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The beetle to my gazelle! It was devastating to hear what happened, but if we're trying to look for positives, it made us all sit back and realize how much of a gem you truly were. From disastrous attempts at cooking and tearing up the dance floor with the weirdest/greatest moves known to mankind, all thewhile still making time for each other with proper heart-to-hearts and bringing people together, your legacy and laughter will continue to remain in our thoughts forever. So, for one last time in honour of our time on the frisbee pitch, "go long, mate"!
Genuinely gutted to hear this news. Mike was the tour guide and driver on one of the best trips I have ever had, to Canada. I was a solo traveller and had my 22nd birthday whilst on tour - Mike turned what would have been a few casuals in the hostel to a meal out at a restaurant of my choosing in Jasper. Many drinks later having returned to the hostel he landed himself with the almighty King’s cup and necked it like a champ, I still have the video! He exuded passion, fun and kindness. My thoughts are with his friends and family x
Rocky Mountains, June 2017. Cheers to Michael and his beautiful spirit! Best energy and my deepest condolences from Colombia.
Michael was the bus driver on my school trip (I was studying English in Canada as exchanged student) to the Canadian Rocky Mountains in 2017. I guess we became close during the trip due to our adventurous spirit. My best memories of that trip were next to Michael. From jumping in frozen lakes to wrapping an entire school bus with cellophane paper (yes, we were crazy), Michael made that trip one for the books. Years will pass but I would never forget those Rocky Mountains memories that shaped important aspects of my life. Michael was there, and even thought we did not have a long time together, I can tell his adventurous spirit and positivity impacted on me since the first moment. I send my positive energy to Michael’s memory and spirit, and as we said in my natal Colombia “Buen viento y buena mar, Michael”
Mike and I met in 2021 and dated for some months. He was such a bright part of my life and I loved him very much. I’m absolutely devastated to find out about his passing. I met Mike just as I moved to BC as a fellow Ontarian. His infectious energy and kindness was something I’ve always remembered. We met at a horrible dive bar in Kelowna while he was on a Moose tour and bonded since I had done a Moose tour years earlier with Esteban as my tour driver. We hit it off immediately and spent the next six months commuting back in forth from Kelowna to Nelson to see each other. I remember one of our first dates, after leaving a bar, we heard a woman screaming across the street. Before I could turn to say “we should help her”, Mike was already sprinting down the street to her. Mike was going through a lot during this time but was always respectful and loving. He truly had the best intentions in every situation and always wanted to bring a smile to those around him. When he had to move back to Vancouver in 2022, he asked me to come with him - and although we broke up just before, I still wound up in the city and have him to thank for where my life is now. I will continue to miss him.❤️
We had the privilege of meeting Mike in 2016 where he was our tour guide, our paths managed to cross a couple years later in Banff. We had never met someone with so much passion and knowledge for travel. He made a tour or trip special, as if he'd never done it before. He invested the time to become friends and checked in over the years. We have very fond memories which we will cherish.
Best and most positive, funny and enthusiastic tour guide ever, getting Nanaimo bars for the group on Canada Day (1st of July 2019).
Since the day that my best friend Cara and I met, she’s always told me stories about her weird and quirky brother, Mike. His life was full of adventures and he exuded a love and passion connecting people and being a part of communities. When I finally met Mike, his energy was so magnetizing and I never felt so welcomed by anybody before meeting him. I felt so inspired by him through hearing about where in the world he’s traveled and what mountains he’s hiked and skied on. It was such a privilege to be able to spend the last ski season with Mike, drinking Fireball on the side of the mountain, him cheering me on as I go down a steep and scary run (which was a breeze for him, obviously), and driving home with all of our stinky smelly gear. The mountains won’t be the same without you there, Mike, but your spirit will live on forever.
What a send-off. I can only imagine it's exactly what Mike would have wanted. On the occasions that I ran into him when he was hanging out with Gordon (and often their mutual friends) at our house, Mike's genuine and inclusive nature always stood out. I'm not sure this counts as a "memory" exactly, but around the time when Mike was first heading out to B.C., I had a dream. He and Esteban were driving a van and dropped me off somewhere before heading out on their journey. I had been struggling with depression at the time, and will always remember the feeling of being seen and accepted for who I was as we said goodbye and they started off on their adventure. It motivates me to be more like Mike and live life more fully. The words "Be more of who you are, for others" come to mind. Between that and all the memories and crazy stories that have been shared, I'm certain that Mike will always live on through the influence he had on others.
