It is with a heavy heart & profound sadness that I announce the peaceful passing of my wonderful husband Michael Lalonde at Greenwoods on Saltspring. He was 72 years old. Michael had temporal frontal lobe dementia.
Born in Cornwall Ontario, Michael had a real zest for life. Was a very peaceful man, searching for truth & enlightenment, treating everyone with kindness & respect. Everything he did, he did well. He was an avid reader and loved all genres of music, playing the accordion and guitar. George Harrison being one of his favourite singers. He did very creative rope work for boats, making rope mats. At Expo 1967, he had a special place in the scout pavilion where he gave examples on how to make fishing flies to people visiting. He loved to paint, doing watercolours and loved his sailboat. Michael worked at Foxglove for many years when it was owned by Tom Gosset. He worked on the sea walk when they first started building it and as a cook for the Crest restaurant in town many years ago. He had his own gardening business called Sol Gardening for many years. He owned Parkside News which he ran in Grace Point Square for over 8 yrs.
He would spend all his days outside after he retired, working in the yard.
He was an avid runner & cyclist. He loved to call Saltspring his home.
Michael was predeceased by his mother Therese Marie Anna Lalonde who passed on Nov 27/ 1979.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 47 years Alane ( Lesk ) Lalonde, loving sister Diane Proulx ( Paul ); Stepfather Charles Henri Pelletier, Aunt Ida & many nieces & nephews. Beloved brother in law to Kevin Lesk (deceased) (Bonnie); Karen Boals (Nelson) (deceased); Martin Lesk (Rose) & Raymond Lesk (Julia). A special thank you to Greenwoods & Dr Kalf who took care of Michael in his last years with great compassion & caring.
Alane, I am so sad to read of Michael’s passing.
As you know, I knew Michael from his very early days on Salt Spring when he lived in his beautiful teepee on our property.
I enjoyed many many chats with him in his shop at Grace Point.
Your words of him, and all that Michael experienced, leave me feeling sad that he and I did not keep in touch more often.
Love to you, Alane, at this very sad time and to all who knew and loved Michael.
Alane my condolences. I’m so sad to read this. I was always very fond of Michael. I wish I could hug you for real. Love and hugs from afar ~ Alana
So sorry, Alane, for your loss. I last saw Michael at his book store. I will always remember Michael in my heart as a kind and gentle spirit.
Dear Alane. Micheal and you have been my very good friends for so many years, From our adventures together at Lakeridge, and then so many good times as we moved about on Salt Spring Island. Even as our paths diverged I always enjoyed my visits yo you both. Micheal was a unique character who was always true to himself, his friends, and to you. I am so sorry that you have lost the love of your life and when I visit Salt Spring again will call on you.