MCGEE, Michael Douglas Roderick

July 31, 1959 - July 17, 2012
Peacefully on July 17, 2012 in Victoria B. C., beloved son of the late D'Arcy and Norah McGee. Predeceased by sister Kath, survived by brothers D'Arcy (Leslie), Gordon and Tim (Mary) and sister Margot (Jeremy). Uncle to D'Arcy (Katty), Peter, Kate, Jennifer (Mark), Sarah, Julia, Gord, Charlotte and Fraser and great uncle to Sophia, Ella, Christophe, Marcel, Thomas, Olivia and Mateo. Mike was a very special person. He warmed the lives of everyone he met and he made enduring and loving friends throughout his life and wherever he visited. He was a man of many talents; swimming and a love of music were top of the list. Many a competitor has seen only Mike's wake as he churned and torpedoed his way to victory in the annual Trackshoes swimming meets. His taste and appreciation of music knew no bounds - from polkas to the Beatles to Irish ballads and from contemporary hits to classic hymns and carols - Mike had an inner rhythm which he was always eager to share. Mike faced many challenges in his life yet he set an example for all of us with his warmth, his indomitable good spirit, his aversion to conflict and his exceptional sense of fun and humour. Many people near and far have been touched by Mike's spirit and his humanity. And many in turn have given unselfishly of their time and talent to make Mike's life a happy and fulfilling one. This role was exemplified by the extraordinary lifelong efforts and commitment of Mike's Mum and Dad. During an earlier era when kids with Downs Syndrome were often expected to stay outside mainstream life, his Mum and Dad brought the world to Mike and Mike to the world. He became a well-rounded man because of their vision and dedication. From his early days at the Victor Street School to his beloved Maplewood Home and his many travels with the Happy Wanderers, Mike has been blessed by an army of friends, supporters and caregivers including Dr. David Bell and all those at Maplewood including Patty, Deb, Cathy, Linda, Krista, Nikki, Elaine, Meko, Ed, Tanya, Leonida and Gail, and his long time companion Des. The family is eternally grateful to each of you. We all can rest assured that no one has gone to heaven with any greater haste than Mike and that he is now reunited with the Old Fella and Mum.
  A Celebration of Life followed by a reception will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Victoria Association for Community Living, 3861 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, B. C., V8P 2M7. Condolences may be offered to the family at
www.mccallbros.com
McCall's of Victoria, BC
(1-800-870-4210)