I am so incredibly heart broken over the loss of Michael. He was one of those people in my life that I honestly will never forget and thought of often. We met in kindergarten and I have so many memories of Michael from kindergarten all the way to college at Conestoga. We were on and off friends but I always remember him always popping in randomly from time to time curious about what I was up to in life and how things were going. I remember a lot from when we were kids from watching Pocahontas in his living room to his Hawaiian themed birthday party doing the limbo. To him coming to my birthday party and playing musical chairs. I wish I had some pictures at hand to post here because he was super cute! With all this being said I want to share a more specific time in my life where Michael really made an impact. It was in our early twenties when we were both at Conestoga and I’ll never forget the day that I saw him outside sitting on the grass and he saw me for a distance and called me over. At that point we hadn’t spoken in a while other than running into each other a couple times. We immediately connected and Michael asked if I wanted to hang out. I said sure! He took me to this teepee that the college had as a display on one of the field. I felt like we were breaking and entering but he insisted that it would be okay haha we sat in there for hours talking about everything and anything. We hung out a lot over those months always going on the grandest adventures to places in KW I didn’t even know existed. He was so exciting to me and the most fun I had in a while. We would go for long walks, run around mount trashmore, get food and coffee, spend time in nature, watch movies, chat on the phone for hours, I’ll never forget his surprise birthday party out in Bloomingdale. He was such a joy and light in my life at the time because I was in a darker place in my life as I have always suffered with depression and anxiety and I was on and off in the thick of it. I think he could sense something was up but never made it serious or never made me feel like I had to be anything else other than who I was that day and never made me feel like I had to be happy or I couldn’t be sad. I swear this was his secret power. He made me feel so special and I really admired him. Because I was struggling so much there were times that I honestly didn’t feel like I deserved him as a friend and as my depression was getting worse I often withdraw from people and stay at home by myself and cut off relationships. I really wish that didn’t happen with us and we remained close friends because he was honestly one of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. I feel like he saved me in a way during that period because he brought so much life into my heart. I’ll never forget that. My sister Kassie passed away 6 years ago on October 20th 2017 and even though I hadn’t talked to him in over a year he reached out to me and was there for me. He told me he recently lost his Grandma and we both bonded in our grief. He had such a big heart for everyone around him. He blew me away with his compassion and energy and wild dreams. Writing this with tears in eyes and pain in my heart for his sweet sisters and mother, I will keep your hearts in my prayers I know this is the hardest most unbelievable tragedy , I never been more broken hearted than when I lost my sister. It feels like someone cut off a piece of you and I am so so sorry you guys are going through this. Michael truly was and always will be one of a kind. Julia Mathys
I believe this photo is of Mike on a monopod, it’s from the right time and set up in the same way he told me. We unfortunately were both being low technology at the time so we had no photos together. I met Mike in June 2021 when we were both volunteering at a series of remote work camps on Vancouver Island but I sort of met him 3 times. We would use nicknames at the camps and originally we were living on different sites so we had only communicated by satellite device. Mike was at a camp with some pretty draining work going on and I would check in with him every morning and night to see how everyone was doing, what had happened that day, and check what supplies I could get them. Despite everything going on, he was often full of joy and excitement, once playing Jack Johnson on his speaker and dancing for the entire camp to try to keep their spirits up. A couple weeks later I was at a different camp. We were in a technical meeting that I needed to pay attention to what was being said but was also dealing with important sat messages coming in so I was distracted. At one point I heard someone suggest something dangerous and I spoke up to say that wouldn’t work and then went back to messages. Afterwards this person I didn’t know pulled me aside and was like, I get you, you’re very big and small picture at the same time. He had changed his nickname but filled me in on who he was from the messages and we smiled and gave each other a big hug. That night there was a mixup and I ended up on night watch by myself. When Mike found out the next morning, he came to find me and told me to come find him if that ever happened again because he didn’t want me out there alone. I’ve spent most of my life being the one who had to show up for everyone or with people needing something from me, and all of a sudden there was this random person I didn’t know who it felt like saw me and appreciated me for exactly who I was and just wanted to show up for me. We spent the next 7 weeks mostly on the same site. Often from 6am-2am, we’d spend our days dealing with a hundred small emergencies that would come up but Mike was always finding ways to keep people laughing. At the end of most days he and I would be the last ones up in our area, and we’d just sit in my van together smoking a joint and talking about anything and everything except for what had been going on where we were. We found out that we had almost met a number of times before this but had just missed each other. It felt like this special moment where for a second we could have been anywhere else, and we didn’t have to have the weight of anything on our shoulders. Then he’d park his van next to mine and we’d go to sleep and start the whole thing over the next day. We had both ended