Mike SHARLOW

SHARLOW, Mike
December 9, 1943 - January 27, 2023
It is with great sadness that the family of Mike Sharlow announces his passing after a six month hospital stay which he endured with his usual positivity and optimism. Mike was predeceased by his father Bill, his mother Jean and only recently by his brother, Steve. He leaves behind his wife of over fifty years, Sandra Sharlow, his two daughters Jennifer (Neal) and Christina and six grandchildren; Sofia, Hannah, Stella, Paige, Emily and William as well as many other close family and friends whom he cared greatly for. Mike's kindness and loving spirit will never be forgotten.
Mike was born in England during the War and came to Canada at age 3 with his English War Bride Mother, Jean Sharlow. His father, Bill Sharlow, a Canadian soldier, later joined them in Burnaby where he and his younger brother, Steve, spent their childhood years. Mike enjoyed school and was involved in many activities including playing the trumpet in the band and becoming president of the Student Council. He later went on to UBC where he became a teacher. This is also where he met his wife, Sandy, who also trained to become a teacher. Mike and Sandy married in 1967 and moved to Grand Forks where they began their teaching careers. They then went to England for three years where Mike taught in Ipswich and they had their first child, Jennifer. Following this, they returned to BC where they settled in Quesnel and continued teaching and growing their family with their second daughter, Christina. These were happy years where they made many lifelong friends. Mike also obtained a Master's Degree in Counselling from the University of Oregon, in Eugene where the family spent their summers.
The Sharlow family then moved to Victoria in 1979 where Mike thoroughly enjoyed his work in Special Ed, as a District Counsellor and finally, as a Vice Principal of Mount Doug before entering retirement. Mike loved all of his jobs and took great joy in being a part of his student's lives. He had a huge amount of empathy and compassion for young people which he extended to his own daughters and grandchildren.
Mike, along with Sandy, also enjoyed many travels, house exchanges, gatherings with friends and supporting Ballet Victoria and the "pond group." He was also known for being an Elvis impersonator on occasion!
Mike will be missed by all who knew him. He truly appreciated everyone who interacted with him, including cashiers, pharmacists, servers and the wonderful medical staff who cared for him at the RJH. His listening ear, thoughtfulness, cheerful disposition and great sense of humor will be remembered forever with gratitude. His legacy of love and devotion to family will live on in those he left behind.
Until we meet again, Mike!

A celebration of Life will be held at Fireside Grill on March 4th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or The Mustard Seed. Condolences may be offered at www.sandsvictoria.ca