Michael David Lauzon

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beautiful soul, Michael David Lauzon, on Wednesday, September 1, at 69 years of age. Mike is survived by his loving wife Gail; children Jonathan, Donovan, and Suzanne; step-children Sean, Candice, and Tanya; his siblings Pat and Linde; and his many grandchildren. Mike will be remembered for his quick wit and easy smile. He will be forever missed.

Mike enjoyed gambling and played keno pretty much every day, which earned him the name “Keno Mike” at the Deroche General Store. Anytime someone was looking for or asking about him the staff would just say, “Oh you mean Keno Mike”. The 649 lottery also held him captive for the past 39-40 years. He played the same numbers faithfully twice a week. I think I could count on one hand how many times he even won $10.00. Mike always had nicknames for family members, Suzie was Soup or Soupie, Donovan was just Son and Jonathan was Grasshopper, Candice was whitey and Tanya was Stick or Sticklet. It continued with other family members. His brother was Brother Pat, sister in-law was Sister Sandy and lastly was his sister Linde with her Mississippi Drawl, always known as “Corncob”. Most of his working life was spent in the welding supply business. First, as a salesman for ICG Industrial Gases, making cold calls to try and get new customers, lots of times having doors slammed shut on him. Never one to be discouraged, he kept going, working his way up to the manager of General Welding Supplies in Abbotsford. He was put in charge of opening the store in Abbotsford, starting from the ground up and turned it into a thriving business within 2-3 years. He was always well respected in the industry. He always had an awesome sense for business. After General Welding, he got the itch to start Abbotsford bottle Depot. Again starting with nothing and turned it into another thriving business. His last venture was a partnership, building 50’s Trailers but due to the lack of sales, it was dissolved. Mike had a variety of jobs throughout his life and each one held a new and different experience. He always worked hard and made sure his family was taken care of. He always had an excellent work ethic and you still see it in his three children, even today. What a Legacy!

A private memorial service will be held for his closest family and friends on September 18 at Woodlawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation or the SPCA. If you want to remember Mike, play a game or two of Keno and remember to take your kids fishing “before their childhood becomes the one that got away.”