up doing a lot of people managing when we really wanted to be running around in the woods so we would often cover for each other at camp to let the other one go off adventuring. Some of his mysterious adventures include the time he was building what they called a sparkle horse and needed me to get him a horse saddle and a sparkly dildo (the saddle I was successful with, unfortunately not so the dildo), when he achieved running the fastest recorded time on The Mario Trail, when he climbed a tree we called Owls nest to keep a birds eye view on the lower camp and found the only cell service for miles, when he helped organize a birthday dance party in the middle of the night for a friend right in front of a police line. In mid august we shuffled around to different camps and sort of lost track of each other in the craziness, but in the middle of September he had found my info and sent me a message to check in. I had just lost a close friend and my grandfather and was really not doing well, quite honestly I was a shell of a person at the time. I don’t know if he knew that and was concerned or had just wanted to reconnect but the next couple months after that Mike saved my life over and over. I had gone back to Ontario for a bit and ended up staying there longer than I meant to because of some health and car issues. On days that I would struggle to leave my bed or even say a word Mike would send me a message asking if I wanted to have a call and all of a sudden I’d be talking politics, and what forest walks he’s been on, and new ideas he had for work for hours. I was deciding between spending the season in Revelstoke or Nelson and he kept saying what do I need to do to get you to come here with me for the season, I found you a really great place to work, I’ll tell you my real name if you come here. The honest answer was that I was terrified of how happy I felt when I was around Mike, it felt too good to be true, but my best friend reminded me that being able to be flexible and explore these things was one of the reasons I lived the life I did so in January I headed to Nelson. When I walked in to his place we still didn’t know what each others real names were and had to introduce ourselves when he introduced me to Esteban who was living with him. My second or third night in town he asked me if I wanted to help him steal his van out of the impound lot. It had been towed for a second time and the first time they had parked it outside of the gate so he wanted us to grab it and drive it back to vancouver over night instead of paying for the tow fee again. At this point in time I was pretty much agoraphobic and only felt safe in my van, but Mike made me feel safe enough to go scouting tow lots in the middle of the night because it felt like nothing could happen while I was with him. He used to laugh and say, it’s fine Jess we’re just starting your exposure therapy early. So we went to the lot around 8, waited for the dog to be taken for a walk, and then snuck down to see where his van was with me being his scout, making terrible bird sounds at each other when we needed to communicate. All of a sudden Mike popped out of the darkness in a crouching/crawling position and we ran back down the road and back to his place to plan the heist. Because the car was under his company we ended up deciding not to follow though in case the tow yard reported it stolen but I’ll never forget those couple days of us sneaking around in the mud and googling tow driver liability. Throughout the next few months he gave me the space to be as vulnerable, sad, angry as I needed and never asked me to show up any differently but always tried to make me laugh and smile, sending me late night messages after we’d hang out telling me how good it was seeing me start to become myself again. We’d go skiing and for walks in the forest, or if we were in a weird mood just stay in bed all day and eat dominos and watch our favourite JJ Abrams shows, or go out to sing Karaoke and tear up the dance floor. I remember one time the host called all of us up at the end for a finale of Barbie Girl because he said we had brought the party and he wanted us back every week, but the truth was, was that Mike was the one who had brought that energy out of all of us. My friend contacted me on Tuesday morning to tell me what happened to Mike and I was on the way to one of my oldest friends weddings which we had at one point talked about going to together. It felt like i had been sucker punched because Mike was so full of life that I had never pictured a world where he wasn’t in it. He once got me a totem coin that said strength at a time when I really didn’t know who I was. I asked him why he got me one with strength and he said it was because that was how he saw me and thinks of me after everything and that if I held it with me I would be reminded that Im strong enough to do all these things on my own. The last time I saw him he was telling me how excited he was for me to be an aunt to a nephew who was born on Wednesday. I wanted to show up for my friend and sister but honestly didn’t know how I was going to manage to be happy for them knowing that I would never get to grab dinner or go on a hike with him again and fill him in on everything. I went to his memorial in Kitchener and as awful as it felt, it was amazing how much you could feel him in that space with all the people he’d gifted with his presence in their life singing his favourite Karaoke songs and shotgunning beer around photos of him. Where I felt him most was in his cousins eulogy because it made me realize that what Mike had done for me he did for every single person in his life. He saw the best version of us even when we didn’t and looked for ways to lift us up to that place. He brought laughter, and adventure, and a little bit of mischief because he knew it was good for the soul. And he truly did shine a spotlight on everyone he met. I decided I was going to do everything I could to shine the spotlight on my friend the way Mike did, so I ran every errand for her, and helped her with the catering issues, took all the silly photos, and danced to every Shania Twain song like he would have. As it got later where I normally would have gone to bed, I stayed up and did shrooms with the brides brother in law because I know Mike wouldn’t have said no, and held the brides hair and dress when she took too many shots with her in laws, and stayed up at the bonfire watching the stars with the groom till the early hours of the morning because I knew that was what Mike would have done. Even when he’s gone he brought me this beautiful day with my friend because anyone who knew him knows that you could write a whole book series on the good days you had with Mike and you’d still have more to tell. I think I’m going to be searching for Mike in everywhere I go for the rest of my life, because he lived so fully, that there are so many moments and memories and places he left with us. It will always feel wrong that he isn’t here to make more but I truly believe that he’s there in every person he ever made laugh, or gave a tour to, or just sat with when they needed a friend. We will always miss and love you Mike xoxo
