Michael Gupton

Michael is survived by his wife, Karen (Danny and Robyn), his mother Annette Gupton, sister Maureen Reid (Jason), brother Sean Gupton and nephews Tom and Jack. Michael was predeceased by his father Ted.

Michael was born in Downey, California, on December 25, 1960. In 1968, the family immigrated to Winnipeg, MB, in a VW bus so that his father could continue his studies at the University of Manitoba.

As a youngster, Michael embraced the prairie winters. He played hockey on the outdoor rinks in Wildwood Park and ice fished with his father at Netley Creek. Michael loved music and had a very eclectic taste for everything from classical to folk to rock. For many years, Michael attended the Winnipeg Folk Festival, later becoming part of the set up crew and made many friends and fond memories. He taught himself to play the guitar, which led to a hobby later in life collecting guitars and amps.

Mike worked for Manitoba Hydro in the 1990’s as a Labourer, then moved to the Line Trades, then to Surveys and Mapping. While working for Hydro, he pursued his studies and completed Civil Technology at Red River College (Honours) and his Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba. His last position at Manitoba Hydro was in the E.I.T program where he worked briefly on the new head office building before going to UBC to do his Masters in Hydro Geology.

Michael had a gold claim as a young man in Bisset, MB, and together with his love of treasure hunting at local thrift stores, led to the inception of KMGgold Recycling. KMGgold was a business that Michael was very proud of and loved to the point that he would become very animated talking about it. He always learned something new about precious metals and from talking to his customers.

Michael loved his pups, Minnie and Eddie, spoiling them by sneaking them treats whenever he thought I wasn’t looking. Mike would start his day dressed in his lake uniform consisting of army pants, his well-worn Carhart jacket, t-shirt, and hiking boots. The uniform was a signal to Eddie that Mike was heading outside. Eddie would pace and cry until Mike took him out with him. Mike would putter in the garage while Eddie would wander the property and occasionally disappear. All Eddie needed was one whistle from Mike and he would come bounding back to him, grinning as dogs do. The two of them would finish the day with a walk around the neighbourhood at our home in Belair, MB.

Michael loved the outdoors, spending time at the family cabin on Lake of the Woods, hunting, fishing, and walking amongst the trees. Among his favourite times were vacationing in Maui, Vegas, Arizona, Peru, and visiting family on Vancouver Island. He was always happiest when we were out together doing something. He would look over at me with a big grin and ask, “Who has more fun than us?”

As Michael got older, he was not a fan of the Manitoba cold and caught the B.C. bug when his mom and dad moved out there. Although he would be the first to admit the Manitoba winters are beautiful when you can enjoy it from your kitchen with a cup of coffee in hand, and a dog or two in your lap, he always wanted to live in BC. In February 2024, his dream became a reality as we found our new home on Vancouver Island and relocated there the following August. Sadly, Michael was not able to enjoy our new home, as he should have.

But we made it, Michael. You are where you wanted to be!

I wish to thank the wonderful nurses, volunteers and doctors at Cowichan Hospice House for their care and compassion, shown to both Michael and I.

To our families for all that you did to help us in our time of need. We would be lost without you. Our wonderful neighbours on the island. You have become like family. Every one of you who have touched our lives through our journey has made what seemed impossible, possible.

As per Michael’s wishes, there will be no service. We ask that when you see something that makes you smile, know that he is there smiling along with you.

Michael,

“You belong among the wildflowers

You belong somewhere close to me

Far away from your trouble and worry

You belong somewhere you feel free.”