WILSON, Michael Paul
January 6, 1955 – December 27, 2018
It is with heartfelt sadness and love that we have to announce that our beloved Mike passed away suddenly on December 27, 2018 in Calgary. Born January 6, 1955 in Three Hills Alberta, Mike was the 5th child and son of eleven children of Eileen and Dorne Wilson of Caroline, AB.
Mike was predeceased by his parents Eileen (1981) and Dorne (1992), Brothers Garry (1992), Allen (2003) and Sister-in-law Robin (Allen) (2018).
Mike is survived by his loving partner, Heidi Dunstan, her parents Chris & Pete, brother Dan (Krista), nephew and niece Carter and Emily, Grandma, Uncles, Aunts, and cousins. His loving children Jenny, Brandon, and Shylow and their mother Bunny. His siblings Francis (Chetwynd, BC), Keith/Karen (Victoria, BC), Karen (Caroline, AB), Tracy (Edmonton, AB), Pam/Bill (Airdrie, AB), Barbara/Tom (Chetwynd, BC), Wesley (Red Deer, AB), Jim (Caroline, AB), Sister-in-law Heather (Garry, Serge), and numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
Fulfilling a lifelong dream to become a firefighter, Mike served a 30 year career with the Calgary Fire Department, retiring as Captain. Mikey was a very proud member of the CFD and still active with various activities as a retiree. Mike had a passion to help new recruits, active members and retirees to have the tools and supports to deal with the emotional challenges that can have a severe toll on service members. Mike was also a beloved member of the Choices Seminars family, which is a personal development program that helped Mike to cope and overcome some of the struggles he faced from a long career as a firefighter.
Mike was also a very skilled General Contractor and with his business Carriage Trade Woodcraft he built and renovated many homes in the Calgary area. Mike’s business was about relationships, and his trades were friends, and many commented that they often would go for coffee or lunch and talk about life and family before they talked about business. Every home Mike worked on he worked on like it was his own, he took pride in his work, even the smallest job he went the extra mile.
Mike’s love for people was contagious, his passion to help others was inspiring, and his faith was deep. Mike had an amazing ability to make you feel like you were heard, and it didn’t matter how much time it would take, he was always willing to listen. He loved to laugh and have fun, and brighten any room that he entered. Mike had recently started travelling, whether a road trip to see family or friends, or his first beach vacation to Cuba last year Mike was excited to live in the moment.
Love and miss you always Mike.
In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe account has been set up on behalf of the family with remaining funds going to the Calgary Firefighters Assistance Charity, or please make donations to Calgary Firefighters Assistance Charity, or the Salvation Army.
A celebration of this amazing man’s life will be held at RockPointe Church (Bearspaw) 255024 Lochend Road, Calgary (Lochend Rd and Hwy 1A) Click here for Google map) on January 11, 2019 at 1:00 pm.
In the case that you are unable to attend the funeral in person, a live webcast is available, please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mike-wilson-celebration-of-life-live-online-tickets-54436104855 and a link will be sent to you on January 10th.
Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home 403-932-1039.
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Heidi I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was such an amazing man and he has left a huge hole in so many communities he was involved in. Thinking of you at this time.
My deepest condolences.
With love & sympathy.
Our Sincere condolences go out to the Wilson Families on the passing of “Brother” Mikey, he was a kind and caring person. One of the last times I was with him is when he helped Bob Walker to his car after Chief Jackson’s Celebration of Life at Canada Olympic Park, that was Mikey.
We met through Choices. My family held him in high regard. His heart was on his sleeve. Just who he was accepting, sharing and giving. We feel your loss.
My deepest condolences to Mike’s family and to our sister Haydi, in the short time we were together we could appreciate the human warmth of Mike and his altruistic nature, he was very generous and hospitable to us, we will never forget him. May God receive him in his holy bosom.
Someone so special can never be forgotten. My condolences to Mike’s friends and family.
We send our deepest condolences to Mike’s family & friends! In the short time we have known Mike, we have come to look forward to seeing him and appreciate the smiles and laughter he brought with him. We, too often, take for granted that our friends will just be there when we need them. Life is so short and a dear friend is gone that so many of us will truly miss! God bless you Mike!
