Obituary
Mike Lesnik, Michael, McTour, McMick, Scar, Daddiss (b. 6 November 1946- 14 September 2021).
One must look no further than to Mike for a role model, a heroic example, for how to live and love with one’s whole-heart, all-encompassing humour, attention, and an authentic capacity for « being here now. »
Mike embodied the deepest love of family, adventure and heart. Filling his larger-than-life years was eternal playfulness, laughter, conviction, volunteerism, live music, athletics, pitchforking the garden, traveling the world, all-season trail romping, mentoring youth, exploring, and delightedly savouring ice cream. Every nature experience to Mike was « all world. » Every vista was “exotic.” McTour, frequently the detour specialist, never missed an opportunity to get blissfully lost, laughing epically about the scrapes, the views, the fun of it all, the journey. He bounded out of bed every morning with « I love this life! »
As an educator, Mike’s contributions and influence are everlasting. He shaped countless lives with his creativity and innovation in schools, and his talent for bringing out the best in those around him defined him. His ukulele and sports programs were “world-famous” in his small towns and neighbouring valleys. Mike’s time as a principal and teacher in Arrow Lakes and Kamloops schools were years spent doing what he loved most: cultivating positive life-long learning in his lead-by-example environment. He could be found in the playground at lunch, strolling the halls at class change, and leaving well-timed notes of support on teacher’s desks.
Mike’s wife Marion, sons Dan (Heather), Jack (Kate), daughter Emma (Dan) and grandchildren Sierra, Olivia, Jack and Julius were first in his heart. There were no limits to his devotion to family. To his sisters Susanne (David) and Rebecca (Bruce), nieces, nephews, cousins, aunt, sister and brothers-in-law in Canada, U.S, and Australia he was the laughing patriarch. He was forever on-call to babysit, drive, help out, chirp in the stands; he gave his undivided time and attention effortlessly. Beariss, Digger Dan, Booiss and Biscuit are honoured to have been yours, trees growing side by side, yet never in one’s shadow.
Mike’s circle of friendships was legendarily large and each friendship had its own special life filled with experiences and lifelong care. There was no destination too far, no drive too lengthy, no flight too inconvenient to gather to commune. Mike personified that the most treasured offering is the gift of your time. Mike invested his limitless life force into relationships that live on to inspire us all. « Anything for the team » was Mike’s daily mantra, and all of the lives he touched are infinitely richer for his presence.
The Lesniks wish to thank the four hospitals (SLCH, KLH, Cranbrook ICU, Kelowna ICU) and family physician Dr. Van der Berg for their expertise and compassion during Mike’s sudden and unexpected illness and passing during a pandemic. Mike’s family also expresses the deepest of gratitude to the network of friends and family who have supported Mike and the Lesniks. The loving kindnesses received have been proportional to the exceptional life and relations of Mike, and we thank you.
Mike’s family honours his seventy five years of brim-full living with profound gratitude for time together in this world. Mike’s colossally large life leaves behind a hole of equal size. The daily depth of the loss of Mike is unfathomable and we are humbled by the innumerable ways that he is missed. A “’Lesnik’ is a keeper of the forest, a guardian of family and friendships, since he himself cultivates it.” Mike far exceeded expectations of such cultivation. Grampa, Pops, Dad, Mike, we thank you for showing us how to live a deep, simple life with love and laughter. The universe has been gifted the eternal and magnificent magic of Mike’s energy with his passing.
To honour Mike, we invite the members of his global community to send a written story or an experience about Mike either by email (jacklesnik@gmail.com), snail mail to 507 De Rosa Drive, New Denver BC V0G 1S1, or drop off at the Lesnik residence between 22 October and 29 October (where there will be a Principal’s Drop Box).
A Celebration of Life (Shaker of the Year) will be held at a later, safer time.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, kindly consider donating to the Slocan Valley Legacy Fund, where Mike was a director (www.slocanvalleylegacy.com/donate/), or email Jack Lesnik (jacklesnik@gmail.com) for information regarding an honorary fund being created in Mike’s name to support Athletics and the Arts for students of all ages at New Denver’s Lucerne Elementary Secondary School.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Lesnik Mike November 6 1946
October 14 2021..
everden rust funeral services & cremation
Décès pour la Ville: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique
avis deces Lesnik Mike November 6 1946
October 14 2021
avis mortuaire Lesnik Mike November 6 1946
October 14 2021