March 30, 1962
October 19, 2014
Michael Edward Coleman died suddenly on October 19, 2014 doing what he loved Golfing with his friends. Born on March 30, 1962 in Comox, BC he was the much-loved son of Lionel and Joan Coleman and brother to Joanne and James (Laurel). Michael was my soul mate and I am forever grateful for the 32 years we had together. He will be greatly missed by his wife Lisa (Shestopalski), daughter Natalie and son David. It brought him great joy to watch Natalie dance and he was so proud when David expressed an interest in music, which was a very important part of his own life. He was a very dedicated father who loved his children dearly. He also leaves behind his Grandmother Marjorie Garinger of Yorkton SK, and a very large extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Michael grew up in Victoria and had a wide circle of friends who loved him just as much as he loved them in return. He was a very gentle soul, and had a rare quality of caring and compassion for others. He was a loyal man who had a big heart. He grew up in Victoria and later moved to Colwood, where he made many life long friends. He graduated in 1980 from Dunsmuir High School, which is where he and Lisa first met in 1979. He learned his trade at DND Esquimalt from 1980 to 1984. In 1987 he moved to School District 61, as a Maintenance Painter and later became the Paint Shop Foreman. He was an avid golfer, and fisherman and camping. Michael was also very artistic, and loved his music and to play his guitar. He was a very gifted photographer and captured many special moments in our lives.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Langford Legion on Monday, October 27, 2014 @ 1:00 PM with a reception to follow. The Family would like to extend a Thank you to the first responders for the important work that they do.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by In Memory of a Great Man.
31 Entries
Sadly i just heard of Michaels passing on march 1 2015, As i left the school district in 2010, I had many interactions with mike while our time in the school district,I was also a prior dockyard employee,Mike was an outstanding man, Pleasant and calming nature with a funky grin in passing at work...I am so happy he was doing what he enjoyed at the end of life....miss you buddy...AL RAMSAY
AL Ramsay
March 2, 2015
Dear Lisa and Family,
I met your husband and father during the strike action at View Royal School. Although I knew him just for this brief moment in time, he definitely left an impression on me. He was a quiet, steady presence on the line which we all appreciated during a very stressful negotiation. I heard of his passing today from a painting crew in our school and was completely shocked and saddened. I wanted you to know that his eyes danced when he spoke of his family and the time you spent at View Royal School.
Shelley Stevens
January 28, 2015
Deae Lisa and family
My husband and I went to school with Mike. He was never seen without a smile on his face. He was a very nice guy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. Take care.
Don and Jill Hill
December 21, 2014
Mike engaged with people in the most genuine and caring manner. I always looked forward to and enjoyed having Mike attend to the needs of the schools I was associated with in the district. He possessed class and kindness. I will think of you on the fairway, Mike.
Joe Cardle
November 21, 2014
Dear Lisa and family, very sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathy.
Heather Hymers
November 9, 2014
Gone too soon. I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Growing up next door in Colwood, I remember him as a kind and gentle person and loved to hear him play guitar. My deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time; so terribly sorry for your loss.
Marilyn Broback
November 3, 2014
So sorry to hear about Mike's passing Lisa. I didn't see Mike too much over the years after Dunsmuir, but when I did he was always smiling at life. That is a great picture of him.
Thinking of you and your family Lisa.
Hang in there.
Brett Chalmers
October 30, 2014
Lisa and family:
I met Mike when I moved to Victoria for Grade 12 at Dunsmuir School. He was a very kind and caring friend and was loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you all.
Karen Peterson (Barton)
October 29, 2014
My sincere condolences on your loss. Having met Mike only days before at the Long Service Awards celebration with you, Lisa, I also found him to be a gentle soul, as described in this obituary. Again, my condolences.
Sonja Martins
October 29, 2014
I remember when we hired Mike as a painter with Victoria School District. Confident in his manner and knowledgeable of his trade, I knew he could be a star. Mike turned out to be an excellent painter and sign maker. He was always first in line to take upgrading or other courses. Mike truly was a thoughtful and gentle man and a natural leader. Gone too soon, but he definitely left his mark on our world. My condolences to his family.
Doug Grant
October 28, 2014
Lisa, Natalie & David so sad to hear of the passing of your husband and dad. I always remember him at functions at Willway Elemetary with a smile on his facing watching his kids and all the other kids running around. Remember the happy times. The Fanthorpe Family.
October 28, 2014
Lisa, I'm glad that the two of you had so many good years together. We're thinking of you a lot here at work and hope you get lots of care and support and the time you need to start to heal. Take care,
Lynn Hale
October 28, 2014
I was shocked and saddened to learn of your loss. Mike was an extraordinary individual who worked for the human good and not just for what was good for the workplace. Mike was always committed to the needs of Spectrum Community School in the years that I was principal there. Sincere condolences to his family.