I had the privilege of knowing Mike and spending some quality time with him exploring the beautiful nature in Vancouver. I was introduced to Mike through my Auntie, who is really close with Mikes Dad. It was my first time in Vancouver and I was new to the mountains and winter hiking, and without a doubt, Mike offered to show me around and take me on the coolest adventures. We spent hours in the silence of the winter trails, exploring and talking about all aspects of life. Mike’s passion, kindness, enthusiasm and love for life was contagious. He would go the extra mile for anyone. He always spoke about his family and loved ones and told me how much they meant to him. Mike always had a positive outlook on life no matter what circumstance he was in, and was always there to listen to me and give me the best advice. I can’t even bring to words to describe the impact that Mike had on my life despite our time together was very short. Mike inspired me to run my first ever Half Marathon after a few runs we did together in Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver. Hiking the mountains in BC will never be the same again but may the memories live on forever. I am sending so much love to his family and friends and may his legacy and impact be eternal.
Mikey doing something mischievous, Algonquin Park, 11th Kitchener Scout Troop. Forever our Boy Scout.
Mikey in Algonquin Park, 11th Kitchener Scout Troop. Forever our Boy Scout.
11th Kitchener Scouts on a hike in Algonquin Park. Scouter Cindy, Jenna, Emily, Jayson, Matt, Scouter Ted, Alex, Mikey, Scouter Kirsten, Eli. Forever our Boy Scout.
If you could truly articulate the definition of life; it would be Mikey. There are so many individual instances from childhood that Mikey is a core of, and it's now that I truly realize how special he really is. From putting a fellow scout's underwear in the Canadian Flag during flag break and putting maple syrup into his sisters shampoos at camp, to doing the army crawl at midnight with the entire scout troop to put icing onto another scouters windshield (and hiding the power washer) .. the mischief and laughter that Mikey brought to each camp will echo through the trees for the rest of eternity. Mikey was so insightful and loving, and even though he loved to give Ayla and Cara a hard time with the relentless pranks.. it was truly because he loves them and they love him back. I am forever grateful for the laughter, mischief, and adventures that were shared throughout my childhood thanks to Mikey. So many diary entries with your name in them... its hard to count. One Christmas Camp, around 2006, he used my brand new MP3 player to record "Mikeys Corner" on the top bunk of our cabin, a funny talk show that mikey hosted where he would interview the kids in the cabin and recite jokes he had written during the camp, it had us roaring with laughter in our bunks. I remember how much my stomach hurt after eating oatmeal for breakfast that morning. God how i would give anything to find that damn MP3 player. Around 2008, he liked to tease me that our leader, Scouter Ted, and my mom (scouter Mom) would get married and would say "Scouter Ted is gonna be your stepdad!!" .. and.. he was right. Damn it, Mikey!! You were right!! I don't know how the fuck Mikey called it over 10 years before they got married but he did. Mikey knew. This picture was taken christmas, probably 2007, and i remember that when we fell asleep that night, we woke up with toothpaste in our shoes and lining the ladder of the bunks. thanks for that, mikey! This is a deep and heavy loss that has made the world a lot quieter, but the sky so much brighter. Thank you for the adventures, memories, and laughter, Mikey. You were a great big moose. Forever our boy scout. Edit PS: i just remembered. every hike or camping trip, a moment from a winter camp pops into my head where Mikey said passionately: "i can never shit at camp. I usually hold it until i'm home, because pooping in an outhouse SUCKS!" Thanks for that core memory, Mikey.
My heart goes out to all of Michael Legault’s family and friends… I think Mike is a shining example of how kindness radiates outwards, impacting distant people in kindred ways. Although I was never close with Mike, I’ve always held him and his sisters with the utmost admiration for their cultivation of joy, nature, goodness and integrity. I remember Ayla telling me a story of Micheal hilariously and playfully hijacking a middle-school video project. Instantly, I knew he was a golden-soul, and always considered him as such. As the years have passed, I’ve had so much respect for the continued joy and love that him and his family have abundantly grown. The spirit of wholesome integrity that he and his people embody has always impressed inspiration on my heart , regardless of whether or not I was involved in those memories! Truth is, kindness radiates, joy radiates, love radiates. Micheal was a shining example of all of those things. He lives on through that impression in our hearts. I’m sending so much love to his family and friends right now. I can’t imagine the level of devastation you’re all enduring. This kind of pain is tied to how precious he was, and how precious life is. I know you’re all holding each other close right now. I’ll keep my loved ones close as I think of all of you, and your beautiful friend and brother Micheal.
The only pain I could have ever truly associated with Mike is from my stomach hurting from laughing too hard. One of the most frustrating things about mourning Michael is that his loss seemingly only conjures memories where I was enjoying life, the company of our friends, and the world and time that we shared with him. On a long walk the day before I flew out from Vancouver, I couldn’t help but notice how Mike and I had changed since we spent time together in Vancouver during my Master’s. It saddens me that none of us will experience Mike change any further. I know life had plenty in store for him. Milestones his friends, family and myself wanted to witness. It is some small solace for me to reflect on Mike’s values and the way he lived his life. His goofiness (I don’t know if I ever told him that I long thought of him as an archetypical trickster), his gratitude, an uncanny ability to sleep on any surface, and his willingness to experience life as it was happening. Embracing Mike’s values is one part of how I hope to hold on to him.
When Brodie and Holly's wedding was approaching, Michael kept refusing all offers to book him accomodations close to the venue. He was adamant that he would figure something out, as he always did. Ayla and I knew this meant we had to make sure we got him back to the Airbnb with us in Stratford. He wanted to just sleep in the back of his vehicle in the venue parking lot, and he would have done so with a smile on his face had we let him. We stuck several extra people into our Airbnb that night, because ofcourse we all had to stick together. There was an extra air mattress for Mike to use, but instead of setting it up he crawled under the coffee table and said this would be where he slept. No carpets either, just a hardwood floor. Offered him blankets and pillows, didn't want em. But he did want some of the joint we smoked on the fire escape, so he crawled out from under the table, took a few puffs, and crawled back under the table for the rest of the night. We all woke up in the morning, and Mike didn't complain once about having slept on the floor. We all went to a local greasy spoon for breakfast, and he got the biggest meal on the menu; "the lumberjack" or something like that. It got delivered and it was literally an entire baking sheet full of food. And he finished that WHOLE. DANG. PLATE. He was the life of the party that night, and every night wherever he was. He touched the lives of the friends I introduced him to, my "crazy cousin Mike". He welcomed my partner Josh into the family with open arms, and became a part of his daily routine by playing chess together everyday. He bettered the lives of everyone he knew. I love you Michael.
Michael and I had a magical time together at Hillside. It was our last night of the festival, and him, me and our fellow Green Team friend went out for a swim after our shift. I was feeling a little low that day. I felt bad about letting beautiful moments go by without filming them. Mikey reminded me that it's all about living the moment - whether it's living them yourself, or taking out the camera and capturing them. That I can capture beauty however I want to... I felt so much clarity after that. I felt a huge weight lifting off my shoulders. So then I decided to pull out my potatocamera, because it was such a beautiful evening, with two beautiful people. This is my video of that night swimming. I felt my mother's love in the lake that night, all her love in the water, the sun, the birds, the trees, the wind... it was beautiful. I had never felt so alive. Thank you Mikey for making that special night the magical night that it was. I will always treasure it. https://youtu.be/YH6vBGkBvCU
For Hayley’s birthday last year, a group of us went out “space cowboy” themed to the Fox. Pictured here is Mike with Mickey being told off by the bouncer to get off their shoulder stand. Mike of course challenged a girl at the club to a dance battle soon after (which he obviously won) throwing handstands in the club. This was the only time I met Mike and I feel lucky to have been able to. I really see a part of him in all of his friends that I have been lucky enough to get to know over the past year ❤️ They are the kindest, fun-loving group and I know will carry on his legacy by just being who they are. Love you Papi ❤️
Just like everyone else, I will always remember the first time I met Mike. I had gone on a few dates with a girl who I was really trying to impress, and on our third date my roommates friend was having a party that night. She asked if we could meet up with her friends first, and of course it was Mike. We met up with him before the party and had a few drinks beforehand. As soon as I had met him I wasn't sure who I was trying to impress more. We got to the party, and despite him not knowing anyone there, people quickly gravitated towards him, and he to them. Me and Hayley were ready to leave, but Mike was adamant he was going to stick around. The next day, Hayley and I were hanging out on my couch when my roommate came barging in the door "who is that Mike guy?!? He was the life of the party" Turns out he was the last one to leave and was helping them clean up in the early morning. I am sad at the missed opportunity to form a stronger bond with Mike, one that I was greatly looking forward to, but I am forever grateful to be able to say I was blessed enough to have met such a special person and friend. Cheers to Mike, from your camp buddy!
