Mike McLennan

Mike McLennan February 25, 1942 - August 29, 2013 John Michael Trevor (Mike) McLennan, aged 71, died Thursday, August 29, 2013 at his home in Duncan, B.C. of leukemia. He was diagnosed in July.

Mike's life was driven by his creativity and his innate need to find a better way to do something, get somewhere, or defeat a challenge. He brought his ingenuity to his house and home life, to the trails and outdoors, and to his business.

Mike was a devoted husband and loved Peg, his young bride for nearly 50 years, more than he loved anything else on this earth, from the moment she descended the steps of the nursing residence in Ottawa for their first date. Their love and the strength of their relationship carried them through the decades and set the standard for anyone privileged to see the power of their marriage.

Mike was an outdoorsman who enjoyed skiing, snow-shoeing, hunting and fishing. Top on his list of pastimes, of course, was boating. Starting with his first ski-boat as a teenager and a sturdy canoe as a young father, Mike dedicated himself to navigating waters across Canada in bigger and better boats. Over the years, he and first mate and young bride Peggy explored Canada - from Lake Simcoe, Ontario to the White Shell, Manitoba, from the Bow River in Calgary to the Shuswap Lakes of British Columbia - until they found their home on Vancouver Island and enjoyed many, many hours cruising the San Juan Islands, the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound, and The Broughtons.

Never far from his side on his adventures were Mike's three daughters. Mike gave everything to teaching his girls to be independent and capable: from the basics of motorcycle repair and carpentry, to sales, winemaking, and of course, piloting a boat. Mike saw his girls through every moment; every success and challenge, every boyfriend, every soccer game, through exams, graduations and convocations, weddings, and the arrival of each grandchild. He was a dad a girl could fall back on, always.

Mike touched everyone he met in some way. Around town and in the office, he drew others to him with his warmth and easy sense of humor. He was a light in any room, shooting the BS on a vast and varied set of topics inspired by his many interests. Never missing a step, Mike was known for his astounding memory and capacity to recall the minutest of details.

Mike is preceded in death by his sister Diana Small, and will be sorely missed by his elder sister Ronwyn Ingraham, his wife Peggy, his daughters Stephanie (Trevor), Sharon, and Jennifer, his grandchildren Katelyn, Alexandra, Spencer, Annika, Najmia, and Rachel, as well as his "sons" Charlie and Zeke.

The family would like to thank Dr. Karen McIntyre, Mary Dennis, and the VIHA palliative care team, for their extraordinary care and support which enabled Mike to die at home as he wished.

A tribute to Mike McLennan will be held Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 3:00 to 6:00PM at the Maple Bay Yacht Club (MBYC) in Duncan (http://www.mbyc.bc.ca). Donations are invited to Maple Bay Yacht Club Endowment Fund charity, Bluenose 2 Tallship program for underprivileged children.