Heidi sending you the biggest hug and beans to help you through your loss. Mike was my choices coach and I was so blessed to have known him. Hard to think others will not be receiving the gifts he gave me anymore. I know he will always be in the room watching over the newbies….Much love.
And to Mikes family touched by his passing I send wishes of peace.
Our condolences to Mikes children family and friends.
Met Mikey in the 1970’s and was a wonderful friendship. He was always there for you. He built so many great homes for his family it is nice to know God has given him his final home.
We love you Mikey God Bless. Irene and Marv Storfie
Sending condolences to you Heidi along with lots of hugs. We like to think that Mike gave so much of his heart to so many over the years, that in the end he hadn’t saved enough for himself. He was a selfless, good man who gave of himself right up until his passing. We would also like to pass on condolences to Mike’s family. He will be missed by many.
Mikes final project for us just before the Christmas Season was to replace a hail damaged awning. I can see him in my minds eye holding up this heavy structure while he drove a few screws in to rest his arms. It is with great sadness we will no longer have the pleasure of the company and laughter of this larger than life man at the supper table or his big bear hugs. Nor will we get to listen anymore to his telephone recording greeting of “You have reached Mike, you know the drill”
He was a very special man who was always ready to give his time and love to all who needed it. We will miss him greatly and our hearts are weary with the sorrow of his passing. Our thoughts go out to you Heidi and all Mikey’s family at this sad time. It was an honour to have known him, Pat & Dave
We were saddened and shock to here of Mikes sudden passing. We first met him when he and Heidi came out to our dads (Great uncle Herb) funeral in BC at the end of March. Mike was right there to express his appreciation for the words shared and the scriptures read at the grave side in Salmon Arm. We made an immediate connection. We have no doubt he will be greatly missed by family and friends. From Great aunt Margaret and all the BC Spohrs, our love and prayers to all.
I worked with Mickey on B platoon saw him 2017 @ the pensioners banquet said our hello’s , he then reminded me of the time he came out to my cabin in BC & I was the first to take him water skiing! I remember dragging him till we got him up he fell several times but laughing as we hooked him back up . Never forget you Mickey Rest In Peace ! My condolences to the family he will be missed . Ron Forrest
I just got the email from Gary B.
What a bummer. You never think that such a great, kind and well loved brother like Mike, will be one of those to depart early.
It is a shock.
Heidi, I am so sorry for what must be such an incredible loss. What a BIG hole!
I truly hope that all the good wishes and thoughts that are or will be streaming your way from every single person that ever met Mike; help console you and ease your pain.
May you have PEACE. Murray Knight
Condolences to all of Mikeys family. Best popcorn maker ever!
Mike was one of a kind .He was always very insightful no mater the subject. His strong beliefs were very thoughtful no matter what.Mikey will fore ever be remembered as a loving and caring guy who would be there when you needed a
hand or somebody you could just talk to . He went too soon, God bless.
I worked with Mike at #16,one of the easiest guys to work with. Very obliging person . Had a little trouble with floor hockey though, but we had a lot of laughs. He made trophies for our old timers tournaments.out of wood beautiful. You will definitely be missed Mike . God bless you and condolences to your family . It was a pleasure to have known you.
I am so sorry for this loss. He was a man with a big heart that showed the money you met him and every money you knew him. Heidi we are thinking of you right now and sending you our love.
Days and nights have come and gone for us without Mike,still we say why and how could this happen to such a wonderful person way before we think he should have left us, the way I think about this is Jesus needed Mike more than we did I think Jesus has him working on a big project that no one else can do.
Mike, a man with so much talent is one of a kind, we were lucky to have him for the time we shared with him.
Heidi I’m truly sorry for your loss, if you need anything please call 24/7.
Mike was a true lover of life. He had his sad times to be sure, but his faith in God was so rock solid that he didn’t falter; he picked himself up and kept on going.
Mike took the job of repairing my High River home after the flood of 2013. We ended up with a top quality job, and we deeply appreciated Mike’s devotion to quality.
I worked with Mike many times over the years on “B” Platoon and true to form, he never failed to work harder and longer than everybody else. More than that though, he was so caring with all of us – he was the ideal co-worker.
