray
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Bruce and Sandra Crowe We have fond memories of you all at the ballparks. Mike was a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Judy and Rolf Dear Vicky and Family, our condolence at your loss.
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Nadia Vicky, no words are enough to express how sorry I am to learn of Mike’s passing. Indeed, his journey is over now, he is resting and at peace. He was so loved and respected; may happy memories bring comfort as time passes.
My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to you, Max and Duncan. Sending love to all.
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Irene Dumka How I loved my son-in-law, he was such a wonderful, man, husband and father. We will miss him terribly. Rest In Peace Mike.
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David Anderson Vicky, My heartfelt condolences to you & all your family on the passing of Mike. Truly a good guy.
David Anderson
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Erin & Gerry Hohl Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow!
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Janet Labh Vicki, Max and Duncan,
So very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time.
Rest In Peace Mike. ❤️
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Sandra Richardson To Vicky and family, Susan and Jim – so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. You are on our minds and in our hearts.
love Sandra & Ian
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Luanne Krawetz and Family Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time, Vicky. Mike was a very special guy and will be missed.
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Mark and Trish Fredheim and Family From our family to yours our heartfelt condolences go out to you at this time.Sending love to you all….
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Pat and Norm Thinking of you and your boys at this time Vicky…..
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Sherry (Bishop) Bates My heart goes —
oh know for you Vic, your boys, your family —
for I can feel your sadness — but, it also tingles with this glow and energy that came from the likes of your Mike.
The picture of him with his great smile, and sparkling eyes—soulful and kind (a wee mischievous) is lovely.
I feel blessed to know of your love for each other — that to glows my heart.
With thoughts, and prayers, and love.
xxo Sherry (Bishop) Bates
forever bright
forever beautiful
be our memories
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Dave Morgan Been thinking about you all during this awful time Mike and yourselves has been through. We are very sorry to hear of his passing! Will always remember his beaming smile!
Take care and be well!
Dave and Freda Morgan.
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Maureen Hinz With our sincere condolences to all of you, He fought a tough battle
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Shelley Smith Vicky and family
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
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verna collett So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Mike was a very special person and will be remembered always.
Verna Collett
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Vicki Pettigrew Vicky & Family
My deepest condolences. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
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Mark and Kelly Wilson So sad to hear about Mike’s passing. Mark and I have some wonderful memories of him. We are very sorry Vicky and all your family. I know you all have so many memories that will carry you all through the sad times.
Take care
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Susan Brice Vicky our hearts are with you and the boys at this time of sadness. We loved Mikes sense of humour and marvelled at his athletic and business skill. You were a great team and I’m going to send love from all the Brices sue, Duncan, Jason and in spirit George. So much fun with you at Shawnigan and Christmas parties at your house. Love to you all. So pleased Mike is resting easy.
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Terry Lisson Condolences to you and your family Vicky, at this very sad time.
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Paula and Bruce Smith Vicky- as Mike’s obituary says “ the long hard journey is over” We know how loved he was and sincerely hope memories of the happier times together will bring you, Max and Duncan some comfort and peace in the days and weeks to come. Sending our deepest sympathy. Paula and Bruce Smith
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Jane MacLean Earls So sorry fo learn of Michael’s passing. My thought and prayers are with you all.
Rest In Peace Michael
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