April 9, 1958 -February 22, 2025
We said goodbye to a kind soul who travelled through a cruel disease with grace. Mike leaves behind a broken-hearted community to mourn him, his loving wife Linda, Trish (Matt), Aiden, Addi, Lucy, Logan – Trina (Neal) Trey, Riley, Nadeen, Deagan, Jesse and Eva. His siblings – Rod (Marcia), Darlene, Leigh, Wendy (Brian), Greg (Stuart), Glenda (Gilbert) and Randy. His memory also lives on in the hearts of numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and an abundance of amazing friends who will all miss him dearly. Predeceased by his mom Hazel, his dad Albert, his nephew Mike and sister-in-law Roberta.
Mike was born in Saskatchewan and embodied all the qualities of a good ole country boy. He was a man of his word, was always willing to lend a hand, worked hard, took pride in his community, was a kind neighbor and cheered religiously for the Roughriders. Mike and Linda created a life in Kelowna full of memories they shared with countless friends. They had an open-door policy. Everyone that dropped by for a visit was greeted with a smile and a cold beer.
Mikie, Sims and Mr. Mike wasn’t one to turn down a trip, a round of golf, or a beer with a buddy. He loved to be surrounded by his friends and enjoying life. He loved road trips, travel, softball (how he met Linda), playing golf, mountain biking, skiing, hiking, kayaking, curling, bocci, rec hockey, walleyball, and beach volleyball.
He was a proud Papa. He cherished every moment he spent with his grandkids and included them in everything he did, including chores around the farm, which usually resulted in a road trip in the convertible to the corner store for ice cream.
Keloka Mike, BMW Mike, Mechanic Mike was an accomplished mechanic and successful business owner who earned a reputation and respect from his customers. He repaired and maintained luxury cars in a modest, no frills shop. He was affordable, fair, reliable and honest. Mechanic Mike would tell you “never get attached to your vehicle” but we all know that he loved his BMW convertible and MGB!
He was old school, not new school. He could fix anything and collected everything; you never know when you may need it. He enjoyed the simple things. He was genuinely happy for everyone he knew, was grateful for everything he had and strived to create more memories with the ones he loved. He knew his priorities, values and stayed true to who he was. He loved anything green, chores, hard work, the orchard, his seat at McCulloch Station, BMW’s, his MGB, John Deer, a good meal, ice cream, two bite brownies, a dark beer, a backwood cigar, a glass of scotch, cards at the Courtplex, visiting with friends and making new ones. He disliked, yogurt (unless it was frozen), puzzles, sudoku, being cold, chopsticks, horse back riding, tight jeans and disrespect.
He leaves us with hearts full of memories. He was a shining example of a life well lived. Live like Mike!
The Simons Family.