It came as a shock to hear of his passing and Joyce and I are truly sorry that we will miss his funeral and the chance to say farewell in person. To his family we know that you will hold his memory dear, for he was a wonderful guy and a special person. To his wide circle of friends, remember him fondly, and strive to be as good as he was, for that is the mark of a great man. So long, Mikey…you know the drill.
So sad to hear of his passing from Borky. Mikey was one of the truly great guys at the Fire Department where I met him while working at #16. He was always friendly with a big smile on his face and willing to help anybody he knew. My sincere condolences to all of his family. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
I was so sad to hear of Mikey’s passing. He was a great guy and was always there to lend a hand.
Enjoyed working with him over the years. He will be dearly missed by many.
Our sincere condolences to his family.
Our deepest condolences. Mike and I started the fire department together same class and I will cherish all those memories and the ones we developed through out our careers. We will miss Mike a great deal, may he Rest In Peace.
My deepest condolences to you Heidi and Mikey’s family. Casino night fund raisers will never be the same. Will remember his jokes and his beautiful smile. Rest In Peace.
So shocked to hear of Mike’s sudden passing. I had just worked with him at this years Toy Association Christmas Party in December. Mike was one of our regular Santa’s helpers over the years, always there to lend a hand for whatever needed doing. His years of experience helped to ensure that the bothersome chimney backdrop was always properly put together. I worked for a few years at #16 firehouse with Mike….he was a real character. He always found time for a few laughs and the occasional game of floor hockey but not before work was done. The beautiful wooden rocking horses he made for the firefighters children’s first Christmas will always remain a tangible memory of the man and his work…I am proud to say that my own granddaughter has one in her playroom. Deepest condolences to family, friends and comrades….may your fond memories of Mike provide comfort during this difficult time. RIP my friend.
Very sad day for the both of us and all of our staff at Universal Slate we will miss your smile and the happy attitude you always had – condolence to you Heidi your family and all of Mikes family as someone said above he wore his heart on his sleeve – he was a generous person a giving and wonderful neighbor a great friend and a business associate – you are now in Gods hands my friend
So sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. It was a privilege to be able to spend time with Mike at #16. He made our time as a crew a fun time and how much he enjoyed meal time. When I had no idea how to build a bay window for our house Mike came over the next day to help me.
Mike will be missed and my prayers are with you as his family!
In total shock in the passing of Mike. A true Gentleman/ Mentor/ Friend/ Life Coach – that did make a difference. I met him through Choices. Mike had a knack for identifying service people, regardless of their Uniform. He understood the trials and tribulations that any uniform goes through – and he extended not only his hand, but heart to give a helping hand in any way shape or form that he could. His smile, and laughter were infectious. The good Lord must have been needing another Shepherd for his flock. To Heidi and Mike’s Family – your loss belongs to all of us. You are definitely in our Hearts and Minds as we remember him.
RIP Brother – you will be missed. BIG HUGS.
So sorry to hear the news of Mike’s passing. One of my most prized possessions is the wooden fire hydrant that Mike make for all of us involved in the Calgary Firefighters vs the Flying Fathers charity hockey game, it now has added importance among my commemorative items. We will miss seeing him at the Pensioners Banquets and our Monday wing nights. God speed Mikey.
Working with Mike was always a pleasure. Many years ago he built a cradle for a friend of mines young daughter. To this day she still has that as a treasure. He was an incredible human being, a blessing to be sharing a meal and just having a laugh with at the firehall . My wife and I ran into Mike a year or so ago , same good sense of humor and as always a sincere man with a great heart. Rest in peace Mikey you will be missed by many
Craig Broughton
It was with deep sadness that I learned of Mike’s passing. I had the good fortune to work with Mike off and on in the very early stages of my career and I will never forget what a kind and caring man he was. Mike always had the time to chat and to provide mentorship and words of encouragement to his colleagues and was a pleasure to be around. More recently, he was a familiar smiling face at so many events in support of our members past and present and our greater community. My deepest condolences to Mike’s family on the loss of a good man who is truly gone too soon.
I was absolutely shocked and saddened to come in to work on the 27th and learn first-hand of Mike’s passing. I could not…would not believe it. Mike Wilson was one of my favorite Captains on the job, simply because he was one of the nicest, helpful and most attentive people I have ever met. He truly gave you his undivided attention and time when you were with him. I had just recently run into him at Lowe’s as he was buying materials for a job and I was truly glad to see him. He was smiling as always and proud to give me his card for his business when I asked how retirement was going. And he asked me to let him know next time there was a poker game going on. Well, Mike save me a “chip and a chair” at the game upstairs…we’ll play that game some other time.
