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Michael WILLINGHAM
WILLINGHAM
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Michael WILLINGHAM

Michael J. WILLINGHAM

Michael J. WILLINGHAM obituary

Michael WILLINGHAM Obituary

WILLINGHAM, Michael J.: Jul. 28, 1938 - Oct. 11, 2020 Michael J. passed away at his home in Nanaimo, where he lived with Diane Roberts until her passing in 2016. He led a full and exciting life, coming to Canada from the UK as a young man and settling in Toronto. He found his niche in sales, working for Castrol Oil and racing sports cars. There he met Diane and they moved to Kelowna where they would open their own restaurant. Michael later became a wine and spirits agent in Vancouver, and was a mentor and inspiration to many. The fact that he survived fifteen years after a brain stem stroke para-lyzed one side of his body and cost him the ability to eat, drink or even swallow is a testament to his strength and will to live. Michael had an abdominal aneurysm operated on four years ago, and was well aware the repair wouldn't last forever and might one day take his life. Facing that and other medical complications, Michael knew that he was leaving us. He passed away on his terms, exactly how he wanted to go, peacefully and comfortably in the warmth of his condo overlooking the ocean. May the sun be on your face, and the winds be in your favour. Kindly direct any donations to the BC Hospitality Foundation, which he helped start after his stroke in 2006.

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Published by Okanagan Valley Newspaper Group on Oct. 31, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael WILLINGHAM

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3 Entries

Glenn Barlow

November 3, 2020

MJW was the reason I moved from restaurant work into wine sales and taught me countless details that I remember to this day. I was part of an epic week at Latour that included shoulder visits to Krug and Heidsieck for starters and a dinner in the ruins in Chateauneuf du Pape at the end. Stumbling out of a seven hour dinner and seeing the lights of Avignon below is a memory I cherish. The train rides with Michael scolding all of us on how to fold a news paper not to mention the proper British way to do something that is counter to how Terry did whatever the hell he was doing. All in fun of course. I would say RIP but you are probably driving a Tiger with Diane at your side looking for a good place to pop a good bottle. Salut!

Terry Sewell

November 3, 2020

MJW and I worked and travelled together for more than 20 years before his stroke. We had a lot of laughs over the years and some disagreements, but we were always friends. Michael was an inspiration to many people after his stoke including myself. A new star is burning bright in the heavens.
RIP old friend

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Memorial Events
for Michael WILLINGHAM

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.