Michael Louis Gilbert

Born in Burnaby, BC on August 27th, 1953, Michael passed away on November 14th at home as requested. Predeceased by his mother, father, two brothers and his sister, Michael is survived by his wife Teresa Chaney, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews - including his nieces Tammy Germaine-Nkrumah and family, along with Niece Janet Bisset of Surrey BC.

Michael met Teresa, the love of his life, at Prince George in 1982. They moved to Courtenay on Vancouver Island in 1983, staying in what they considered one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia for the rest of Michael’s life.

Michael was a Restaurateur, starting with the Nova Cafe, Back Room Restaurant, Michaels On Main on 5th Street, and finally for 20 years, Michaels Off Main on 4th Street.

He loved giving slices of his wonderful cheesecake with hand picked blackberry compote to all his business neighbours every Christmas, and a much appreciated Kahlua Coffee at the end of business day on New Years Eve.

He graced the Filberg Festival with his cheesecakes and coffee stand for 5 years - hard work, but one of his favourite things to do.

Michael worked in the Valley with Kinsmen, helping to create and organize the Robbie Thompson Tournament, coaching womens fast ball and soft ball, and really enjoyed helping to organize the B.C. Day parade in Comox, until he became ill.

His love of music led him to do several Open Stage venues in Edmonton and Prince George to encourage local musicians. He loved participating in Open Stage venues in the valley, and used his restaurants whenever possible to provide a venue for musicians - particularly at Michaels On Main with Jazz artists like Art Ellefson and his son Lee. He played often at open stages in the valley, writing many of his own songs and lyrics - often about Vancouver Island and its' magic.

His favourite expression regarding the betterment of our community was "just make sure you always know your neighbours".

In lieu of flowers please consider his request to either plant a tree in the Valley, or to donate to local charities and environmental groups who all work so diligently to make our Valley a better place to live - for all of its' residents.

* * *

(The book of love brought you to me when I needed you most)

The book of love has music in it, in fact that’s where music comes from

Some of it’s just transcendental, some of it’s just really dumb

But I

I love it when you sing to me

And you

You can sing me anything

And I

I love it when you give me things

And you

You ought to give me wedding rings

You ought to give me wedding rings

* * *

(Song by Peter Gabriel, Lyrics by Stephin Merrit)

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 23rd at 2PM at Piercy’s Funeral Home