In Loving Memory of Michael Channer
"Good memories"
by Lila Engberg
by Lila Engberg
22 Sept 2004
My love to Sharon and Gerry,
I did not know Michael well; saw him briefly at your home in Sri Lanka and at the Herb Garden, and now I can imagine his love of being at South Lwanga Game Reserve, flying overhead, then walking about to see the animals. I visited the very same place in 1964, 40 years ago when I was working in Malawi. It is a rare place and it was such a wonderful experience to walk around with guides from the Norman Carr camp site at Mfuwe. Now Michael has led me to read about Robin Pope Safaris. My condolences go to Robin Pope and associates as well as to Sharon and Gerry, and all those who knew and loved Michael.
It was privileged to be among those who attended the memorial service at Bells Corner's church and to meet so many friends and members of the family. God be with you now and in the days ahead.
Lila Engberg
Guelph, Ontario
lilaengberg@yahoo.ca
"Thanks and Memories"
by Pauline, Gerry's sister
by Pauline, Gerry's sister
22 Sept 2004
My daughter Helen (Gerry's God-daughter)and I travelled to Ottawa to be with Gerry and Sharon on 18th & 19th Sept. We shared the grieving ,the memories and the heights and depths of emotions that the weekend evoked.
We were a 'surrogate' family to Mike in 1986 so our memories of him centre on a shy,happy,adventurous 6yr.old, in a strange environment, with relatives he barely knew! We took him to Scotland where he was confronted with down-hill ski-ing (not his normal cross-country ski-ing).He went to the Village School,brought Canadian Beavers to our local troop and had fun with his cousins.
Of course, we have followed his progress through Gerry and Sharon, and shared their pride over the years. And yes, he continues to smile at us from the kitchen notice board!(ref: Helen 16th Sept.page 11)
I felt so priviledged to be with Sharon,her Mum and brother,sisters and families, and all their friends who had time, amidst their grief to include and support us.
Gerry and Sharon, we love you so, and are always close, regardless of physical distance.
'God uses the briefest section of a single human life as powerfully and significantly as He uses a whole long life of work and achievement.
Archbishop Michael Ramsey
With all our love Pauline & Martin,
Helen, Chris and Katharine
Pauline, Gerry's sister
Bristol, England
ppalmer@blueyonder.co.uk
Note from Steven A. Hause
22 Sept 2004
I knew Michael Channer for 5 short months.
In my first days as an Pilot Instructor at Sault College, I looked for people whom I figured would not lead me astray. Thankfully, Mike was one of these people. I knew that, even though he was a student, I could ask him for some Sault College specific advice, information or procedures that would keep me out of trouble with Bev! Indeed all of the staff respected and enjoyed interacting with Mike.
Later during one of our informal meetings about flying internationally, he asked some very good questions about flying in Africa. I wasn't able to offer much specific advice, but I was really impressed with Mike's passion and desire to do this.
The untimely death of Mike has had a very sobering effect on all of us at Sault College. Infact, many of my students (who would have known Mike in their first year)had tears in their eyes as I related Mike's story to them...
Sault College flew the flags at half-mast and a College aircraft formation performed the Missing Man
Memorial fly-past and dedicated it to the Memory of young Michael.
Mike Channer was truly a gentle man. Perhaps the ultimate compliment that I can give any person is as follows:
"When Mike Channer had something to say, I would stop and listen".
May God continue to bless all who read this.
Steven A. Hause
Sault College of Applied Arts &Technology
steven.hause@saultc.on.ca
"Mike in Africa"
by Heather Griffith
by Heather Griffith
Mike, Heather, Chris, Zimbabwe, 2004
21 Sept 2004
I didn't know Mike very well, however, the time that I spent with him was during a very significant time in life for both of us. This was travelling in Africa. I shared some wonderful times with Mike and had some great laughs. My deepest sympathies to Mikes parents especially, and to all his friends and family. Mike touched a lot of lives, he will be deeply missed.
Heather Griffith
Santa Rosa California
nicenurse26@hotmail.com
"'an indomitable spirit'"
by Suzette & Dino McDonnell
by Suzette & Dino McDonnell
21 Sept 2004
Long before we met Mike my husband and I learned much about him through the stories and excerpts of our daughter Melissa. Then one day she brought him to our home. It quickly became apparent to me that Michael Channer was blessed with an indomitable spirit and over time I watched him face countless challenges with the same quiet fortitude, confidence & generosity of spirit that would make any parent proud.
Now, when I think of Mike the image that comes quickly to mind is not so much his indomitable spirit as the joyous smile that would suddenly light up his face & be reflected in the twinkle of his eye. Mike has given my family many happy memories to reflect upon and I wish that all of those who knew him to smile and look towards the light for a spirit such as his would wish for no less.
To his parents Sharon & Gerry Channer my husband and I would like to offer our deepest sympathies and may our prayers be always with you.
Suzette & Dino McDonnell
Niagara Falls, Ontario
zowie@mergetel.com
"Fun stories of Mike growing up"
by Russell Taylor
by Russell Taylor