Our much-loved son Mike died instantly in a terrible car crash September 9, 2007 in Salmon Arm.  The interment and funeral service took place September 12, 2007 in Sorrento.

Born in Vancouver, Mike was raised from the age of six on a rural acreage in Blewett, near Nelson.  A happy and healthy child, he grew up loving the outdoors and skiing, exploring, and riding motorcycle in the mountains above his home.  He attended Blewett elementary, Trafalgar, and LVR, where it became apparent he was a talented athlete, especially enjoying basketball under coach Dean Studer.

Mike graduated from LVR in 1992, leaving Nelson to spend two years at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford where he developed a better understanding of his faith – and met his future wife.  Moving to Kamloops he married Colleen Pauls there in 1994.  They were blessed with two children.

Mike worked for a while in a sawmill, then in 1998 began the Welding Level C - Welder/Fitter program at the University College of the Cariboo in Kamloops.  At Magnum Trailers in Abbotsford, he refined his special skills in welding aluminum.  Advancing in his profession he was hired as a Lead Hand welding fabricator at Valid Manufacturing in Salmon Arm, interpreting engineer's drawings to direct the building and modification of large specialty vehicles.  He loved working with his hands, welding on the job and renovating around his home.

Mike was a gentle, quiet, big man, very sensitive to the feeling of others, yet reluctant to share his own feelings.  He trusted others, had no enemies, thought the best of people, and never asked for much.  A reliable friend with a subtle sense of humour, he loved sports and the outdoors and was always restless unless he was doing something.  He was happiest when playing with his children.

The world would be a better place if there were more men like our son!  He is lovingly remembered and sorely missed.