Michael William Edward BETTS

Michael William Edward Betts A gentle man with incredible talents, Mike passed away suddenly on August 27th, 2022. He went into the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ doing exactly what he loved most. He was at home, in his music studio, loading his drums to go to a summer BBQ and enjoy being with friends. In our brokenness, we are blessed knowing that is just about as good as it could be. Mike was 70 years old. Mike was born in Chatham, Ontario to Audrey (MacGregor) and Marshall Betts. He spent most of his early years with his fisherman folks in Kingsville and ports around Lake Erie. He was the baby half-brother of Mary, Hawley, Joan and Don. His love for music started with Don Messer's Jubilee and The Lawrence Welk Show. "You have to like all kinds of music" his Momma would say. He never forgot that. An accomplished drummer / percussionist, Mike also could sing. Loud and on key. He was well known and respected playing in many bands, from Ontario to BC. Mike first met Wendy in 1975 - naturally at a gig! They were married on July 8, 1978, at Paulin Memorial Church in Windsor Ontario. In 1980, they set out on a great adventure across Canada to BC in a retrofitted school bus, with their 10-month-old baby Katie and a pocket filled with BIG dreams. Landing first in Surrey in 1981 , their second daughter Cara was added to the clan. Still pursuing music, Mike also worked at YVR and later on for Hitachi Construction Machinery. Not long after moving to Richmond in 1985, their third daughter, Molly was born and rounded off the Betts team. Perfectly imperfect, life wasn't always easy. But his love and commitment to family abounded. In 1989, Mike and Wendy moved to Tsawwassen. Mike quickly became involved in the community he loved. Whether it was coaching the girls' Tsawwassen Minor Softball teams, playing drums for Praise and Worship at South Delta Baptist and Village Church, or jamming at the Rose & Crown and Legion. Famous for supplying local charities and churches with fresh vegetables, Mike was that guy you could count on. He always had that "Mikey" smile and joy de vivre! His talent for wood working was also showcased on a Delta Cable TV production, The Delta Gardener and the Ladner Village Market. Hospitality was truly his spiritual gift. The door was always open for friends and family to share a meal, a glass of wine, lend a listening ear, a helping hand or provide a place to stay. Mike recently retired from Windset Farms in Delta. Despite dodging more than a few health-issue bullets, he never complained about working on the long "Honey-Do" list that Wendy kept him busy with in their East Ladner home. Mike lived his life to the fullest and with no regrets. The hardest part is now leaving his legacy behind. His wife and best friend of 44 years, Wendy. His three daughters, Katie and son-in law David Yakiwchuk, Cara Evensen-Betts and Molly Penner-Betts. Mike was blessed to be the best Poppa to 9 grandchildren, Luke, Adam and Natalie Yakiwchuk. Anna, Brooke and Cali Evensen, Lauren, Charlotte and his name-sake little doppelganger, Mikey Penner. He will never be forgotten by brother Ron and Gloria Whitehead and their kids whom he loved like his own, Len and Linnea. Mike's solid groove will also be missed by many musician friends, including Jim and Kirsten Bruton, Tom Bobardt, Kenny Cheatwood and Scott Theilman. Last but not least, Louis, his most loyal 4-legged companion. A Celebration of Mike's Life will be held on Saturday October 1st. The service will be at South Delta Baptist Church, 1988 56th Street Tsawwassen at 3:00 pm. Following the service will be a reception and live music at the Tsawwassen Legion Branch 289. PSALM 121. Love. Honour. Cherish. And NEVER be bored.