Dr Vera Janjic-Watrich

22 février , 2021

When Mike was a young radio personality working at CJCA in Edmonton, I had the opportunity to join him as he broadcast the air traffic report. Although this was long ago, I still have vivid memories of how much fun it was to fly over the city and see it from this view.
Mike, you always did have a great smile and you will be missed by all those whose path you crossed. RIP
We were so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing and we wish to extend our deepest condolences to his son Jared and to the LeBlanc family.
Vera & Rick Watrich

Jeff Urkevich

20 février , 2021

I am forever grateful for the time I spent with Mike during my time at Lethbridge College. He and Veryl created an amazing environment for the students to find their own voice and utilize their strengths. My memories of Mike include his complete adoration for Jared and his love of the Edmonton Eskimos. In 2019, while at a game with my kids, I heard a familiar voice booming throughout Commonwealth Stadium. Sure enough, it was Mike. It made me smile to know, he would have been in all his glory. My condolences go out to his family and friends, please take comfort in knowing, that Mike left an indelible mark on this world.

Judith Williams

19 février , 2021

I met Mike through a mutual Lethbridge friend - Dave Dorrell and we shared many happy memories snd chats via social media. I was always struck by how Mike had the ability to make life fun and the utter pride he had in his family and friends, particularly Jared.

I will sincerely miss his larger than life attitude and optimistic outlook on life. My condolences to the family from this Facebook friend in the Uk.

Kevin & Lorrie Wittke

19 février , 2021

Mike, you will be greatly missed. We will always remember your great big heart. You always loved and cared for people in the moment. We so appreciated spending time with you at church, airshows, Sunday dinners and radio station events.

One of my comical memories of Mike was the time I called his cell, he answered and said "just a sec...", then on a booming PA I heard...
"Lethbridge Hurricanes goal scored by number...". He always had time for you.

Jared and family, know that you are in our prayers and that Mike is home with the LORD.

Kevin & Lorrie Wittke
Ruthanne, Hannah & Zayne

Ashley Freimark

19 février , 2021

To Jared and Family,

Mike was a mentor of mine. He took a chance on me when I was still an inexperienced University student with only a dream.

In the summer of 2013, I heard of an opportunity to shadow at MIX 107.9. It was only one day, but Mike made a lasting impression. After that point, I knew him through community work with the local theatre company, Sheeptown Players - a voice like Mike's and a heart as big as his brought him along my path many times. It was in 2015, when I was producing one of Sheeptown's Plays, that Mike was MC for the event. Backstage, Mike and I started talking about theatre, and then he asked about my education - I told him that after my shadow experience at MIX, I had started attending MacEwan University with hopes of making it to radio or film. He offered me a job right there and asked if I could start the following Monday as the Summer Cruiser Reporter. I jumped at the chance.

Mike saw something in me that I didn't at that time, and if it wasn't for his belief in me, I would never had made it as far as I have in just a short amount of time. He taught me courage and passion and, most of all, confidence in myself - something that I had been struggling with all my life.

My favourite memory of Mike would have to be (though there are so many in the short time I knew him), would be the day after I had my first on air shift at the Fort Saskatchewan Farmer's Market. I had bought a shirt from one of the local booths that said "Keep on Smiling, the Best is Yet to Come" and worn it to the station for my shift the next day. Mike smiled when he saw me, and he told me that it was the perfect motto to live by.

MIX was never the same after he left, so I always looked forward to all the Chief games I covered, because I knew that Mike would be there, greeting everyone with a genuine smile. There was something infectious about him. You could have the worst day ever, but one minute with Mike would change all of that. We will all miss him. <3

Ryan Pedde

19 février , 2021

Mike,

My two favorite memories of you are having breakfast at Eggcellent P'eats, and when you came to the Bridge Church Chili Cook-Off as a judge.

I am sad that we will not be able to have the breakfast or beer at the Brewhouse "after COVID-19" as we had planned. It will have to wait until Heaven. You made such an incredible impact on the city of Fort Saskatchewan and I am honored to have known you.

Love and prayers to all your family and friends

Rev. Ryan Pedde

Rona and Brett Fraser

19 février , 2021

No one lit up a room like Mike. With his big personality and even bigger heart he made his communities and this world a better place. Heaven now has someone amazing to call their football games. You will be missed.

Maxine Reichstein

19 février , 2021

Mike, you will truly be missed in this community!! Your memories will live on!! RIP, keep that beautiful smile going!

Veryl Todd

19 février , 2021

Mike was a warm gentle man...
And we loved him. He worked with me at Lethbridge College.
Of course the students loved him! Mike was in our beer club. We camped with Mike and Jared...dined with them. We also laughed lots with them. Gone too soon Mike...but your leave a big smiling footprint. Veryl and Ingrid Todd.

Pamela Todd

19 février , 2021

So sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. My family has known Mike for many years. He was a kind, smart, funny and generous man. His biggest love was for Jared. We watched Jared grow and Mike love him more every year. Mike loved beer, football, people and of course my mom and dad. He will be very missed. Sending love to Jared and Mike’s family.

DE LA FAMILLE