Michael James West

Michael drifted away peacefully at home on a Saturday afternoon with his loving wife Margaret by his side. Quietly playing in the background, Fur Elise, a piano recording played by Grandson Logan (Age 11). Struggling with COPD for many years, several hospital stays, and declining health, Michael's wish was to pass away with dignity at home. Determined to fulfill his wish, Margaret honoured this gift to him with the help of Amazing Home Care Nurses, Home Care Aides and our Compassionate Dr. Kerry Baerg. Michael was always truly Thankful to Everyone. These Amazing Caregivers in turn were Thankful for his charm, wit, and his smile. 

Michael was always a lovely Handsome Gentleman ….until after a few beer or wine. He then became the “Life of the Party”.  Born in Market Harborough, England  (home of HP Sauce, which was his favorite),,,he loved and  was loved by his dearly departed  parents Ernie & Pat West.  His younger sister Lynn and Brother In Law Patrick will fondly remember him for all the years he travelled back to Rugby, England after he married and left for Canada in 1968.

Michael was blessed to be Dad to Daughter Trish affectionately (Big Girl) and his favorite son in law Jeff Weaver, along with being a loving caring Papa to grandsons Logan and Elliot. Also blessed to be Dad to Daughter Carolyn affectionately (Little One). He quietly was a loving, caring Grandpa to Samantha, and Alexander. He always wanted the Best for his family and Loved you all. 

Michael always said his favorite song was by U2 (I still haven’t found what I am looking for) Fortunately for Margaret he did in wife #3. They married in 1991 at a Surprise wedding at a nightclub where they met….Sweetwaters in Victoria. 

Marrying Margaret in 1991 Michael inherited the Martin & Wendy  Gilkin family.  He was fondly known to Aaron, Clint, Brodie (Ann) , Lyndsie & Alanna (Eddie) as Uncle Mike and  along with their children, Ayva, Grady, Kohen, Sienna, Teal, Lucas, Ryland, Tristan and Tayo as “Gruncle”.  Michael also loved Margaret’s dearly departed Mom (Audrey) (1990) and Dad (Bud)  (2001)

In remembering Michael (Mike) it will bring laughter and smiles to all that have had the privilege of knowing him.  He worked for Safeway in Victoria for over 35 years at various positions as a Meat Cutter and made many lifelong friends.  Along with the love of Family and Special friends Margaret & Michael made as a couple, I am sure everyone has a story about Mike West.

Michael and Margaret had a wonderful life of travels over the years.  After 10 wonderful years of travelling back home to England, Mexico became his yearly inclusive vacation destination.  He loved the Mexican staff and always proud of the tan he would come home with. Other destinations were a trip won in 1999 to South Africa and Zimbabwe and then in 2008/2009 a wonderful 5 week trip to Australia to meet his cousin Alex and partner Carole and their families. Trips of a lifetime.

In 2014 after years of “Glamping” on Vancouver Island, Michael had this yearning for a home with an Ocean View” in Campbell River….he was tired of the neighbor’s chimney as his only view while smoking his cigarettes!  His Wish was granted. Sadly, we Wish he was still with us. 

He will come home to Rest in Peace with a view of the Quadra Island lighthouse, the snowcapped mountains and the ocean…..with Margaret (his love) by his side. 

We Don’t Say Goodbye ….until we meet again my Love xo

We are all just walking one another home…

Hopefully Family and Friends can gather and remember this Great Guy when we are free of COVID-19

In you wish to make a donation in Michael’s Memory…..I know he would pick the Food Bank where you live.