Mike was the very first friend of Gio’s that I met, almost 9 years ago. I was visiting Gio in KW (this was only a few months into our relationship) and we went camping with Mike. On the second day after meeting Mike, Gio had to work for a few hours so Mike and I went on a hike together. I remember immediately falling in love with him. He is the most welcoming and easy going person I’ve ever met. We talked for hours. He welcomed me in as a “council gf”, no questions asked. Years later, Gio and I found ourselves living with Mike for 3 years in Vancouver, and I am so glad we had that time with him. I find myself thinking the most seemingly random people would be shocked and saddened by this news - our old doorman, the couple who ran our local liquor store, the workers at our favorite bakery in town. He had the ability to make everyone feel heard and special. He would walk in a room and put smiles on everyone’s face. I have so many memories with Mike that it’s hard to pick one but the last time I saw Mike in person was this past December/January when he flew to Australia for Gio and I’s wedding. He was the last one to fly home after, even after Gio lol, so we spent his last day in Aus together. We went out for breakfast and I specifically told him he had reached “top tier friendship status”. I told him how thankful I was for him, his friendship, and his support. And he replied in typical Mike fashion, “thanks man”. The last few days is a testament to the kind of human he was and he lives on through all of us. I love you, man ❤️
Feels like im never gonna be ready to say goodbye to him. These last few days have been so surreal. Mike was the heart and soul of The Council and he will continue to be so forever. He was the most light hearted and loving human being I ever met and the best friend I ever had. Sometimes Mike didn’t even feel real. Like how could such a fucked up world produce a guy that optimistic and loving and friendly. He was too good for this world. When I lived with him he had his dark times but even then he would bounce back so quick. It felt like everything would just roll off his back. When I would tell him how amazing i thought he was he was always so modest. That just added to how awesome he was. Connecting with people was his super power. When we lived together he would make friends with random people in the elevators. He made friends with our doorman. He even made friends with the people who ran the liquor store, to the point that they gave him free booze at Christmas time. Mike didn’t introduce me to The Council, the friend group that I consider my family, but he was the one I connected with the most right away. And he was the one who made me feel like part of the group. Growing up it wasn’t always easy for me to make friends but with Mike it was effortless. And he welcomed me with an open heart that was characteristic of him. We bonded over our shared love of comic books, tv shows, and video games and our friendship grew out of mutual admiration. I will always cherish the endless nights we spent together in his basement. When I think of highschool thats always my first thought. I love him as brother and I will never stop. Mike gave me the spot to propose to my wife. When I first started getting interested in grapling, we would get drunk and wrestle (followed by me puking, but not him though because he was a god damn champion). In that way he gave me my introduction to one of my great passions in life. In our early 20s I tried DMT for the first and only time surrounded by him and all our friends. When fractals started filling my vision and the world started melting away I was amazed. But when my being started to slip away and merge with the universe I got scared. I don’t know if they could tell that in the room but as soon as it happened Mike put his hand on my shoulder and I insitictively grabbed a hold of his hand. He pulled me back to reality. He was my anchor. To reality and to our friend group and to enjoying life. In dark times I always knew I could rely on Mike to cheer me up. He was always there for me no matter what. I couldn’t possibly list or remember all of the beautiful things he gave me and the beautiful moments we shared. Im so thankful for the 3 years we got to share an apartment together. Soph (my wife) and I refer to that apartment as our “Friends” apartment where we got to experience young adulthood with our best friend (although Mike was a Seinfeld guy). He was the best roomate and the best friend I ever had. He was a perfect human being. Even his faults just made him that much more beautiful and perfect, like a beautiful vase where the cracks have been filled in with gold. He was a dynamo! I love you so much, brother. I know wherever you are you brought the party with you like you always did.
Mike was my tour guide for a Moose trip in 2016. Words can not really explain how great of a guy Mike was, but I'll give it a try. He genuinely gave a damn about each and every person on our tour. He was hilarious, easy-going, knowledgeable and knew how to ensure our trip was a once in a lifetime experience. I am heartbroken that he has been taken so soon. Sending so much love to all of his friends, family and travel network.
We've all lost a leader, a friend, a companion. We've all lost a great one, there will be a big hole to fill. We must all pull together as Michael would have wanted.
