Michael Robert Millick

I am grateful to have had the privilege of getting to know Mike in the past year and a half as a staff member where he lived. He became one of the residents I spent the most time with, in part because we kept similar hours, but mostly, because he always took the time to speak to us as people, he really care who we were and how we were doing. Usually, on his way in and out of the building, he would stop and start a conversation with us, tell us about his day, or ask after ours. And when he asked how you were, he would look you in the eyes and he would wait for you to answer, because he genuinely wanted to know.

I looked forward to our evenings when he would challenge me to checkers, or cards, or help me with whatever cleaning and chores I happened to be doing. Often his cheerful disposition would be the balance for a stressful shift, unbeknownst to him. He had a knack for knowing who needed a good laugh or a kind word the most, And I am glad he was so quick to laugh, because his laugh, when he really laughed, it was undeniably Mike and it filled the whole room. It was a sound that would make anyone crack a smile just to hear it, because it was the sound of someone having an unapologetically good time.

He always let us know how much we were appreciated as staff. He was forever holding open doors, carrying plates of food for those who couldn't, taking out garbages before staff had a chance too. He was generous almost to a fault; I have seen him offer the clothes off of his back to a man in the pouring rain. He got along with nearly everyone, and I can't recall a single instance, not one, that I heard him say a negative thing about anyone. Not behind their back, not for any circumstance.

We shared many conversations as he would often offer to help me while I cleaned common areas during the quieter hours. He spoke fondly of his family and high school years, plans for the future, and goals that he had. If I mentioned happening for myself that week, he always made a point to come and ask about it the week following.

He continues to remind me of why I chose to work with people. To build connections through human experiences and have an opportunity to hear someone's story. To sit with them in hardship, and celebrate their successes the same. My life was made better by having known his, even if just for the short time that I did. His courage, his unshakable optimism, was usually preceded by smile, no matter the circumstance. I don't think I will ever come across another person quite like him.

His absence is, and will continue to be, acutely felt by staff and residents alike.

I did not know Mike in his early years. I knew him from tim hortons. He was always so polite and smiling. He would open the door and ask me how I was. I often gave him an ice cap and an apple fritter. I am heart broken for his family. I will miss his bright and happy smile.

Dearest Michael you were my favorite kid growing up with my boys so polite and thoughtful rest in peace you will never be forgotten

Our nephew gentle soul Michael. Always we will remember the time we shared together while staying periodically with us. Your hearty laugh and hardworking nature. Our fondest memories was our summer and winters. Remembering that summer when the pool was set up and you were in it every chance you got. I had that garage sale on the wk and you were floating on the air mattress while my customers where shopping. You were in your element. I made that bbq turkey and after it was done you told me you didn’t like turkey. You could never offend Auntie I told you how about you just try it and if you don’t like it I will make you something else. The look in your eyes when you took your first bite was priceless. You were shocked as well how you had come to realize that there was nothing tastier. You asked me later that night I sure hope there’s some of that left for tomorrow. River rafting down the Bow River another wonderful time. Eating our lunches and laughing carefree. Nature always seemed to be our time to be physically and mentally balanced. Again carefree. Michael always woke up in a good mood. Top of the morning he would call out. Michael was beyond his years in a unique way. I remember one day he was talking about someone and said I wondering what kind of shenanigans he’s up too. Wow I thought he’s so young and yet talks like that. Our Mother talked like that. Michael did not like apples. It was about 6 months later after staying with us he told me. I guess he was tired of me telling him to grab a apple when he left the house. I think Michaels favourite desert was Rice Krispie squares because every time I made them they would not last another day. I loved feeding his huge appetite with my home cooking. R.I.P. My beautiful Nephew. Michael forever loved never forgotten. Our memories are deep.

It is with a heavy heart that I put pen to paper in sharing my memories of my nephew Michael. Michael was born a gentle soul, he was kind, caring and respectful to anyone he met. He loved animals, he had an affinity to cats especially, as they were reciprocal in their affection for him knowing instinctively he had a caring nature. Everyone who knew Mike knew he loved the weather, he could recite the predicted amount of precipitation, snowfall warnings, pending storms and temperatures all over the country and possibly the world if you were inclined to ask him. Mike lived with me for a time in his adult life, we would listen to music together Sunday mornings while he cooked his favourite breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast and coffee. He had a wide range taste in music, one of his favourite bands was Fleetwood Mac, he always started his morning off listening to Rumours. We set up my badmonton net up in the back yard, we played all summer long, we became very competitive, I will never forget while we played during a thunderstorm, as I dove for the birdie I slipped on the wet grass and skidded under the net to his side of the court, he looked absolutely petrified when he seen me coming towards him, once he realized i wasnt hurt we laughed until tears ran down both our eyes. Michael and I did a few road trips together, our last one was 2 years ago, during that trip Michael shared his fears, dreams and life disappointments, he never cast blame or judged, this was just not in his make up of whom he was. During this time my Mom passed away, I will be forever thankful that Michael was with his Auntie Emma and myself when we got this news, it comforts me to know that Mike will be together with Grandma Millick and is suffering no more. I love you M

I am Michael's eldest Aunty (Teenie) I always called him Michael that was his name. I have so many, many memories of him and my two sons Patrick & Byron playing in our backyard, down at our Dairy Farm joining our family on ski, camping and all kinds of roadtrips. One funny story I will share is a Cub/Scout Camping trip at a Leader's family Blueberry Farm. My son Patrick & Michael were very excited, they played games all over the property, we finished the day with a great campfire supper. It was just getting dark and we were having our closing song ceremony with hot chocolate & cookies, which was a real favoite of Michaels. When all of a sudden a Bear jumped up by the fire and growled, I screamed so loud, Michael screamed even louder and we both jumped into our tent, Patrick his (cousin) was left behind! Our Scout Leader came to the tent and told us it was not really a Bear but a Bear skin his Uncle had. Our hearts were pounding, not really convinced I took a long hard look and could see it was certainly just a fake Bear skin. Michael was not convinced, he was not leaving his tent for anything, not even the hot chocolate or cookies. Of course I stayed in the tent with him it was almost 7pm! That was our scouting adventure out in the wilderness of Port Coquitlam, my two sons would often tease him about a Bear just around the corner. In closing I would like to comment that Michael was a very kind hearted fellow who cared for so many members of his family, Michael you can now be at peace and learn more about the cloud formations up in the sky.
Luv and Hugs for ever xxxxxxxxx