Philip Michael Richardson
November 14th, 2021
Yet the strong man must go:
For the journey is done and the summit attained,
And the barriers fall,
Though a battle's to fight ere the guerdon be gained,
The reward of it all.
I was ever a fighter, so—one fight more,
The best and the last! -- Robert Browning
With great sadness the family of Mike Richardson announce the end of his last battle. Staying true to himself in his last days, with his characteristic strength and sense of humour, he died after a long and brave battle with cancer. Mike will leave behind a big hole in many lives.
Mike was Born in September, the youngest of six siblings. In high school, he earned a reputation for independence and mischief and (well before the Loverboy song) he lived the maxim “I gotta do it my way or no way at all.” Besides his unique antics from time to time, his way was eventually to complete his high school equivalency through the GED test, which then enabled him to move on with his career development. After a brief period as a real estate agent and several years as a competent and friendly Metro Vancouver bus driver, he applied and was accepted into the Fire Department, rising over the years to the rank of Battalion Chief.
Mike had a good heart for helping people, and he expressed it in actual deeds. This was especially true during his time with the fire department, when he was very active in charitable work, raising funds and awareness for various charitable causes. He also gave a lot of time, for many years, to coaching young soccer players
“Mikey”, as he was often called, retired from the Fire Department several years ago, but the friendships and the respect that he earned continued, as did his interests and most of his favourite pastimes. Mike enjoyed the outdoors – camping, fishing, and hunting; he loved to travel, making trips to numerous countries in Europe and Asia; and he pursued entrepreneurial ventures with a reusing/recycling theme, first in junk removal and salvage, and then in repair and resale of vehicles. Mike also played in the investment world, not always with success but always with delightful optimism. Above all, he was gregarious and took pleasure in conversation with friends (and often with complete strangers!), either on the phone (constantly!) or in person. A highlight of most weekends was a gathering of friends for morning coffee, which they called “Open Mike”. Needing, of course, to do it his way, he would pick up his favourite coffee at McDonald’s before joining his friends at Tim Horton’s!
A huge burden for Mike to bear was the tragic accidental death of his oldest son Gord at age 25. Sister Janet and her husband Bill also died before him, as did parents Philip and Eileen. Those left to mourn Mike’s passing include wife Barb, son Greg (Amanda), daughter Courtenay (Chris), grandchildren Rhett and Lainey, brothers Bruce (Almas) and Ken (Thea), sisters Marcia (Gerry) and Judi (Bill), and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins, in Canada, England, and Australia.
Celebration of life to be held at a later date.
Messages:
Truly one of a kind who was always kind to our family and one who was never lost for words in any ones company. A bin there done that guy who actually did do that and was there. He made us mad (rarely) and he made us laugh (often) but always owned his actions and always available when one was in need. You will be missed Mike and may you Rest In Peace. Ken & Leslie.
Had the privilege of working with Mike , for 35 years , was a character guy, good family guy and he will be missed . RIP brother
Sorry to here of Mike's passing. So many good times on bike trips, 4×4 with our jeeps. And lots of fun skiing behind his Dad's boat. Even though we went our separate ways we always kept in touch. Mike sense of humor and his live of life always kept the conversation interesting. I miss him he was a good person and a dear friend and I know our conversations will continue on the other side..
We will truly miss him. When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2001, Mike was the first to arrive with flowers, gifts and food. We loved to text and tease each other. It was hard to watch him throughout his long battle. Rest In Peace Mike.
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Words no matter how kind can't mend your heartache, may the wonderful memories of Mike give you the strength to carry on. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of the family in this very hard time. Sending my love and strength to all family and friends who loved and knew Mike Richardson. I was gords girlfriend for a couple years in high school from 2003-2005. In the time that I spent with gord and got to know Mike, I remember him as being the sweetest, kindest man. He was always a gentleman. One time he gave me a ride somewhere in gords truck and he told me” don’t worry I won’t take the corners roughly like gord. “ I was so grateful and I’m pretty sure I told gord over and over how lucky he was to have a guy like that as his dad. Now they are both together in heaven! So grateful I had the chance to know them. God bless
So sorry for your loss. He was a great man, and will truly be missed.
Mike was always one of the warmest people in the room. The man genuinely cared and always seemed present and engaged in people he talked to. Rest easy Mike
Will miss you Mikey! Rest In Peace.
I can still hear his voice saying "hey kiddo!" and, in my mind's eye, see his mischievous grin. He was a steadfast pillar in my childhood and quintessential playful Uncle who would never pass up an opportunity to pull a prank or blowfish a window. In a nutshell, he was pretty cool. I look forward to a time when we can celebrate his life. He will be missed beyond words.
I certainly wouldn’t be the same man without Mike’s straight words of wisdom while growing up with Gord and Greg. So many great memories of Mike driving us to Whistler to go downhill biking, and helping us when we got our trucks stuck in places we never should of been. He certainly was a presence that I appreciated as a young man and will never forget.
Sending our sincere condolences during this difficult time. All our love and thoughts are being sent you way. Big hugs, Bren+Nor
I am truly sorry, my family send our condolences and our love and strength to his children and family.
We just heard of Mike's passing today and are very sad to know that he is no longer Earth side. We are forever grateful for having known Mike. He was a very kindhearted, funny and welcoming man. We know he is at peace with his son Gord, who he often talked fondly of. Sending our condolences to Mike's family.