MARTIN, Michael Blake

January 17, 1946 — August 31, 2014

On August 31, 2014 in KGH after a short and brave fight with cancer, Mike left this world holding the hand of the love of his life and best friend, Judy.  Mike was a real man’s man, someone you could count on to give a helping hand when it was needed whether it was loading a moving van or stepping up to a stove at a party to cook gourmet mussels.  On one of our annual group weekend house boating excursions at Reluctant Dragon Bay we had two incidents that speak to Mike’s character.  Captain Joe took a spill off the top deck and dislocated his shoulder.  Mike sprang into action and put Joe’s shoulder back into place.  Later on that same night we were hit by an unexpected furious storm.  Instantly Mike took charge and organized all of us which saved the boat from possible destruction.  The next day Mike played a major part in getting the boat seaworthy enough to get us back to the dock. He later organized the repairs which brought the boat back up to scratch.

Mike was a skillful craftsman.  With no formal training Mike completely renovated the old house he and Judy bought, both inside and out.  His natural skill has made it not only a showplace but a warm and welcoming home for he and Judy to enjoy and entertain friends and family. 

Whether it was a round of golf or sharing a bottle of wine, Mike was just a great guy to be with.

Mike was born January 17, 1946 in Vancouver. He grew up in the lower mainland attending Vancouver College and St. Thomas Aquinas High where he was quarterback of the school football team. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1964 and then attended Vancouver Vocational Institute.   Mike was active in many sports.  He was a coach and player with the Labatt’s Burnaby Bats Canadian Championship Senior A men’s slow-pitch ball team in the early ‘80’s and played rugby with the Vancouver Meralomas for many years.  He also coached a women’s championship softball team taking them to Japan for an international tournament in the ‘70’s.  Mike started his working career with the American Can company in Vancouver, for which his dad had worked for many years.  Mike moved to Kelowna in the mid ‘80’s with American Can but returned to Vancouver after a few years and joined Molson’s Brewery and finally Dairyland before he came back to the Okanagan for good.

Mike arrived in Kelowna in 1998 and joined SunRype as a  production supervisor.  He moved to Mission Hill Winery in 2001  as Operations Supervisor until his retirement in 2010.  He returned to Mission Hill each fall after that to help with the grape harvest.   Since his retirement, he and Judy have enjoyed annual travels in Mexico making many good friends along the way.

Mike will be greatly missed by his life partner, Judy Ronacher, and Judy’s sons Travis (wife Ginger and grandson Jack), Jarvis (wife Adrianne and grandson Vann) and Dallas, as well as many friends.  Mike was predeceased by his parents and brother Pat and survived by sister Tami and family.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Sunday Sept 7^th between 1 and 4PM at their home at 1068 Westside Road in West Kelowna.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mike may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. 

For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service Details

The service for MARTIN, Michael Blake is scheduled for Sunday Sept 7th between 1 and 4 PM . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Home

1068 Westside Road West Kelowna, BC

Phone:

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Special Requests:

None.

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