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Michael Ellis Obituary
He was born in Surrey, England on December 25, 1946 to Lilian "Sybil" and James Ellis. When he was 11, his family emigrated to Canada.
He graduated from the University of Alberta in Edmonton with a Science degree in Mathematics. While he had thought he would continue to pursue a life in Philosophy, his PhD progress was cut short by the arrival of his dear first child. Practicality ruled. His thoughts later in life on that course change were that he was spared the life of an academic. Instead, he pursued a career in the newly developing computer world. He worked for several years for Digital Equipment Corporation "DEC". Afterwards, he worked with a former colleague who had formed a small company, Tentime, Inc., in Boulder, Colorado. Then with co-workers from that company, he started Di_Sys, Inc., which eventually became Satellite Information Systems CO ( Siscom) providing software services around the world in news and sports. His love of travel was born and thrived.
His passion ran to all facets of his daily life of reading, music, food, drink. He loved to cook and garden and had a loyal, if reluctant, band of "sous chefs" to do the clean-up.
Mike was diagnosed with Stage IV prostate cancer in November 2021. He hung on tenaciously to life for almost 2 years, slowly working his way back to mobility after paralysis due spinal tumors.
With his health failing, Mike managed only two international trips by wheelchair and walker. This would have been impossible without the assistance of his loving family. These experiences offered cherished memories to all. He spoke often of the good fortune and opportunities that life bestowed on him and his family. This attitude no doubt engendered his continuing zest for living.
He is missed by family and friends and, even though he was a tough task master, by more than a few former colleagues. He leaves behind his wife of 54 years Heather "Bonnie" Ellis, daughter Alex (Doug ) Lovell, daughter Susan Ellis (Stefan Reiss), son Chris Ellis and four grandchildren, Tessa Reiss, Tatum Reiss, Tanner Lovell and Trevor Lovell.
His intelligence, integrity, curiosity, and generosity remain uppermost in our memories. Know also that Mike expected more expressions of joy than of sadness. So we hope to honor him as we strive to live as he lived: vibrantly and with enthusiasm.
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7 Entries
Julie Lundell
August 5, 2024
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I cherish all the memories of working at SISCOM especially the time I found out there wasn't a backup for one of the newsrooms and I accidentally formatted the drive and Mike and Charlie worked for days rebuilding their database and Sweet Mike didn't fire me I Loved your Christmas parties at your beautiful home and I really loved being able to drink home brewed beer on Fridays. Thank you Mike for giving me one of the best jobs I ever had!! Rest in Peace Sending you and your beautiful family, Bonnie lots of love and hugs
Abdullah Al-Baiz
May 15, 2024
Abdullah´s Personal Memories with Mike Ellis (God Rest His Soul - GRHS)
The Ellis family were the host family for my cousin Aziz (GRHS) as a foreign student attending CU Boulder, and Aziz introduced me to them. I have known Mike since Dec 1981, where we were invited for X-Mass dinner (along with few other Chinese students). I recall that X-Mass, we had a very strong snow storm, which was a scary thing for me as I just came from Cal Poly Univ in California (and Chapman College in Orange city).
My relationship with Mike continued even after my graduation from CU and started work back home in Saudi Arabia, and we kept in touch until he passed away. Over these 40+ years, Mike has always been the same kind person; humble, full of humor, disorganized, and fun to be with. He has always looked at the positive things in life, no matter how bad the situation was, and believe me we had few of those situations during our travels.......
For me, Mike has been the go-to guy (before Google), as he seems very knowledgeable about different topics. And, when I saw the enormous collection of books in his house, I was not surprised where that knowledge came from. I recall that I used to tease him about these books......." they will end up in the garbage once you are gone" I told him. I advised him to segregate the valuable books and keep them in a safe place. But Mike being Mike, said "I do not really care". He was kind, and gave me one of these valuable books "Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E. Lawrence" which I still have and can see Mike thru it.
During my various visits to Boulder during my vacation, my family and I have enjoyed seeing and engaging with the Ellis family and their children, and grandchildren. And Mike would always insist on preparing his delicious Indian food or shawarmah.
Mike´s educational background in Math, his philosophy in life, and his experience in computer programing made a unique person out of him. Mike was applying Big data + Artificial Intelligence on hockey and basketball games............40 years ago (wow!). NBA would invite him to watch the games to enhance his analysis of the game, and Mike will sit in the front row seating and read a book, instead!!
