32 Comments

1. Eaton Hamilton
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   My condolences to his loved ones. While I didn’t know him personally, on Bluesky he was on my “see every post” list and I loved the window he gave me into the world of rescues. I already miss his presence.

2. Tracey Naldjieff
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   Sylvia, thank you for sharing your memories. Michael lived a beautiful life.

3. Louisa Maranda
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   My sincere condolences to S and E. Growing up knowing Michael, this has been a shock. Hoping K is ok. Can’t know how he’s feeling but my heart goes out to him too. My thoughts are with you all.

4. Patrick Hurley
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   I served with Michael on Coq SAR, I learned many valuable wilderness travel skills from him, I was on many searches with him, I recreated with him and through it all I experienced a bright, energetic, attentive, dependable and enthusiastic person who was curious about everything. And he wasn’t shy about sharing that knowledge and skill. A life well lived – gone way too soon.

5. John Simpson
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   RIP. John Simpson

6. Judy and John Harker
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   We send our deepest sympathy at this sad time to Sylvia and Eamon and all Mike’s family. Though we only met Mike a few times at the home of his Sydney family he was a pleasant, intelligent, cheerful young man who fit in easily. What an amazing man he turned into, loved by so many and what a beautiful life he led. We were so lucky to have met him.
   Rest in peace Michael,
   Judy and John Harker, Sydney Australia

7. Chris Lindberg
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   Thank you for sharing such an amazing; beautiful and thoughtful celebration of life with us through this livestream today. Such a testament to Michael’s spirit and larger than life presence. His smile and booming laugh are echoing in my mind right now amidst the tears and the love. I know Michael from SFU in the 1990s and had the pleasure of dining with him (through the vegetarian club) and adventuring with him off and on through our shared extended network of friends. Sending love and gratitude to his family and friends across Canada and around the world.

   With love,
   Chris Lindberg

8. Chris Joseph
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   Betty Wood is my MOM
   MIKE’S AUNT
   My condolences to ALL
   CHRIS JOSEPH

9. Michael O'Connor/Ann O'Connor
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   To Sylvia, Eamon, and Kevin our deepest condolences.

10. Leslie Bishko
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    I knew Michael only briefly as a grad student at SFU, and got to know him more through being connected online. I followed his trajectory with kidney disease and his SAR stories. I’m grateful to have known him and stay connected over the years. I am so very sorry that Sylvia, Eamon and family have endured this loss. I believe his spirit is with you, and will always be there.

11. Jen Stewart
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    Sylvia and Eamon, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for setting up this livestream so all of us who knew him online can say goodbye online. I wish you strength in the future.

12. Dave Merritt
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    He will be missed by so many of us. He was a great freind and colleague. My condolences

13. Tim Lee
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    He was one of my favorite people in this life. Wish we had more time.

14. Aswea Porter
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    This is such a tragic thing. I’m so very sorry. Mike loved people and the richness and possibilities of life. Eamon, your father would have loved watching you grow to a man.

15. Josif Ursu
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    Mike was thoughtful, caring, curious, and brave person. Heartfelt condolences to all family and friends.

16. Jennifer Kirchner
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    I worked with Michael when we were teenagers at Camp Latona – where he was a “meatball” (maintenance crew)….always willing to help where needed….could see what a great guy he was and could feel his life going to be filled with many great achievements….he did not disappoint from what I have read. I will miss him being a part of this world, and my heart goes out to his family and friends….Tibi, Michael…Tibi a Latona….Love, Jen (one of the “cookies”)

17. Cameron Clark
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    Condolences to Michaels family and SAR friends.

18. Michael Bailey
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    I’ll never forget Michael for his never-ending dedication to social justice and the safety of others. He truly cared, and made a tremendous difference. I will miss him a lot. Condolences to all of Michael’s family and many friends

19. Mary O'Connor and Brad Noren
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    Sending our love and standing beside you.

    Mary O’Connor and Brad Noren
    Chicago, Illinois

20. Edgar Fuoss
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    I have known Mike since high school and have kept in touch throughout the years. I will always remember Mike for his bold stands on many topics such as the environment and social issues that were well ahead of its time back in the day but later became topics that world would catch up to where Mike already was advocating years ago. His life saving efforts through SAR has made a major contribution and have touch so many lives. He loved the outdoors and in that sense, someone I always aspired to. I loved the hikes that we took as a group of friends and will always remember the adventures that we went on. You will be missed!

21. Tania Veitch
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    Thinking of you, Sylvia and Eamon, and all of Michael’s family and loved ones. Sending my deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Michael touched so many lives and will be greatly missed.

22. Dwight Yochim
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    I knew Mike for decades. He was a dedicated individual full of compassion, which is why so many lined up to offer him a kidney including me. He is deeply missed.

23. Mark Rowe
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    Hey Michael, sorry I can’t be there in person for you today. I just want you to know I’ll always value our conversations over things like ethics, justice and social repsonsibilities. It’s those qualities that drive my respect for you as a good human being. May the snow always be powder and the sun shine forever upon you.

24. John and Nancy O'Connor
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    Our deepest condolences! We are grateful for the many fond memories of Michael and wish you and your family the very best.

    John and Nancy O’Connor

25. Kimberly Daum
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    Michael was my transplant-recipient-coping-with-COVID touchstone. When the world, including the healthcare system and the workers within it, moved on from COVID the world became a much sketchier place for people such as Michael and me. His online commentary, his insight and credibility on so many topics cut through the BS we’re all trying to wade through. I only knew him online, and via email where I relied on his takes and validates! Yet like so many of you, I miss him already. My heart goes out to Sylvia, Eamon, his SAR and other colleagues, his social media followers, and all of those who knew him. The world was better with him in it and we are lesser without him. We have lost a peaceful warrior. May his memory be a blessing.

26. michael davern
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    Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam (may he rest in peace)

27. Ray Nordstrand
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    On a personal level, I deeply valued his vision, his tireless work ethic, and his willingness to step up whenever a gap needed filling—whether that meant coding custom software late at night or standing in front of the media as our voice. Mike didn’t just contribute to search and rescue; he helped shape its future. His impact on our team, our community, and on me as a colleague will not be forgotten.

28. Carol Purves
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    When Michael’s birth Dad passed away. people would say ,when a moral decision needed to be made, ”what would Ken do?”.
    I know many will say the same thing about Michael, “How can I make a difference in this world?”
    I wish I could have gotten to know him better. I treasure his and Emon’s visit just a few weeks ago 💕. Sylvia, you are in them both. You and Eamon are Loved dearly.

29. Marina Glass
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    My heart felt condolences to his family and loved ones.

30. John Simpson
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    Micheal was a wonderful man who always demonstrated integrity and solid commitment to SAR. He leaves a hole in our Coquitlam team and he will be missed by both current and former team members.

31. Maria Pears
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    Sending our deepest sympathy from Scotland Sylvia and Eamon on this very sad occasion. Rest in peace Michael, you will be sadly missed.
    Margaret, Maria and Martin (Coyle)

32. Shayla Doble
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    My condolences to all Mikes family and friends.