December 6, 2020
On Sunday December 6th 2020 at the age of 74, Mike passed away suddenly surrounded by his loving family.
Mike was predeceased by His Father Cecil, Mother Ivy, Brother David and Brother-in-Law Robbie. He is survived by His beloved Wife June, Daughter Cindy, Son Ethan (Jolene), Daughter Ainslie (Chad) and Son Darcy (Melinda). He was also an adored Grandad to Jaden, Rylan, Kyleigh, Keanna, Maya, Logan and Westynn. He was a great brother to Pat (Bryan), Mary (Ed) and Shirley.
Mike was born in St Catherine's Ontario and known as one of the original Port Boys. After Mike and June married in 1974 they got into their station wagon with cat in tow and headed west to start their beautiful life together.
He was a hardworking family man who spent most of his career as a millwright in the mining industry. He started out at Granisle Copper Ltd from 1974-1983 then packed up the family and moved to Tumbler Ridge and worked for Bull Moose mine from 1983-1987.
From there he and the family made one final move to Penticton where he worked for Nickel Plate mine in Hedley till it closed in 1996. Mike also worked for UEE and BC Fruits till he retired at the age of 64.
Mike loved to play hockey in his younger days with the Granisle Copper Kings. Watching his favorite Chicago Black Hawks was also a loved pastime for him. The passion he had for the game got everyone excited when they would sit and watch as a family.
Mike loved to golf and made some pretty epic puts in a tournament or two. If you ever came into the house and smelled delicious baking it was Mike making cakes, cookies or scones. This is how he got the nick name Betty from his hockey buddies.
Mike loved to play with his train set and would put it together every Christmas and show his grand kids with pride and excitement. Mike was a man who could never sit still, if he wasn't puttering in the yard or taking his best buddy Yogi for a walk down the beach, he would be playing in the pool with his family or on a double date with Jack and Marie Wright. He always had a project on the go to keep him busy.
Mike loved to spend as much time with his family as he could and if he wasn't with them, he would be with June traveling to his favorite places like Huatulco and Ixtapa Mexico. You would always see a big smile on his face and a cerveza in hand while enjoying the white sandy beaches.
Mike had the upmost love and respect for the people and culture in Mexico. He would be part of their family by the time he was headed back home and welcomed by name and a hug when he returned. If they were not in Mexico they were on a cruise, his favorite one being the Panama Canal.
Mike would spend most of the summer down in Oroville Washington by the river in their trailer. They would be boating, relaxing and having a fabulous time with friends. Mike loved to read by the fire and was an avid fan of Jack Whyte novels and historical fiction.
We will remember his funny sense of humor, the laughter we shared, his bear hugs and his claw finger greeting reserved for his grandchildren. The love this man showed to everyone he knew was genuine and true. We are all grateful we got to spend the time we had with you.
The Covid pandemic prevents us from gathering together to toast Mike at this time. There will be a celebration of life to be held the summer of 2021 at a date to be determined where we will toast with a Miketini. Instead of flowers the family asks that you support the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Mike's memory.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium