Michael Rae Kettles

May 17, 1967 - December 24, 2022

It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Mike on December 24, 2022. He was 55 years old.

Mike was the youngest of 4 children born to Jack and Sharen Kettles. Growing up in Ladner provided many opportunities to spend time in nature, developing a love of hunting and fishing, which he carried with him throughout his adult years. Mike was a passionate outdoorsman who never ran out of things to do, he only ran out of time. Though hunting and fishing were passions, his family was his life.

Mike was naturally athletic, a trait that was passed along to his 3 daughters. He received his first lacrosse stick from Gummo and Gump when he was 5 years old, and went on to play in many thrilling games throughout his lacrosse career, including 2 Mann Cup victories in 1989 and 1991 with the New Westminster Salmonbellies, a Presidents Cup win and recent induction into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame as a part of the 1980’s decade New Westminster Salmonbellies dynasty. Mike and his brother Darren also pulled Tug o' War for the Delta Farmers Tug team, winning the same Tug o' War trophy that both their grandfather and great grandfather won.

Mike loved coffee with Tracy in the morning, looking out at the lake, hanging out and enjoying time with his girls, talking about and playing with his grandson Jake, visiting his sisters and their families in Northern Alberta, spending time with his mom, hunting and fishing whenever he had the chance, fresh produce from the garden, playing 'what’s your favourite' with his great nieces and nephews and laughing with family and friends. Mike brought an infectious joy and zest for life with him wherever he went. No words can express how much he will be missed.

In his final years, Mike was in his happy place at the lake house and he was so excited to begin the next stage of his life in retirement with the love of his life. Mike and Tracy had many plans to travel, spend time with their growing family and enjoy being grandparents. Mike always had an infectious smile on his face, a welcoming presence and unmistakable kind heart and willingness to help anyone who needed a hand. His old soul, humbled spirit and his continuous kind actions spoke volumes of his true character.

“Mike always told his girls to "Go out and make the Kettles proud”, well Mike, you always made us proud! Have a cold one for me, Tub would. Love always Mom”

“Dad, we would give anything for you to be with us here today and watch our families continue to grow as you were not only the best dad but the most amazing and involved grandpa. Your love and appreciation for the small things in life will never be forgotten and will be passed on to our children in memory of their one and only “Pa”. You were our safe place, our protector, the perfect role model and a man that deserved to live a long and healthy life alongside his family and friends. We know you are out there picking wild berries, catching endless fish, calling in the biggest game you have ever seen and ending each day with a cold one. Your spirit will live on through us and we will continue to make you proud. Its bye for now #4, not forever. Love your girls Toots #5, Ralphie #7, Bugsy #3.”

“We’ll see you on huckleberry hill Pa. Love Jakey.”

“Mike was the best husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, son and family man and there is a special place in heaven for him. Rest well Big Guy. We will see you again. Love you always Hotsie.”

Mike was predeceased by his dad, Jack Kettles in 2020. Mike is survived by his wife of 30 years, Tracy, his 3 beautiful daughters, Taylor (Ben), Danika (Greg), Hayley (Braedon), his grandson Jake Michael, his mom, Sharen (George), siblings Tracey (Lorne), Shelley (Robert), Darren, many extended family members and great friends far and wide.

A Celebration of Mike’s life will be announced and held later this year.