In Loving Memory of Michael Channer
Note from Helen Mogford 24 Sept 2004 Dear Sharon and Gerry,
I only imagine such a terrible loss. I only met Michael once, at Herbfest one year, but he sounds like a wonderful person and a tribute to an interesting life. You can be so proud of him for following his dreams, as you follow yours. I hope your dreams can still keep you going.
love, Helen
Helen Mogford
Colombia
helenmogford@yahoo.ca
"An Outstanding Student Will Sincerely Be Missed"
by John Portas on behalf of Aviation Faculty 24 Sept 2004 I new Michael for the three years that he was at Sault College in the Aviation Program. He was without question an outstanding student and a pleasure to teach in the class. Michael involved himself in many activities at the college and lent his expertise to solving many problems at the airport.
It is always a shock to learn of someone passing, especially someone so young and eager to make the most of life's opportunities. Michael was a tremendous asset to the aviation industry. His character and personality gave a positive image for the college for which are all indebted. He will be greatly missed.
From all of us in the Aviation Department - God Bless John Portas on behalf of Aviation Faculty
Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
john.portas@saultc.on.ca
"Friend of a friend"
by Jenna 23 Sept 2004 Very sorry for your loss-to the friends, family and co-workers Jenna
Ottawa
midnight_wiccan_angel_808@hotmail.com
"Our Heartfelt Sympathies"
by Karen & Ross Thompson 23 Sept 2004 Dear Gerry and Sharon,
Our hearts have been heavy since receiving word of the tragic accident and heartbreaking loss of Michael.
Though we had not seen Michael since his early years in Munster, on our visits with you we came to know of his many accomplishments and of is profound love of flying.
As we read each day the many tributes, we feel closer to Michael than ever before. He was a remarkable person and truly seemed to live life to its fullest. He has done you proud, my friends.
Ross and I regretted that we were unable to be in Ottawa for Michael's memorial service. However we were there in spirit and do know that our prayers and thoughts were with you then and are still with you now.
Take heart!
With sympathy and love,
Karen, Ross, Jennifer, Jason and Matthew Karen & Ross Thompson
Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
rthompson3130@rogers.com
"Heartfelt sympathy from Jean Fewster"
by Jean Fewster 22 Sept 2004 Heartfelt sympathy to Sharon and Gerry at this time of tragic loss.
We didn't know Mike - but the many memorials to his full and engaging life - and the impressive tributes to his parents - have given us a picture of a vibrant, loving son who lived his dream both within a closely knit loving family and half way around the world - a world full of adoring friends.
May your memories bring comfort - even as your family and friends support you. Jean Fewster
Toronto
jfewster@sympatico.ca
"For Michael"
by Jane Toyota 22 Sept 2004 I guess I've known Michael right from day 1, for as I traipsed around Peru in 1979 with his parents, little Mikey was already starting life, unbeknownst at that time to even his parents! Initially diagnosed as typhoid fever(!), fetus Mike eventually announced himself to the world and the correct diagnosis of pregnancy was made. That perhaps was the first sign that this fellow's life was not to be ordinary, run-of-the-mill.
First know as "Blopsy" (of Mopsy, Popsy, and Blopsy fame), then Michael, then "just Mike". I've watched Mike grow up to be one of the finest young men I've known. I can't add much more to the wonderful tributes that keep pouring in from all over the world - he was a young man true to himself. His character & values developed mostly from his parents and relatives, including his extended family around the world, from his experiences travelling and living in different cultures, but a great deal was just from himself.
And what a pleasure to meet Melissa - thank you so much for so generously sharing some of your personal memories of Mike with all of us at the service. Many of us have not seen much of Mike in the past few years, when he was at college and then busying himself with his dream and his future, so you added much to our picture of Mike - and having you in that pictures makes it more complete, and much more heartwarming.
My own picture of Mike ... his parents laughing, doing something crazy (as they are known to do), and Mike glancing at me and rolling his eyes, but always with that twinkle that others have mentioned.
To Sharon and Gerry - you raised a terrific kid! And despite your sorrow and unimaginable loss, isn't it wonderful to know that Mike, tho only 24 years old, also meant so much to so many other people.
My sympathy and love. Jane Toyota
Toronto
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