I traveled with Mike a lot over many years; we went to Scotland, India (twice), Australia, New Zealand, France, Portugal, and Morocco. He would plan these trips to make these trips enjoyable. Unlike me; he has an amazing memory, he remembers the food we had for dinner each night (almost). I noticed; he was really fascinated by elephants. He has lots of information on the history of the places we were visiting. His expertise about cheese and wine proved to be valuable during these trips. Wherever we travel to a new town, Mike will smoothly connect with the locals and find a suitable topic to talk about, certainly his pipe would help. Mike diverse personality would allow him to be a friend with the taxi driver and the university professor (or Army general).............I have sent several pics to his family, and I hope they will post some of them.
Mike rest in peace.
Abdullah Al-Baiz, Dhahran - Saudi Arabia
May 15, 2024
Justine & Étienne Ferry
May 14, 2024
Michael , c , était quelqu´un de très sympathique et attachant . Nous l , avons connu le temps temps des vacances qu , il avait passé chez nous . Très bon contact tout de suite le courant s , était bien passé entre nous .Il s , était intéressé à notre vie à la ferme . Étienne se rappelle que pendant son séjour chez nous , tous les matins quand il rentrait de la trait des vaches . Il trouvait Michael dehors entrain de fumer sa pipe , il demandait toujours à Étienne : comment vont les vaches ? Ceci en Français avec un fort accent américain . Nous avons sympathisé malgré la barrière de la langue . Michael était plus un ami , une personne de notre famille . Il reste gravé dans nos coeurs . Nous ne l, oublierons .
Bob Woollard
April 23, 2024
Michael had the most profound influence on the course of my life as i, a country mine and farm kid from th bush of northern Alberta was privileged to attend the university on scholarship and, like a calf out of the barn in the spring, embraced the exciting world of ideas, new friendships and seemingly unlimited possibilities. Mike was one of those new friends and we shared explorations and dreams, experiences and reflections. Along with Bonnie's brother Bill, Al Shute, Bob Gainer and others we talked, travelled, debated, challenged and laughed for precious years. From failing to tell me that playing goal in field hockey had very different rules than ice hockey (if you fall to smother the ball, the opposing team can play xylophone on your spine with their sticks) to letting me drive his Borgward sports car to near death experiences; he taught me to take risks and embrace the lessons. His dry humour was a constant lesson in firm humility. There is a novel full of reflections in the few years of our most intensive friendship and i was blessed years later by the grace of his and Bonnie's visit to us here in Vancouver. But his most intensive contribution was when i had been accepted into medical school and simultaneously offered a pathway to the London School of East Asian Studies through the Chair of the History Department (the chief adviser to NATO on Chinese affairs at the time that China was about to be recognized in the rest of the diplomatic world)....to study Asian History and Philosophy. It ws 11:30 and i had to advise the Dean at noon. So what does a simple country boy do when in they quandary? Such a colonial boy would, of course consult someone with a toffy British accent of course!! And there was Mike, shooting billiards in the student's union building. When presented with the case, Mike suggested a very Ellis(ian) approach to the capriciousness of life. He suggested that if he made his next shot (a double bank) i should go into medicine, if he missed, i should study history. I still remember the sound of the ball dropping into the leather pocket.....while marvelling at the skill/luck involved (face it, he wasn't THAT good a player). It was a sign of friendship that has carried me through decades of satisfaction. We never know the most important impact our lives have on others but Mike's embrace of life, creativity and good humour placed him at a critical place in many lives. My heart goes out to family and friends and memories of Mike are filled with gratitude.
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Al Spangler
March 21, 2024
Mike and I talked fishing, sports cars, and food. He was a brilliant fellow and a good friend. He talked me into buying a Sunbeam Alpine but I long ago forgave him for that.
Heather (Bonnie) Ellis
March 21, 2024
Thank you so much for your note. I also all the good times together outside of work.
Agatha I. Molnar
March 18, 2024
Mike helped me survive my deep pain at the loss of my dear mother and sister. He didn't say much but I felt his deep compassion and that was enough. I will always remember him and the great jokes that were flying around us while working. Agatha Molnar
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