Tribute

It is with great sorrow that the Passchier family announces the sudden and tragic passing of Michael “Mike” Theo Passchier

For our family, Mike has always been the sunshine in our lives. From day one Mike gave joy and brought smiles to our faces and hearts. Just his presence brought comfort peace and warmth and you just felt better and happier than you did before. His gifts were many and he treated all as equals. He cared about your day, whether you were family, friend or stranger. Mike walked this earth with a heart full of compassion, understanding and with respect for all, an ear to listen and to really hear what you had to say. If he didn’t have the time, he made time for one and all. He was generous to a fault as anyone whoever met Mike would attest. When Mike left your side, you felt it. One could never have enough of Mike, at least for us it was always so.

Full of wisdom and good cheer, Mike made you feel important because he knew you were. His love of life, of nature, of people, of all that life had to offer, he made the most of it all. Fishing, golfing, camping, sports or a quiet spot on a rock, overlooking the ocean to landscapes ahead where he would take the time to gather his thoughts, re-energize and make a plan. So full of life he loved to build, he was a master of his craft. He was a leader, a teacher, a guide. If you never met Mike, you really did lose out. He loved to dance and sing, he loved his home and Powell River. He gave freely of himself with no thought of recompence.

Yes Mike, “a rare individual,” a man of your “word” and as “solid” as they come. Your pesence and your grace, our friend, our brother, a son. You are missed far more than words can say.

We know and you know, you don’t leave here alone, you take a huge part of each of us.

You were born with special gifts, which you embraced and shared. You take with you our crying hearts. You learned from your mistakes and grew and grew.

{C}Hey Mike, it’s okay, it has to be. God was ready, maybe even you? We weren’t and aren’t, but you leave each and every one of us rich with memories and undying love that fills our hearts and souls which we will hold dear forever. Till we meet again, and we will, say hello to Dad, Bella, our friend and animals and we say to you what you always said to us. Cheers! Cheerio!!

God Speed.

Mike would stress today, “Life jackets must be worn when on the water.”

Left to mourn is Mom, brother Ron, sisters Kathleen and Tracy and faithful companion Roxy. Mike is now joining Dad and Bella.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us.