Michael (Mike) Robert Handel
December 5, 1943 - March 13, 2015
Mike passed away suddenly at the age of 71 in Comox, B.C, a place he called home for many years.
He was born in Leeds, England, and came to Canada in December 1946 with his parents, Douglas F. Handel (R.C.A.F), and Bette (Buckley) Handel, both of whom have pre-deceased him.
Growing up in a military family, he resided in Victoria, B.C., Penhold, Alberta, and Ottawa, Ontario. As a young man, he took up residence in St. Thomas, Ontario where he worked, married, and raised his family.
Survived and dearly missed by his loving children, daughter Heather Lee Handel of Victoria, B.C., son Jason Michael Handel and his wife Erin Ross of Burlington, Ontario, and their mother Carolyn Handel of Victoria, B.C. Also survived by his sister Barb Jacobs of Victoria, B.C., her son Jeff (Amber) and their daughter Addyson, her daughter Jessica (pre-deceased) and her son Gabriel; brother Ross (Marg) of Burnaby, B.C., and their children James (Kristina and their son Liam), and Stephen; brother David (Dr. Ann Thompson) and their children Sarah and Luke of Duncan, B.C.
Remembered fondly by his uncle Robert (Myrna; pre-deceased) Handel of Vancouver, B.C., and their children Brent (Trudy), Deb (Doug) Bolton, Kent (Sherrie), Leah and Todd also of Vancouver, B.C.
Mike was a 35 year highly respected employee of Therm-O-Disc Canada Ltd. in St. Thomas, Ontario and was District Manager when he retired. He enjoyed lasting friendships with many of the employees within the company.
He was a devoted member of the Yarmouth Volunteer Fire Department for many years, based in Elgin County, Ontario. He greatly enjoyed golfing and fishing with his friends and family, listening to music, gardening, and always ready to be of service to others.
Mike moved to Comox, B.C., in 2004 and resided in Kye Bay. He was a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Courtenay, B.C., and at the time of his death was serving as President. He found much happiness and many valued friends there.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice, in his memory.
A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, 367 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, B.C., (250) 334-4911, on Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 1-5pm. All are welcome.