He was truly one of CFD’s best and the we are all a little less without him here. My deepest condolences to all that loved him and knew him. Mike, may the Lord bless you and keep you.
So sorry to hear about Mike’s passing,sending our condolences to all of his family.
I would like to extend my most heartfelt condolences to all of Mike’s family on his passing. I was a firefighter on A Platoon when I first met Mike at #16 firehall. Over the years we worked on each other’s platoon and the quality I remember most about Mike was his unmistakeable quiet and friendly demeanor and of course his big smile. He was just such a wonderful person to be around. It is so sad and very disheartening to see another firefighter pass at such a young age. I am really sorry for your loss.
Rest in peace my friend.
Phil Rosso
We are saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. We spent many enjoyable moments with Mike over the years. His laughter and enthusiasm were contagious. He will be greatly missed by so many dear friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rest in peace Mikey. Man, we miss you. Condolences to all.
Sending our condolences to Mike’s family! Cloverdale Paint especially the Midnapore location is sadden to hear about his passing. He always came into the store with a smile on his face, a joke or story to share and that great laugh!!! He will be truly missed!!!!
I think Mike and I had the two ugliest propane powered 3/4 ton trucks on the job! If it wasn’t for him continuously doing whatever he could to keep mine on the road, the old F150 would have never got to 700,000 km. He scratched all his hair off his head dealing with my truck problems and building our houses and trying to figure out how to score a goal in floor hockey. I very much cherished the opportunity to watch him work and handle people respectfully. He was a natural farm boy type without an ego or agenda who left this world a better place. He left an example we can all follow..Your friend Wino
A few days ago, reading condolences, I flipped back to Mikey’s photo.
Those have to be the most overdeveloped check muscles I’ve ever seen.
… so many smiles!
Dear Jenny, Brandon, and Shylow, we were saddened to hear of the passing of your loving father. May God be your strength and comfort in the coming days.
Sincerely, Werner and Jo-Anne (Sun Valley neighbours)
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing.Enjoyed my time working on shift with Mike and bartering our skills to help each other out. A great guy taken too soon. Our sincere condolences to all the family; he will be missed by all who knew him.
Mike was a shining example of life and how to live it. He was brilliant and so very generous – all at the same time. I had the honour and pleasure of knowing Mike through the Choices Seminars family. It was in this setting that I witnessed some of the very best of Mike, his many gifts and talents shining through, a confident, peaceful, fun-living and committed man. My last conversation with Mike was in the airport. I clearly recall that moment. My wife and I were returning from a trip and there in front of us appeared Mike with his award winning smile. We were just so pleased to see each other, if only for a few brief moments. I will remember the excitement in Mike’s eyes and voice about joining another Choices Seminar team in BC. His flight was departing soon and before he turned to dash down the concourse towards his gate, I wanted him to know that he was in the perfect place and role, doing what he was designed to do – helping others achieve something greater than they might have imagined. Mike’s passing is an indescribable loss. However, I am certain he leaves a rich legacy to many. I am thankful to have met this great and giving man. Please accept my condolences.
I have never met a man with more zest and love for life and people than Mike. I loved seeing him and talking with him and the many many dinners we shared after stretch at Choices. I remember visiting with his daughter Jen and her son Jayden at their home in DeWinton around Christmas once. He was so proud of everything he had ever done…. but so proud of his family and grand babies. Wish I could have been there today to say farewell.
Condolences to all of his family. He will be missed by so many.
It is at time like this that you reflect on how many time you have said to yourself I will call them later and we will get together for a coffee. Now you look back and say to yourself why did I not make that call.
You will be very much missed, it was a pleasure to have called you my friend.
I wish to send my sincere condolences to Heidi and the family on the passing of this wonderful man.
Heidi: I was so shocked and surprised to learn of Mike’s passing. Mike and I were in the sameRookie class in 1977. I had actually met Mike before that. When he was a shipper receiver and I was delivering packages that required hi signature. Without doubt Mike was a wonderful man. The attendance at his funeral was fantastic as was the service.