Michael Terence Landers

Michael Terence Landers

June 14, 1967 – November 25, 2019

On the morning of November 25, 2019, a good man left our presence. Mike lost his life to cancer after more than four years of hopes of success to depths of despair with failure. Mike could fix anything and loved solving problems, and yet he couldn’t understand or fix his disease.

Mike left our world too soon. When he found out his time was to be cut short, he said he wasn’t yet done. He had the dream of a well planned out long life. He had the great marriage, beautiful intelligent kids, and a rewarding career. All that was left was to enjoy his life’s success in retirement and hold a few grandkids. He was deeply saddened that he would not be there with advice for his kids whether they wanted it or not, to celebrate their successes or hold them in their defeats.

Mike was well respected by his friends and family, but humble about his accomplishments. He was known for his calm and collected nature and unexpected sarcastic remarks that would fill a room.

Mike was born at Lion’s Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, BC, to Wendy Webb and Terry Landers. Pre-deceased by his youngest brother Cory and father Terry, Mike leaves his adored wife Kyla and cherished children Julia and Matthew, to remember his life’s accomplishments. Mike started out his career path thinking he would be a welder; however, he switched gears completely and got his BA in Economics from SFU with thoughts of becoming a labour lawyer. He realized that his passion was for our forests and went back to school for a second degree in Operations Forestry at UBC where he met his dream girl.

Although home base was always Campbell River, Mike worked as a forest engineer all over the BC Coast, from the Queen Charlotte Islands to Squamish and Jordan River, before the opportunity to pursue a new phase in his career in timber supply inventory and management, which became his true passion. Mike was a tireless advocate for the forestry profession, setting and supporting high standards for his work and anyone who worked with him. He believed deeply in the Coast forest industry and didn’t shy away from defending it. Mike was instrumental in getting an agreement on the Great Bear Rainforest and was heavily invested in efforts to advance forest practices and technology. He would talk to anyone who would listen about the benefits of forestry and wood products.

His life was dedicated to his family. He was always there for us, coaching soccer, holding our sweaters and water, taking the action shots, watching from sidelines and finish lines, even when pursuing his favourite pastime, fishing. He was just as happy fixing lines, setting and baiting hooks for us, as reeling in the prize. He would sit in his camp chair on the banks of the river while we took turns bringing our rods to him to re-tie bits of pink wool and sharp hooks as we donated many bits of tackle to the river. We spent many satisfied hours exploring our coastal waters and loved stopping and watching all the local marine wildlife. Always an outdoorsman, he loved camping, hunting, hiking and just going out to the bush to drive around. He could MacGyver anything and often did.

The family would like to thank the dedicated health professionals that supported Mike during his struggle of living and dying with cancer. Dr Rob Ramsey, Dr Wil Prinsloo and Dr Joanna Vergidis (in Victoria) tried so hard to find the cure that would work because Mike wouldn’t let them give up. The most amazing nurses in Cancer Care at the CR Hospital that made us feel like family; the kind and supportive nurses and staff on 3D which was our home for Mike’s last weeks; the community care Central team, and many others that were there for us; we deeply appreciate all that you do.

If you are able to donate to a charity of your choice in Mike’s name, feel free to do so, but Mike would also have appreciated if you saved your money and volunteered your time to lend a hand, especially with kid’s sports.

The family is planning one last party in Mike’s honour, time and place to be determined. We welcome any and all to join us, to raise a toast and maybe share a story or memory.

Cause you never think that the last time is the last time.

You think there will be more.

You think you have forever, but you don’t.

- Grey's  Anatomy -