Michael Ernest Elwood 1943 – 2022

On August 28, 2022 we sadly lost our Da, the most loving and giving person in all of our hearts. Michael Ernest Elwood was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Lottie and John Elwood on July 29th, 1943. Although he was the youngest and probably most spoiled of 6 children, (Betty, Roberta, Pat, Big Mike and Douglas), Michael grew up quickly to become the rebel we all knew him to be. 

Michael is survived by Judy, his loving wife of 58 years, and his children Barb (Bill), Brent (Dorothy), Susan (Darrell) and Neil (Tanya). He joins his first granddaughter, Catherine, in heaven as well as his brothers Douglas and Big Mike and his sister, Betty. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Nathan), John (Tess), Madison (Niko), Kayli, Alexa, Hugh, Chelsea, Naomi, and Orson as well as Rhett, his great-grandchild. All, however, will remember Grandad for his wicked sense of humour, off-colour jokes, scroll saw gifts and fierce love he had for each of them. 

Our family began when Dave Edwards, Michael’s best friend in high school, introduced him to his sister, Judy who was always shyly trying to catch a glimpse of the handsome man her brother brought home. It wasn’t long after that Mike and Judy were married and headed off to New Westminster to start their life together. Within 7 years, they had 2 boys and 2 girls and began madly moving all around BC as Dad tuned up Singer sewing machines, distributed truck parts and then sold tractor trailers for Inland Kenworth, Peterbuilt and Freightliner. Dad loved making others happy whether it was dressing up like Santa and giving out toys to his co-workers’ children, or making Christmas pins with Mom for all of us to share with our own co-workers. He gave his gifts generously and unconditionally. 

For all of us, Dad was the one who made waffles on Sunday mornings, popcorn on the stove  for the drive-in theatre and his famous Daddy’s Special (aka Shepherd’s Pie) whenever we asked for it . He built us doll cradles for our rubber babies, and tow-along toys for our real babies. He taught us how to drive a car (insisting on a standard first) and how to fix it when the brakes, timing chain, water pump or tires gave out. He showed us how to frame, drywall and wire a room for our own growing families and where to find the best fishing holes in BC. Most importantly, however,  he shared his own unique wisdom that made his whole family strong, resilient, and brave. “Get your ducks in a row, and go hair straight back with anything you love to do… and when things get really tough, make sure you got tight lines and straight shootin’”. 

On Sunday morning we lost someone who made us laugh and showed us every day that we were the most important thing in the world to him. We will forever carry his fighting Irish spirit in the depth of our hearts. 

Please join us for our Dad’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 3rd at 2:30 pm at Cottonwood Manor, 730 Cottonwood Ave. Kamloops BC
Donations made in memory of Michael can be given to the Royal Inland Foundation.

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