In loving memory of a caring father, brother, uncle and great uncle.
Michael shuffled off this mortal coil suddenly and unexpectedly. Left to mourn are his cherished son William, sisters Rosamund (Patrick), Mary (Richard) and Caroline (Andy), brother Martin, nieces Tarka (Greg) and Selchie, nephews Jordy, David, and Cyrano (Bianca), great nieces Amber, Aurora and Kiona, great nephews Devon and Eli (and Eli’s father Aaron), as well as cousins in UK and Canada and many friends around the world. Michael was predeceased by his parents and his nephew Ilan.
A kind and loving father, Michael (known as Muncle Merp to his nieces and nephews) was the family patriarch. He was always ready to lend a hand — falling trees, building walls, fences, bridges, advising on projects and such. He cared for his mother Isabel at home for several years before she died. Michael was the family peace-maker. His wish was to see his family heal from their past traumas and remember the importance of family ties.
He was born in Windsor, UK and emigrated with his parents to Cloverdale in Surrey in 1957. He graduated from Lord Tweedsmuir High, went on to the UBC Forestry program and from there to work as a choker, then timber cruiser, then heavy duty mechanic in Northern logging camps and the Nanaimo area for many years.
Dismayed from having witnessed the destruction of BC’s and Haida Gwaii’s forests, he moved to his parents’ farm on Salt Spring Island in 1975. Michael apprenticed under a master carpenter and worked until his retirement as a finishing carpenter. He continued to work hard on his farm — renovating, rebuilding the porch, selectively harvesting his forest for lumber and firewood, restoring antique vehicles, tending his fruit trees, hosting family gatherings, and so much more. His apple pressing parties (complete with homemade ice cream) were enjoyed by a host of people.
Michael had an impish sense of humour. He could act the curmudgeon but underneath had a heart of gold. He loved good music, good food, good friends, international travel, wilderness, good books, cats, cactus, cultivating, art (especially his family’s paintings), and also curated the family’s ancestral records. He could be found almost every Friday and Saturday at his beloved Lions Garage Sale. He had a vast knowledge of antiques and was never so pleased as when he picked up a garage sale treasure for a sharp price. He was proud of his blueberry and garlic gardens, a recent accomplishment.
He had a lifelong love of motorcycles from his teen years onward, was an HRD Vincent motorcycle enthusiast and attended HRD Club rallies in Canada, England, USA and New Zealand. Recently back from a New Zealand bike trip, he was setting out on an Alberta ride when struck down.
Forever in our hearts Ride on M.S.V.H.
Send-off to begin Monday, July 21 at 11 a.m. at 180 Sharp Road, Salt Spring Island, then procession to Ganges Cemetery, followed by lunch back at Michael’s farm. You are encouraged to bring photos, stories and other memories to share. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to tarka@shaw.ca.
It saddens me deeply to read this news.
Thank you for telling more about Michael than I ever knew!
I am so sorry for all who loved and knew Michael and send my deepest condolences.
Many of you will know who I am, I go back a long way.
much love
I will miss Michael when he was with his sister Caroline at coffee places and I appreciated how interesting the two of them were chatting and especially touching and loving my Black Lab who passed way about three months ago. They were vey sad when told of our dog’s passing.
Thank you for this lovely obit. I did not know Michael but I appreciate his efforts at selective logging. May Michael’s soul rest in peace.