September 29, 1926 – August 22, 2024

A long life, well lived.

Mike left us from the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, just a month shy of his 98th birthday. Beloved by many as a kind and funny gentleman with a quiet, with open-hearted serenity.

Mike was born to French parents who immigrated to Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, in 1919. The family grew close on the farm, and when most of them repatriated to France after World War II, it was a difficult decision for 19-year-old Mike and three of his siblings to remain in Canada.

Farming in northern Alberta, young Mike fell in love with young Agatha (Aggie) Kozeluk, who was born in Ukraine. They would marry and remain together until her death in 2017.

After a stint as a paratrooper in Germany while Aggie earned her nursing degree, they settled in Dawson Creek, B.C. and had three children. Their love of the Okanagan inspired by mom’s nursing practicum in Kelowna, B.C. they moved to sunny Vernon in 1966.

In 1969, Mike started his real estate career, this led to many partnerships. Mike helped create several local real estate companies and was seen as a mentor by many young realtors. Mike was known for telling the plain truth.

Mike also served the community extensively as an Oddfellow which was a service organization that helped those less fortunate. Mike and Aggie square danced around mile zero of the Alaskan Highway when it opened, something they continued to enjoy when they came to Vernon. They also spent 25 years doing Tai Chi with one of the local clubs. They were very active in the Vernon Outdoors Club, and Lapidary Club.

Mike and Aggie travelled to France many times to reconnect with his cherished siblings in France. They fostered the loving family bonds that the children from both France and Canada cherish today.

Mike and Aggie enjoyed decades of retirement, traveling the world. They exchanged homes to many parts of the world and spent at least 10 years as snowbirds.

They loved their dream home in the North BX for 35 years. Their farming roots ran deep, creating a bountiful garden and forest trails.

Mike and Aggie are survived by their three children: Henry, Renee, and Vincent (Beth). The family would like to thank the staff at Polson Care, where they lovingly looked after our father (Papa Bear) for almost two years. He always said they took great care of him. Renee would also like to thank the many nurses, doctors, staff, and volunteers for making her time with Mike at VJH as comfortable as possible. We are forever grateful for the care, kind words, and support.

A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held in the Spring of 2025 to accommodate family to travel if they choose to. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation or Vernon Hospice Society.