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Michael Huxtable Obituary

May 25th 1949 - October 25th 2013

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Huxtable on October 25th 2013. After a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease, Mike slipped away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on May 25th 1949 in Victoria BC, where he happily lived most of his life. Mike attended UVic where he achieved a BA in psychology and a BEd. Mike's career began in 1971 at Eaton's, where he worked a variety of positions before he found his passion in Human Resources management. After taking an early retirement from Eaton's, he ended his working career at Megson FitzPatrick, where he became affectionately known as "Motorcycle Mike."

In the same year that Mike started working at Eaton's, he was introduced to the love of his life Margaret (d'Estrube) who worked in the Optometry department. They were married in 1974, sharing 39 wonderful years together, and raising three beautiful children: Chris, Jay, and Natalie. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and children; his grandchildren Ella and Maddison; his siblings Bruce (Vicky), Judy (Dan), Rob (Barb), and Betty (Ron); his in-laws Rob (Cheryl), Nicky (Gary), Darcy; numerous nieces and nephews; cherished friends; and his many co-workers. Mike is pre-deceased by his parents Lionel and Mary, brother Patrick, and niece Juli.

The family would like to extend the most sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Pathways and Oak Bay Lodge programs, and the amazing management and invaluable caregivers at the Beacon Hill Villa. Thank you to Kate, Lauren, and especially Jay for enabling us to keep Mike at home for as long as we did. Special thanks to Drs Morgan, Medhurst, Nielsen, and Leishman for their care and advice. The family would not have been able to get through this journey without the unbelievable love and support from family and friends, and Mike made it all possible by maintaining his dignity and humor right to the end.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday November 2nd at 1:00 at The Chief and Petty Officers' Mess CFB Esquimalt (1575 Lyall St.). In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully appreciated to the Capital Mental Health Association in the name of "Pathways" or to the Alzheimer's Society of BC.

Mike will be forever remembered for his sweet, gentle nature and his infectious humour. He will truly be missed.
Published by The Times Colonist from Oct. 27 to Oct. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Huxtable

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23 Entries

NIcky d'Estrube Beedle

November 1, 2013

I have no words to describe adequately my gratitude for having had Mike in my life as an extended family member and friend, caring soul-mate to my wonderful sister and remarkable parent to their amazing children. He accepted his fate with exemplary courage, dignity and humor ~ Thank Gawd for the humor! Best coping medicine ever and the Huxtables took their humor seriously! Their battle with his cruel illness was a lesson in love, patience and respect and their strength infectious. I am in awe of his family! Words seem so shallow for feelings so deep, but Mike will be with me always.

Nicky (d'Estrubé) Beedle

Nicky (d'Estrubé) Beedle

November 1, 2013

I have no words to describe adequately my gratitude for having had Mike in my life as an extended family member and friend, caring soul-mate to my wonderful sister and remarkable parent to their amazing children. He accepted his fate with exemplary courage, dignity and humor ~ Thank God for the humor! Best coping medicine ever and the Huxtables took their humor seriously! Their battle with his cruel illness was a lesson in love, patience and respect and their strength infectious. I am in awe of his family! Words seem so shallow for feelings so deep, but Mike will be with me always.

Bev/Tony Harper/Asher

October 31, 2013

Dear Marg, Chris, Jay and Natalie; please except our heartfelt sympathy in Mike's passing. The commitment to keeping Mike at home for as long as possible tells what a loving family you are and what a special man Mike was. Our world has lost a gentle soul and a very special human being. I will always remember Mike's warm smile and quick wit along with his infectious laugh. I feel very blessed to have known Mike. Although our earthly bodies are not meant to last forever, I believe that our spirits do live on. Mike's physical presence will be greatly missed but his spirit will remain with you forever. I hope you will find some strength and comfort in the heartfelt words of remembrance and love for Mike from all of your friends who knew and loved him.

October 31, 2013

Dear Margaret, Chris, Jay and Natalie,

Please know that you all touched my heart in seeing how much each of you dearly cared for your husband and father. My thoughts are with you at this time.