Mike, you brought joy to our family every single time we shared with you. You were the best brother that Esteban could ever wish for. We always felt that he was safe, even during the wildest adventures that the two of you had together, simply because he was with you. Wherever you are, please keep watching over your buddy. This is the picture we took together the last time we met in Vancouver in July this year. I didn’t know at that time that you had just slipped 50 bucks in Esteban pocket as a gift from you to our family to have a treat on you at your sister’s restaurant in the Sunshine Coast. We had a wonderful time. THANK YOU! Mike, you will always live in our hearts. The Acosta Family: Roberto, Adriana, Eugenia and needless to say Esteban
In November, a few of us went on a trip to Mexico that truly became a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was during this trip that Mike rebranded and Papi came out. The entire journey was nothing short of magical, filled with uncontrollable laughter, an abundance of churros, tickle flights, unexpected Spanish bibles, impromptu bed jumping, and even some pole dancing. One memory was when we all went scuba diving. Despite initial anxiety, Mike exuded an aura of calm and reassurance that made everyone feel completely safe. The experience of being submerged underwater with our best friends, observing playful sea lions, is something I will cherish forever. It was a trip that brought out the best in all of us and created lasting memories that I'll always hold dear.
Looking back at photos from summers in Restoule brings me joy remembering the fun and adventures I got to share with Mike. This day in particular, Mike, Cara and Ayla showed up to the beach with this baby doll with no real explanation from what I can recall, but we all belly laughed and tossed it around for hours. Later, back at the cottage, the hundreds of sequential photos tell the story of us playing king of the dock and jumping off for hours. The photos get sillier and sillier until one of just Mike mooning the camera appears, so obviously we all had to. We finished off our tiring day of swimming listening to Ayla strum and sing, together in the main room. I was always so excited when we planned cottage visits or the same time. I'm grateful for all the life chats and sing alongs we had when I would pick Mike up in the mornings for college. He was a light who turned every time into a great time. I miss you and love you buddy.
Mike’s enthusiasm for life was the most contagious out of anyone I knew. he always pushed me and everyone else around him to try new things, take bold steps, and squeeze the most out of every single day. He would be incredibly kind to anybody and everybody, including strangers in the elevator. He would even bring pastries for a bike mechanic who is changing a tire, or a seamstress who is helping to fix this tent. He was the only person I knew who had a true love for humanity, in that he would see the people he met not only for who they are, but who they want to be. As a result, Mike has had fiercely loyal and everlasting friends wherever he has gone, who will all miss him incredibly dearly.
I had the privilege of having Mike stand with me on one of the happiest days of my life. He electrified the room by breaking out into a handstand, and dancing away to his seat. He brought so much light and love into the lives of everyone lucky enough to meet him. To quote one of our favourite shows; "The dictionary defines superlative as ‘of the highest kind, quality, or order; surpassing all else or others; supreme.’ I define it as Michael LeGault. As a son, as a brother, as a leader, as a man, as a friend. He is of the highest kind, quality, and order, supreme.” I love you Mike. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ3lVFjMHrk
Over the last 6 years I’ve reflected on the day we all did mushrooms in the backcountry of Killarney. I often think how that was and will always be one of the best days of my entire life. From glowing turtles, to hidden waterfalls, Mike was there leading the way and getting us to explore this lake further and further. This day was a core memory for me, and Mike was a huge part in that.
The world's Scout. Mikey started scouts and I don't think he ever left. He turned his passion of being adventurous and helpful into a career traveling the world and always being open for the next adventure. He taught me many things and made me a better person. There are lots of tales to share and I will be sure to read all of them. Traveling to Lisbon in his footsteps has somehow helped me feel even closer to him and understand his passion for adventure. His mom and I are very grateful for the stories and support coming in from all over. Keep them coming they are very helpful and appreciated. Thank you everyone for your love and support, you have no idea how much that means to us.
In winter 2017, at a party, I casually mention to Mike how cool I think his and Esteban's job was as tour guides out west. Four months later I’m at my own summer job and get a call from Mike. He tells me "I told my boss you would be great" at this job and "he's going to call you in 15 mins". Mike changed my life forever. I got that job and quit all my others and moved out west for the summer. I learned how to live like Mike. To me that is best surmised in his own words " You got to throw yourself out there and experience the world". There are so many amazing stories from that summer I could share but my one that comes to mind the most is the following. Esteban, Mike and I were essentially homeless. We did out 8 day tours but had no home during our 2 days off between trips. Prateek graciously invited us into his basement apartment (whom he shared with another person). There wasn’t an extra bedroom but an “extra” closet. Mike and Esteban loved sleeping in this tiny closet. Even more so they loved sleeping in that closet together. The memory of waking up and opening that door and seeing the two of the stuffed into that tiny closet, snug and happy as a couple bumble bees, still makes me laugh and smile to this day.
