Mike VARTY

VARTY, Mike
February 26, 1955 - February 14, 2013
It is with great sadness we announce that Michael (Mike) Frederick Varty of Bragg Creek, loving partner of the late Donna Cushing, passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at the age of 57. He will be dearly missed by his mother Daphne Varty, sister Laurie Ott, nephews Chris (Tera), Aaron (Angie) and nieces Lynsey (Brent) and Megan (Caleb) and grandnephews Riley, Connor, Beau and Pierce, along with many uncles, aunts, cousins, Donna's extended family and very loyal friends. Mike was predeceased by his father Fred Varty, brother Daryl Varty, grandparents Josh and Jenny Varty, Elmer and Mollie Austin. Mike was born in Wilkie, SK, but spent his younger years growing up in Estevan, SK. During his teenage years, the family moved to Calgary where Mike lived until moving to Bragg Creek after finishing school. Mike started working in the family business, Comanche Drilling, where he worked side by side with his father (Fred) and brother (Daryl). In later years he chose to follow his passion of landscaping where he worked for various people in Bragg Creek and Calgary. In the mid seventies Mike started taking photos of Rodeo events as a hobby. He soon realized this was his true calling and this was the start of his successful photography career taking photos at various rodeo events including the Calgary Stampede. He also enjoyed photographing some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife right out his backdoor in Bragg Creek. Mike loved living in Bragg Creek where he and Donna, his long-time partner of 26 years, enjoyed their historic cabin on the rivers edge. He loved spending much of his time working around the house on various projects and maintaining their beautiful yard. Although Mike endured many health struggles over the years, he still maintained a great sense of humor and loved to tease and pull pranks on those around him. Mike will be sadly missed by all those who knew him and he will always be remembered for his great spirit, quick wit, and love of photography. Over the past several months as Mike's health weakened, his friends' support was deeply valued. The family want to thank his many friends, the staff of the I.C.U. McCaig Tower, and Unit 36 at the Foothills Hospital all for the tremendous care and support. A Memorial Service will be held at the Redwood Meadows Community Hall (1 Manyhorses Drive) on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mike's memory to the Canadian Diabetic Association of Calgary Branch or the Kidney Foundation of Southern Alberta. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.