Kind regards, Meriel

Jennifer Sandberg-Tilley

October 31, 2013

I will always remember great times working with you at MFI in the motorcycle department as well as our occasional lunch time walks with Luke to the local jewish restaurant selling those awesome bagels with lox and cream cheese! You will be missed my friend.

October 31, 2013

My Dear Margaret,
When I think of you, I remember the rascally girl in Grade 8, beautiful and full of laughter. You're still beautiful and , I hope your days are filled with comfort an













My Dear Margaret,
When I think of you, I remember the gorgeous rascal you were in Grade 8.
You're still beautiful, your light shines brightly, and I hope peace and comfort are yours in abundance.
Much love,
Sandra Taylor

October 31, 2013

Marg, over the past years you and your family have dealt with the gradual loss of your gentle, family loving Mike, throughout the entire time the family's love and devotion has shone through - a real inspiration to all. Our hearts are with all of you.
Yvonne, Sam, Tam, Neil, Adam, Brock & Julia.

October 30, 2013

Fond memories of watching basketball games with Michael and Margaret. Our sincerest condolences to you and yours. Thank you for everything as well to Jay for making it so much fun for Ashley. Kim and Ashley Tapping

Kate Thwaites

October 30, 2013

Marg, Chris, Jay & Natalie...They say that along with being the 'longest goodbye', Alzheimer's brings with it many gifts if you're open to receiving them. Alzheimer's brought the gift of the Huxtables and the d'Estrubes into my life through my work at Pathways. That's where I discovered the charming, gentle, loving, funny multidimensional guy who was your Mike in shining armour. As Mike's companion, I have been privileged to bear witness to unconditional love in action and have seen first hand the power that your love had to buoy Mike up. Your commitment to keeping Mike's life full and your lives as 'normal' as possible throughout the devastation of dementia is truly commendable and I am forever grateful to have been able to play a small role in supporting you through this. Mike was my 'sunshine', the best Friday night date ever, and I miss him greatly.

Jacquie & Mike Brewis

October 29, 2013

Margaret
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Michael. May all the good memories bring you some comfort now. Our thoughts are with you.

Gateway Associates

October 29, 2013

Chris our condolences to you and your family during this time of loss.

Gail Randall Brighton

October 29, 2013

I grew up next door to the Huxtable Family on Mt. Joy Ave., and have lost touch. My thoughts are with you in your loss. Fond memories and regards.

October 29, 2013

Margaret...Mike was such a kind gentle soul and shall remain that way in our memories as long as we live. I hope you and your family can find some comfort knowing that he is at peace now. Our sincere condolences to all. Bev and Gerry Smith

Gwendolyn Carnell

October 28, 2013

Margaret, my thoughts are with you, and your family at this difficult time.

Kim and Dale Stewart

October 28, 2013

Margaret, our thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.

Gail & Bruce Dryden

October 28, 2013

Marg, thinking of you and your family at this time. Your journey with Mike through these past few years has been a demonstration of strength and dignity. May happy memories bring smiles to your heart.

Susan Burwash

October 28, 2013

My condolences to you Natalie and to your entire family.

Jennifer Rebner

October 28, 2013

Margaret,So very sorry to hear this sad news. You have been an inspiration to us all of how to handle these hurdles that life deals out. Condolences to you and your family, Jennifer Rebner

Cindy Lazaruk

October 28, 2013

I will always remember Mike's big beautiful smile. I am very grateful that you and Mike were part of our journey. Having our guys together at Pathways and being part of the support group with you. With loving thoughts.

Leigh Dillon

October 28, 2013

Margaret I was so sorry to read about Mike's passing. My heart and thoughts are with you and the kids at this difficult time. I will always remember the fun times at the girls ball games with you and Mike.

October 28, 2013

Johann and I are so sad to hear of Mikes passing. What a gentle, graceful man he was and it was lovely to be in his presence. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this very sorrowful time. Catherine and Johann Van Schaik

Lucy Stickland

October 28, 2013

Margaret, I was so sorry to hear the passing of the light of your life. Lucy Stickland

Pat Hannah

October 28, 2013

Margaret, our sincere condolences to you and your family. Lucy Stickland, Pat & Brian Hannah

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

Memorial Events
for Michael Huxtable

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.