Mike grew up in Smithers and Nelson. He attended Mt. Sentinel High School, Selkirk College, and Thompson Rivers University where he graduated in 2006 with a BSc in Computer Science. Latterly, he made his home in Victoria where he worked for the provincial government in the Information Management Branch.
Mike grew up outside, both on the water and in the mountains with his family. He was a well-spoken, fun-loving, athletic young man in the prime of his life. He was an expert skier, soccer player and loved riding his motorcycles or hiking the coastal trails around Vancouver Island. Above all, Mike had a special knack of making and keeping friends, a deep and infectious laugh, and a wonderful sense of humour.
He was stricken at work on March 18 with a massive aortic dissection and stroke. Despite the heroic efforts of his co-workers, staff at the Victoria General and Royal Jubilee hospitals, he died March 23. Eleven years ago Mike registered as an organ donor. This decision and his resulting gift went on to save or improve the lives of thirteen people.
Mike was predeceased by his mother Maureen, and is survived by his father John, brother Ian, stepmother Kathy, grandparents Rick and Betty Askew, uncle and aunt Bruce and Betty Lou Askew, and his girlfriend Damaris Walters.
A memorial will be held at 11 AM on Thursday April 16 at the United Church in Nelson, followed by an internment service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests friends consider registering with BC’s organ donor program at www.transplant.bc.ca