Michael James Brown
September 29, 1986 — August 30, 2023
Michael "Mike" James Brown, age 36, of Vancouver, British Columbia, left us too soon, on August 30th, 2023, at Victoria General Hospital, following a surfing accident while in Tofino with his beloved wife, Jaclyn (Jackie) Ko.
Born on September 29th, 1986, in Hamilton, Ontario, Mike's family embarked on a journey westward in 1988, ultimately finding their home in Lions Bay, BC. He began his educational journey at Lions Bay Elementary, continued at Rockridge Secondary in West Vancouver, and pursued higher education at the University of Victoria, with the love of his life, Jackie. Growing up he held a profound fascination for technology (video games!) and computers, and he leveraged his philosophy degree to skillfully talk his way into a Senior Support Technician position.
Mike and Jackie explored the world together, from camping through the wilds of northern BC to backpacking adventures in Europe. Their love story unfolded in the most remarkable places including Iceland, China, Japan, the Sunshine Coast, Switzerland - even proposing to Jackie on a cycling trip in France. Together, they conquered mountains, both literal and metaphorical, and embarked on the voyage of life as inseparable partners. His heart always remained with the natural wonders of British Columbia, particularly the oceans and mountains that he loved on the North Shore. He frequently dreamed of escaping into the deep woods, living off the land, and growing an excessive amount of potatoes and corn.
Mike's life was marked by numerous passions. From a young camper to a dedicated staff member, Ontario summer Camps Kawabi and Otterdale held a special place in Mike's heart. His stories around the campfire were legendary, as were his tales of adventures with his many lifelong camp and West Coast friends. Whether it was conquering a mountain, leading the way to the snow line, initiating races down the mountain on family ski trips, obeying orders from Tikka (cat and queen of the household), orchestrating a fantastic play in floor hockey, sharing humorous encounters with children at the community garden, or dominating the Whistler GranFondo on one of his many trusty bikes (he truly believed that the ideal number of bikes to own was "n+1"), each moment added its own unique note to his life story. Mike always tried to live life to the fullest.
His love for the mysteries of the cosmos, stargazing through telescopes, capturing the beauty of the world with his photography, and his profound connection with the ocean were all part of what made Mike's life so rich. He found solace in swimming and being in nature, all while showcasing his talents with tools by crafting swords and completing repairs in the community garden.
One of the most enduring aspects of Mike's character was his unwavering commitment to caring for those in need. As self-proclaimed caretaker of his neighborhood’s famous “Dude Chilling Park” and founder of the Mount Pleasant Community Initiative, Mike carefully collected sharps and litter ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for all, tended and nurtured the plants and trees, and applied his life-saving skills on numerous occasions, demonstrating his dedication to aiding those around him. In keeping with his desire to help others, Mike selflessly chose to be an organ and tissue donor and has directly enhanced the lives of 10 Canadians, ensuring that his legacy of compassion lives on.
Surviving Mike are his cherished wife, Jackie; devoted parents, Mary and Ross; his caring brother, Robert; loving parents-in-law, Liz and Jon; and brother-in-law, Ryan. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Jean and Alex Brown, and Jim and Helen Murray. He will be lovingly remembered by his aunts and uncles, Pam Brown, Jeff Brown (Dana), Joan (Murray) Myles (Paul), and Janet (Murray) Begin (Richard) and his many cousins, relations, and friends across Canada.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the incredibly skilled beach responders (Dr Gabe Piper, Brian Fishbook, Jamie Schumacher, Mary Saugstaud, Dr Kati Mitchell, Rachel Nobel, and Dr Kristen Campbell), the Tofino General Hospital staff (Dr Lincoln Foerster and colleagues), BCEHS paramedics (ground and air transport), and the dedicated medical professionals at Victoria General Hospital Emergency and ICU Departments, including the Respiratory Therapists (Sam, Meghan, Heather, Dana, Corrie, and Brenen), Mike’s amazing and caring nursing team (Jesse, Jeanne, Keisha, Janet, Heili, Anne, Neya, Vanessa, and Alicia), Mike’s doctors providing both direct care and incredible caring family support (Drs Timothy Findlay, Grant McIntyre, Colin Casault, Lorne Porayko, Dennis Kim, Mark Vu, Dan Warren, Angela Babuk, Stephanie Alexis, Leslie Silver, Omar Amhad, and Hans Cunningham), the HCAs, social workers, and everyone else that provided such exceptional care. Their collective efforts ensured the utmost dignity and compassion in Mike's final days. They also extend their appreciation to BC Transplant for their support (Coordinator Shannon and everyone working behind the scenes) in helping Mike fulfill his final wish to help others.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held near Squamish, BC on Sunday, Dec 3rd. For inquiries, please contact the family directly.
For those interested in making a memorial tribute to Mike, donations to the Lookout Housing and Health Society, an organization in alignment with Mike's compassionate spirit would be appreciated. The Lookout Society offers housing and essential support services to adults facing challenges in meeting their basic needs and aspirations in 15 municipalities in BC. You can find more information about their mission and make contributions at https://lookoutsociety.ca.
Michael James Brown brought a spark of mischievous humour and adventure to everyone he touched. His passing rends a void that can never be filled, but his memory will forever shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Additional articles featuring Michael:
- Jackie's eulogy read at Mike's Celebration
- BC Transplant Society's web story on Michael's donation
- Grief Explained by Mary Brown
- BC Transplant Society's 2023 Summary Press Release
- Vancouver Sun Article on the record breaking year for transplants
- Organ donation gives two Lions Bay families a chance to look forward
