Rodgers, Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas Rodgers passed away suddenly on July 23, 2022, aged 79. A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, he will be missed greatly by his loving wife of 53 years, Noreen; his children Mick (Haruna), Kathleen (Darcy), and Keith (Fanny); his grandchildren Miki, Liam, and Raine; and his brother Phil (Sharon) and sister Jackie (Sam).

The family is grateful for the kindness and care from Dr. Andrews, Dr. Czubernat and all of the emergency room nurses and staff at Kootenay Lake Hospital.

Mike was an adventurer. Born in Bury, England on December 19, 1942, he emigrated to Canada in 1948 with his mother (Hilda) ahead of one of his father’s (Charles) many military transfers. Early life as an army brat meant he was always on the move, from Canada to England and Germany and then back to Canada where, having never attended the same school two years in a row, he settled into university life in Calgary. While funding his studies bartending, Mike met Noreen and they married in 1968. After graduating from the University of Calgary in 1970, he combined his teaching degree with that of Noreen’s in nursing, and the two headed off with their newborn son and the pennies in their pockets to England. Scraping by and having a great time there for 2 years, they then moved on, combining work and travel as they built careers that took them north to Spence Bay (Taloyoak) and Yellowknife, and eventually the West Kootenays, where they enjoyed life in Winlaw, Castlegar, and finally Harrop, BC on the shores of Kootenay Lake.

In 1999, Mike retired from Kinnaird Elementary School after many years in education in Castlegar, but he continued to combine his love of teaching and of traveling, enjoying time in Montreal and in China as an English language instructor, spending time with Noreen cycling through Europe, cruising the Caribbean, and enjoying the sun from their Florida home. When he wasn’t away, he found much to keep him busy in the Kootenays: good skiing, good golf, plenty of fishing, and a great many stories on summer evenings by the fire with family and friends.

Mike made friends wherever he went, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than a gathering of friends, family, and laughter. An active union member for much of his career, he carried that energy too into his retirement, and was never one to hide his opinions or to shy away from a good debate, but he was equally known for his kindness and, perhaps above all, his sense of humour. “There are two kinds of people,” he would often say. “Dreamers and do-ers.” Mike was both. As he would have wanted a big party with all of his family, friends, and neighbours to celebrate his life, a wake will be held at the Harrop Hall on August 12th (arrive 3-4 p.m.). All are welcome to attend.

In  lieu of flowers,  please  consider  a donation to KidSport BC (https://tinyurl.com/MikeRodgersMemory)