George met Michael while playing soccer at the age of 11. They both went to Brentwood school  and  hung out together when home in West Van. I first met Mike when he lived in the West End in a little apartment where he spent his spare time painting landscapes, especially mountain scenes. Both he and George loved the arts and encouraged each other. We spent many happy times together and have always kept in touch with Michael. George tried to call him regularly especially over the past few years. We will miss his calls.....Hey Shorty!....he always said. May you rest peacefully Michael,  we will miss you as you had a very special place in our lives. We are both heartbroken....

I first met Michael in Whistler in 1976 when his passion at the time was skiing and a love for the outdoors.His close girlfriend ,Janet by his side. His great sense of humour got me right away ! We did a road trip through the southwestern states in the spring of 1982 that i will always remember for going off the beaten track onto the backroads where michael could get his little Suzuki 4x4 into action . Moab, Telluride, Monument  valley,the Grand Canyon ,and on to California ;I took a lot of photos:  and afterwards ,Michael's painting talent in Vancouver ,of what his mind saw in those amazing landscapes blew me away!! What hidden talent he had ! He kept those paintings in his home never wanting to show them for the puplic or even consider to sell them.  That was his own modesty on the surface ,just keeping his great skill revealed for only family and close friends.  His passion for the arts led him to the film industry and set decoration where he could get well paid for his creative insight and talent. I eventually also ran into Michael at work on film sets in the late 90's and 2000's and we would reminisce a little about the early Whisler days and skiing on long boards (210's) as he loved to go fast !  He would then call me brother , like he meant   it .     RIP   Michael , Brother , Wayne Binmore

Michael was a great friend to me and my family in 1997 while we worked together on The Sentinel. He spent many weekends with us for dinner or hiking the north shore mountains. I will always remember his sharp wit and his gift for art. I have never had such an inspirational colleague or creative connectivity with anyone since working with Michael.

Hollyburn Funeral Home

Edward Bethune

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Mr. Edward Michael Bethune

24 April, 1954 – 6 September, 2012

Hollyburn Funeral Home

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