April 17, 1944 - April 3, 2022
It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Mike In the early morning stillness of the dawn, held closely by his wife Bonnie and with his daughters Jodi and Joanne by his side. Our fierce, strong but lovable Mike, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away in Kelowna after living with cancer for many years which he faced with great courage and determination.
Mike was born in Wimbledon, England to Eric and Kathleen Willmott. The family immigrated to Canada in the early fifties eventually settling in Nelson, B.C. where he met and married Bonnie.
Over the years Michael was involved in the operation of many nightclubs throughout B.C. and eventually decided to pursue a career in Real Estate which he excelled at and absolutely loved!
Michael's passion was bodybuilding and there wasn't anything he enjoyed more than training and lifting weights. He loved sharing his knowledge and watching the progress and results of the young men that he mentored over the years in his garage known as "Mike's Gym." He enjoyed many tropical vacations and enjoyed the beauty of nature,loved all music but especially jazz and reading history books.
He cherished and loved the times spent with his family; the birthdays, graduations, weddings, the birth of babies. He was a huge presence in our family. He was our rock and watched him conduct himself with absolute clarity in his values. Michael also valued his many friendships; was a resource for many and was always generous with his time.
He will be missed and forever so dearly loved by his wife Bonnie of 57 years, his daughters Jodi Clark and husband Tommy, Joanne Willmott and husband Kevin Imthorn along with three grandchildren, Michael (Casey), Sarah (Kasper) and Makena, his great granddaughter Olivia, his sister Iris Bryce, brother-in-law Carl Golling, sister-in-law Wendy Golling Yates, nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
Predeceased by his son Gary, his Mom and Dad, twin brothers Keith and Ken and great grandson Vincent.
Mike was irreplaceable to us and we will miss him each and every moment of the day. We will always remember him as a man of integrity and resilience; living his life to the fullest on his own terms with few regrets. He was just so inspiring.
A private burial will be held on April 29th at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery.
A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday May 28th 1:00P.M to 4:00 P.M. in the garden at his home on Maple Street. The family welcomes everyone to come who shared in this wonderful man's life.
Our family is grateful to our neighbours and friends near and far for their kindness and support shown to Mike and our family over these past years. You made his journey much smoother. Thank-you to the Kelowna Home Care Palliative Team and Dr. Outram for their guidance and shepherding us over the last few months of his life.
Arrangements in care of www.everdenrust.com 250-860-6440.



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