28 Sept 2004

Ever since I heard Gerry and Sharon's shattered voices from Peru on September 10, I have been wondering why horrible tragedies happen to good people. Never has the world seen better people than Sharon and Gerry and Michael.

So, I decided that the only way to bring reason to Michael's death is to make some changes in my own life. I've felt very close to friends as we shared our sorrow and I met up with friends I hadn't seen for decades at the memorial service. Now I have vowed that I won't lose touch with my friends again. The second vow that I have made is to follow Michael's fine example and to follow my dreams. I'll be leaving my stable job sooner rather than later.

So Michael, please know that your death and your life has resulted in some changes in my life. Thank you.

Margie Macdonald
Halifax
margie@chebucto.ns.ca

28 Sept 2004

FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES

Together with Mikes parents, Gerry & Sharon who have come out from Canada, we have arranged a Funeral service for our Good Friend Mike Channer here in Lusaka.

This will take place on Friday 1st Oct 2004 at the United Church of Zambia, Trinity Church, Church Road, Lusaka at 1500 hours Local Time.
(This is 1300 hrs GMT).

Please accept this as an invitation to join us in this Service as we remember a Good Friend and a Good Life.

Light refreshments will be served afterwards.

Please give me a call on 095 760059 or email on airsaf@zamnet.zm if you can attend so I can get an idea of numbers.

Thank You

Keith Downing

Keith
Lusaka
airsaf@zamnet.zm

27 Sept 2004

After having spent the 2002 Air Cadet Power Scholarship working with both Mike and Melissa at National Flyers Academy in Waterloo, I can say with no hesitation that it was by far among the best summers any instructor could ask for. Coming to work every day and enjoying the camaraderie of them both was such a constant highlight, and I believe I speak on behalf of the entire 2002 instructing staff when I say that Mike is and always will be greatly missed.

I wish you nothing but sunshine and tailwinds wherever you are, Mike.

Adam Guibat
Cold Lake, Alberta
guibat.ak@forces.gc.ca

26 Sept 2004

Although our contact with Michael was infrequent, we remember him as a special young man who had a vision for a career and was doing everything he could to make it happen. He was quiet, incredibly mature and responsible, even as a boy and more so as an adult. Our last conversation with him concerned his job prospects and his strategy for building flying hours by working in Africa. It was exciting that he achieved his goal and was in the land of his choice doing what he loved. Sharon and Gerry, our hearts ache for you. We are so sorry that Michael was taken so quickly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel to Zambia and, from there, continue on your own life’s journey. May you continue to be supported by the love of your family and friends.

Bob and Marlene Wiens
Calgary, Canada
marlene.wiens@shaw.ca

25 Sept 2004

In His Flight Path

A young life
so vibrant
promising
taken
in a second
We ask why?

Does not seem
fair, how could
this happen?
So much love,
hope,
a bright destiny
was his
we thought.

His flight path
may seem like
it has ended
but has it just
begun?
If we see his time
with us in all its
glory.

We can look
skyward
and see his star
shining back
for us to learn
from, admire
and take
comfort in.

Mike you
flew high,
were the best
pilot we knew
Dedicated,
meticulous.

You followed
your dreams
made them real
showed us all
it can be done.
You believed and
our beliefs
are stronger
for knowing you.

Debbie Luce
Manotick, Ontario
dluce@herb4all.com

25 Sept 2004

Remember our paintball and water balloon fights in the fields behind the van dyke's house? you were always my rescuer when the boys forgot i was still just Little Lattuca and got stuck in the brush. Remember when Wood used to get on me about my boots not being shiny enough or i was chattering too much? you always gave me the right smile to remind me that it's all good, let me vent then show me a some new tricks to ensure I would be up and above game with a strut and a smile. Remember when you picked me for flag party and survival and basic training? I was so honored to not feel like the little mousy sister i still probably was. Remeber when we found out we had to move to Boston, leave cadets and change countries? There you were at our surprise party, the only one with enough sense to hide your shoes at the front door. you were there not even 6 months after with everyone visiting us for the week making the new house a home. Remember when i would lag during the bush weekend runs with the huge backpack strapped to my 5'00'' tall frame? you always ran in place with my ass goin top speed so i wouldnt feel discouraged. It was always clear to me why you excelled in mind and life so swiftly. Your family always made us feel at home and your dog always growled at me. When I first arrived at channer's house, the one question of "how can someone this charming, kind, patient, modest, and cute be so honest and trustworthy too?" finally came into view.
To your mother and father, You have raised a son of impeccable nature and character. When it came to Channer there was no one who could or would ever be able to utter a derrogatory or mean thing about him. He was always lookin out for everyone's best interest whether you knew or he was workin behind the scenes. He was a role model to many many cadets and i'm positive with anyone who he has graced with his friendship along the way. Though he and my brother were always closest, he never excluded me and always kept a hand on my shoulder lookin out no matter where we were. In return I respected and trusted channer's seal of approval, even during annual, when the "victim" for the emergency first aid skit fell out 2 minutes before stagetime and mike asked me to trust him strap me into the stretcher and flip me UPSIDE DOWN without dropping me, i gave him the brief hesitant look and was warmly reassured by his knowing twinkle and the "this is gonna be a channer approved tactic, dont worry" look and i was ready to suffer the alledged break in both of my legs knowing that it would be followed, like the time before and before that, by the usual channer to the rescue.
Thank you for showing me the possiblity that genuinely well-intentioned true blue well-bred silly gentlemen do exist and will continue to soar amongst the worlds with nothing but the simple desire to share smiles and silliness without boundry.Whether we were just grubbin st.hubert networking the computers with the boys in our basement, or perfecting my boot shining skills until they made even my brother's look bad, standing at attention for 4 hour parades or playing savage survival charades, you kept a steady grin true and through. much love, stay up.

Lucy L
Cali
lucylattuca@yahoo.com