JUNE 27, 1951 ~ FEBRUARY 23, 2019 (AGE 67)

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mike on February 23rd, 2019 at the age of 67.

Survived by his loving wife Carol, daughter Niki Esslinger (Mike), brothers Pat (Chris) and Tony, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He will also be missed by his beloved horses Hawk and Lacey, dogs Mila and Zoe and barn cats Barney and Blaze. Mike was predeceased by his parents Jake and Peggy and brothers Frank and Jackie.

Mike was born in Edmonton in 1951 and spent his formative years in Calgary. The travel bug hit early, commencing with a year long trip to Europe after graduating high school and culminating with a proposed 3 week trip to Hawaii. This 3 week trip lasted 32 years, half spent as a restaurant manager and half as a sport fishing charter boat owner. Mike returned to Canada in 2005 and enjoyed his beautiful 17 acre ranch just north of Qualicum Beach, B.C. for the past 14 years.

Mike had been ill fighting a valiant battle against Leukemia for the past year. Having slowed down from his daily rituals of running the farm, he turned even more to his passion of reading. His last read was one of his favorite genres, an old Duster.

Mike was a family man, instilling strong values, morals and wisdom that he passed on to all fortunate and privileged enough to have known him. He will be forever loved and missed.

Words alone cannot express our appreciation for the wonderful care Mike received from Dr. Peter Haslett, Dr. Jorge Denegri, the Nanaimo Cancer Clinic, and all the nursing staff involved. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Mike’s honor to the Society of Organized Services www.sosd69.com. A celebration of Mike’s life will be announced at a later date.

Condolences through https://www.yatesmemorial.ca/

• Date : 2019-02-23