I was always mesmerized by Michael and his siblings. The things they did, the adventures they had. Michael was an experienced biker. He could do long distances like it was nothing. The one day we didn't have a way to laser tag so he was like "okay Maddy, we are going to bike there". After bickering back and forth, he convinced me that I could do anything and biking to laser tag was one. It was hilarious, he was so fast and I just could never catch up to him and when I would, he was gone again. He always had a way of convincing people to do crazy things. He wanted people to step out of their comfort zone. He gave the best hugs and advice. He will be missed.
I remember Ayla first introducing me to Michael at Conestoga as her "crazy brother Michael". He was the kind of person where once you met him, he immediately treated you like you were part of the family. The Legaults are a special family where they invite you in and show you love no matter who you are. I also remember Ayla, Michael, myself and a bunch of Michael's friends gathering at their childhood home as we pissed ourselves laughing over Michael talking about them going on an "estabon death march". I remember thinking he was the funny, crazy male version of his sister. Or the time we threw Ayla a surprise party in her tiny apartment and he showed up unannounced to surprise her, and later volunteered to be the one to drink beer from a boot on the roof during a game of kings cup. Always laughing and making sure everyone was having a great time. Can only remember happy stories or memories told by his sister to me about her brother and all his amazing travels and adventures. You will be deeply missed by everyone.
One story that comes up surprisingly often is the time our house was overrun with Mikes. I had just come home from skating with Mike C and Mike H, while Zac had been watching a movie with Michael E. Our friend groups didn't normally intermingle much, but somehow when Mike LeGault showed up, his goofy energy was the catalyst that got us all hanging out together. Mike may be a common name, but he was a rare, and remarkable person! He will be missed.
Michael was always able to get along with anyone, it was his super power. He was endlessly kind, funny and one of the purest souls you could meet. No one was as genuine or easy to love than Michael, his presence was always so warm and he could take any situation and make it fun. One of the few memories I have is when at a Bob Ross House Warming party he drew a beautiful abomination, going completely off book, it made everyone laugh, but that was who he was. He made everyone smile effortlessly. I wish I had more memories with him. He will be so so missed.
After a wild Saturday night at Hillside this summer, I lost the group while we were walking around volly village. I went into my tent to lay down feeling a bit trippy and stressed, and then heard Mike‘s voice roaring and Ayla laughing so loudly through the trees. It instantly brought me comfort and happiness, because this family just feels like home. Of course Ayla came back saying Mike had scared the beach hippies by acting like the little water demon he was. Thanks for all the laughs Mike, you inspired me in so many ways.
Mike and I loved to surprise other people by having him show up in different places. I got to surprise him for his 30th birthday and I will cherish this last surprise forever. I love you Mike. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UlKxOaduUuo
Mike and I shared many loud and fun moments with friends and people we both admire surrounding us, but also some quiet introspective moments. I will always remember and cherish the warm radiant energy he carried with him wherever he went. And I want to share one conversation in particular because I think about this conversation we had often. It was right before I was about to pack up all my belongings and move to LA. He had just slept over at mine and Cara's house in Vancouver and while Cara was out we sat on the couch sharing stories about travel and dreams for future endeavors. I was about to head into the unknown, moving out of this cozy home with my best friend, and I was a little scared. Mike had such a calm demeanor and a conviction when he said 'It's all gong to be fine. It's going to be so fun and bring you so much growth, making movies and travelling.' I really believed him. The way he said it was so sure and so positive, nothing else could be true, so it became a mantra for me. He impacted how I see myself and the world around me and I can't say that about too many people. Mike lived a beautiful and inspiring life. He will be greatly missed in this world, but forever held in people's hearts.
I vividly remember about 15 of us being smuggled into restoule provincial park in a single van to go have showers. And after we had all showered Michael convinced us all to go on a hike through one of the trails. Once we had gotten far enough away from any adults Michael pops up and says “I hope nobody minds but I’m gonna smoke a bowl really quick.” Still makes me laugh. I love you Michael and have a bowl for me up there ❤️
On Mike’s 30th birthday a few weeks ago he taught our group how to surf on the coast of Vancouver Island. We were getting tossed around by the waves while Mike was shouting out words of encouragement and advice to me. After an exhausting hour I managed to ride a wave! One of the most fun days of my life. Love ya buddy
We danced as the sun was setting, Mike yelled “we are dancing on the sky, we are dancing on the skyyyyy”. We continued to dance along with some of his closest friends in celebration of his 30th birthday. Keep dancing in the sky buddy ❤️
Ken Thornton
Ken Thornton
Cathy found this article randomly on the web. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article-five-activities-to-extend-your-summer-fun/
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