Michael "Mike" Hillis Wagg

With great sadness, our family announces the passing of Mike Wagg; husband, father and brother, who with peace and dignity, quietly left us on September 2, 2018, at the Cowichan District Hospital. During this time he was surrounded by his family and closest friends.

Mike leaves behind his wife Pat (nee Thompson) of 53 years; daughters Alison (Todd) and Megan (Derek); grandsons Connor and Oliver; brother Denny; sister-in-law, Delores, and nieces, Erin, Danielle and Breanne. He also leaves brother-in-law, Ivan Thompson and sister-in-law, Lynn Thompson, nieces Shannon, Katherine, Nicole and nephew Corry. He was predeceased by his young brother-in- law, Donn Thompson.

Michael Hillis Wagg, son of Edwin and Anne (nee Clark) Wagg, was born in Victoria, on November 15, 1940. He had wonderful memories of growing up, with brother Denny, among good friends and close neighbours in his Oak Bay neighbourhood.

Mike was alumni of the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia. His summers were spent travelling over Canada with the Royal Canadian Airforce Officers’ Training Program, having the time of his life while paying for his education. He began his Middle School teaching career in Dawson Creek, where he met Pat who lived only 8 blocks from his home in Victoria. They married, moved to the Cowichan Valley where he taught math and became a school counsellor. An intuitive observer, he was wise, practical and sensitive to the needs of children.

Mike enjoyed his technology and electronics, built his boat, his greenhouse, and renovated his homes. He pursued astronomy, cooking (properly, like a chemist), winemaking, painting and photography. He loved growing marigolds, lots of them. An engineer at heart, he often invented tools he needed for his yard work and his workshop was a place to behold. When he ran out of storage, he built his clubhouse behind the garage.

Retirement brought many wonderful trips, and among his favourites were his trips down the Colorado rapids on a jay raft. It also freed him to become a full time investor. The pinnacle for Mike, however, was the birth of his two grandsons, who gave him so much joy.

Mike’s kind, gentle nature, along with his outrageous, infectious sense of humour, enabled him to be the best of husbands and dads. He teased us all regularly and we each had one of his famous nicknames, though we never could figure how they evolved. He adored and encouraged his girls, ingraining them with a sense of gratitude for all they had been given. He always had a deep sensitivity for those less advantaged.

It’s been very hard to lose our Mike, and we acknowledge the blessing he was. We live in confidence for our reunion.

We are so grateful for the wonderful Cowichan District Hospital staff; every single one. Their patience during those last two days with so many of us, in and out of ICU, the care and comfort they gave Mike and his family, their professionalism, intelligence, wisdom and kindness, was second to none. Thank you too, Dr. Nielsen and Dr Sohn. Our guardian angel, Linda Sheepwash, spoiled us shamefully and we loved her for it.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, September 10, 2018 at 1 pm in the Chapel of First Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Brae Road, Duncan, BC.