Michael Jeffrey Daniel

Mike was born on July 21, 1985, in Calgary, AB to Gary & Marlene Daniel. Mike was raised and educated in Calgary and Okotoks and spent most of his life close to home. Wherever he went, he made friends easily, and he always enjoyed being around people. He had a charismatic personality that drew people to him. He loved animals and was often seen rescuing an injured dog, cat or squirrel and nursing them back to health. He was always willing to help those in need and frequently brought home friends who needed a safe place to stay. Although he acted like a tough guy most of the time, Mike had a heart of pure gold, and he loved his friends and family deeply.

Michael began his relationship with substances in his young teen years, using recreationally with friends. Over time they became his escape when he felt that he was unable to live up to the expectations of him. Throughout his adult life, he never gave up trying to overcome his addiction and heal from his past. He always strived to be a good son, brother, and friend, and he wanted to make his family proud of him. His nieces loved spending time with Uncle Mike as he always made them laugh and let them climb all over him. He was fiercely loyal to his friends, his dad, his mom, and his sister, and he could relate to anyone and make everyone feel at ease in his presence.

Mike’s post-education journey could be described as somewhat unsettled as he tried his hand at a variety of vocations, including painting, fencing, carpentry, electrical, renovations, decking, concrete, and cooking to name a few. Mike was excellent at working with his hands, and often displayed exceptional people skills. He was unable to find his passion in any of the jobs he tried, but he continued to try new things as he worked to find his place in society. His goal was to become an electrician and see if that was where he was meant to be.

Mike loved the outdoors where he grew up spending a great deal of time with his now deceased grandfather, Geoff Daniel, who was an expert outdoorsman and elite fly fisherman. Throughout his childhood and adult life, Michael enjoyed activities such as fishing, boating, riding ATVs, and golfing. In his last summer he spent a lot of time with his family outdoors, and he worked to resolve any past mistakes he made even though he did not need to. In the end, his pain was too powerful, and he succumbed for the last time to his addiction.

Michael is survived by his father, Gary, his mother Marlene, his sister Stephanie, her husband Daniel and their two daughters, Thea and Skye, his aunt Sharon, and his girlfriend Tamara.

Mike leaves behind a deep void that can never be filled, and he will be most deeply missed by those who knew him best. May you finally find your sanctuary and the peace that eluded you while you were with us.

A Funeral Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel (3220 4th Street NW, Calgary AB) on Wednesday, November 23rd at 3:00pm.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to: Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society at https://aarcs.ca/ or the Calgary Dream Centre at https://calgarydreamcentre.com/