Judy Harrison
October 28, 2014
We are sorry for your sudden loss. Mike was a fabulous person.
Barry and Carol Burman
October 27, 2014
Dear Lisa, Natalie and David, we are so very sorry for your loss. I will always remember Michael coming to pick up David from my day care. So excited to see his son and watch him play with the other children. He was such a warm and loving father and I know he is extremely missed by all of you and by those who's lives he touched. Thinking of you!!
Karen and Scott Derry
October 26, 2014
Lisa and family; we were so sad to hear of Mike's sudden passing from friends in Victoria. We were coworkers for 24 years at the Board and shared many great times and laughs along the way. Mike was one of the good ones and could always be counted on to see the balanced view of work and life. We will all miss having a laugh and story time with Mike. Our thoughts go out to all his family and friends at this difficult time.
Michael Thorpe
October 26, 2014
My husband and I both went to school with Mike . He was a bright light and great friend . Always happy and smiling . We are so sorry for your loss.
Curtis and Tracy Price
October 26, 2014
Mike was just such a wonderful, gentle, laid-back guy. I loved spending time with him, golfing, chatting about family, and having a quite drink. I know how much you all meant to him, and how loved you were. My sincere condolences to Lisa, Natalie and David
Alistair Bannerman
October 26, 2014
Lisa and kids, and all the family,
I was so saddened to hear of Michael's sudden passing from my mom and dad(Michael's great Uncle Tom and Auntie Jeanette in Red Deer). During 1982-3 when I attended UVic, I saw a lot of gentle soul and cousin Michael, then in training to be a commercial painter, and have vivid memories of hearing of Lisa baking delicious pies and leaving them on Michael's back porch. How very charmed he was by Lisa, and how wonderful that you went on to have had 32 years of togetherness and two wonderful children. I am sorry we have not been in touch for a number of years. Lisa, my heart of empathy goes to you especially, as I was also widowed in June of this year with all five of our children still dependent and at home. It is not an easy road, but there are always blessings in adversity too, which I hope you will experience in the loving support of family, friends, and your community. Hoping we may be in touch some day.
Laurie Lacy
October 25, 2014
My sincere condolences to Lisa & Mike's family. I was very sad to hear this tragic news. I worked with Mike at SD61 for many years. He was always happy and smiling and had many a good story to share. He will be missed by many.
Kay Steer
October 24, 2014
Dear Lisa and Family
I was heartbroken when I heard the news of Mike's passing. Mike and I worked together for 12 years. We were always looking for ways to stretch out our lunch breaks together. We shared many good laughs. He was a good friend to me. I will miss you Mike.
Arnie Sanford
October 24, 2014
Sorry for your loss. I remember Mike at Dunsmuir, he was always smiling (or laughing) and nice to everyone. My thoughts are with you.
Heather Rowe ( Mac Donald)
October 24, 2014
Lisa & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. We will all miss our special and long time friend known as "Mellow Mike".
Bill & Cynthia Kennedy
October 24, 2014
To Lisa and family;
I have worked with Michael for over seven yrs. we have had a lot of good times. There where a couple of times where Michael went over and beyond his role as a foreman to make my and my family's life easier. When my son died in March he tried his best to console me after I got the bad news. I was also able to reach out to him another time ( I should say he reached out to me and family) with another coworker to help my family threw a rough patch. I am really happy to have meet Michael and I am so sorry for your loss.
Norman Isaac
October 24, 2014
One of the kindest men I have ever met; it was always such a joy when he came to do work at our school. When my husband joined the school district, Mike always looked out for him; he was so very generous. He always had time for a conversation, I wish that we could have had so many more. He will be missed.
Caroline Mackenzie
October 24, 2014
Mike was such a good guy and someone I had a great time growing up with. I have so many fond memories. Thinking of you all...
Scott McDonald
October 24, 2014
I was so sorry to read of Michael's passing. I remember him so well when we all lived in Colwood.
My thoughts are with all of you.
Irene Parkes
October 24, 2014
My heart breaks everyday...a great brother and friend. He will be dearly missed.
James Coleman
October 24, 2014
A hugel loss - our thoughts & prayers are with the family. Lou & Charlotte Campana
October 24, 2014
Dear Lisa,
I remember Mike from high school. He was such a kind, gentle man way back when and he was loved and admired by so many. My deepest condolences to you and your children for this unbearable loss.
Cathy Beaman (Irwin)
October 24, 2014
Lisa and family thinking of you all at this very difficult time. Losing someone so young is not easy. Lisa I remember how in love you were with Mike back in the early 80's when we went to Spectrum together and I am happy that you got an amazing 32 years to spend with your best friend. Take Care. Hugs to you all your family.
Christine McCarthy
October 24, 2014
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