Mr. James Michael Michael Rodgers

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my big brother James "Michael" Rodgers. Michael was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in early November 2011 after a lump appeared in his neck when coughing one day. It was a very difficult day to say the least but Michael faced his battle with lung cancer head on and gave it everything he had. He was back and forth, in and out of the hospital several times with complications due to his illness and after just two sessions of chemo the doctors decided to end treatment as it was only making Michael feel worse than before and it didn't seem to be helping to shrink the tumours. I can't express in words how hard this whole experience has been on Michael's children. His son Michael and his daughter Brittany had already lost their mother just six years prior, almost to the day. Watching their father go from a very healthy, strong man to a very frail and weak man was devastating to them and it broke them down daily as they loyally visited him at the hospital since his last admission on Christmas day. Michael, just 20 years old, was now head of the household and took over full responsibilities of paying the bills, cooking meals and taking care of his 16 year old sister. Like clock work, Brittany was off to school each morning while Michael made his way to the hospital for a short visit with his father before heading off to work himself. After school Brittany would take the bus to the hospital where her brother would join her after his shift ended and they would remain by his side until sometimes 9 or 10 o'clock in the evening.

My brother had always been an independent man. Always was physically strong and very stubborn. These traits were seen throughout his fight against cancer as he would insist on doing everything for himself for as long as he possibly could. It would take him 30 minutes, maybe more, to make his way just a few feet to the washroom and back but he did it every time on his own. Sometimes he would fall asleep while wiping his mouth but if you asked him if he needed any help he would shake his head no and continue to wipe his mouth on his own. These tasks sound so simple to those of us who are fortunate enough to have our health, but I promise you these simple routines become extremely difficult to those who are sick with such a debilitating disease such as cancer. To watch my brother hold on to his independence and dignity for as long as he had truly makes me one proud little sister!! Kudos to you Michael!

Growing up, Michael was surrounded by girls. He had 6 sisters and our mother at home and he always complained that he was the only boy, but after having two sons all he wanted was a little girl to call his own. I guess he secretly missed having a few girls around after all. Michael had a great sense of humour and was always playing pranks on his sisters. I remember one Christmas there was a huge boxed gift wrapped with my name on it from my brother and I was super excited about what could possibly be in it. I ripped it open only to find an old tennis ball in the midst of a bunch of newspaper. Another time he gave my big sister Debbie a pair of rubber ears and a big nose on glasses for Christmas. I remember all the girls loved my brother. A few friends would tell me how cute they thought my brother was and of course being his sister I thought they were all crazy but Michael had many girlfriends, he was very popular with the ladies.

Michael met his wife Kelly through a friend and they married on June 1, 1990. I remember my brother saying on several occasions that she was the best thing that ever happened to him. He said it as recently as a couple months before his death when he was still able to communicate in conversation. I hope they are together again now and both at peace.

Family and friends gathered at Giffen-Mack Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 4115 Lawrence Avenue East West Hill, ON. on Sunday February 12, 2012 at 1:00pm. Funeral service followed in the Chapel at 2:00pm. A beautiful reception was enjoyed among friends and family where pictures were shown and stories of Michael were told and smiles graced the faces of all who attended. Michael's wish was to be cremated.

On behalf of Michael's children and extended family, I would like to thank everyone who came out to help us celebrate the life, as lived, of James "Michael" Rodgers.