Michael Timothy Wittman

To know Michael personally was to forget the significant physical challenges he faced. And while the memory of his remarkable life will be a unique source of strength and inspiration for so many, he will be best remembered for living a life full of the same virtues for which we all strive.

As a young toddler and throughout his early childhood in Vancouver, “Misha” (as he was often called in those days) was vocal in his assertiveness, despite being labelled non-verbal. He was courageous in trailblazing into the “mainstream” when he started grade 4 at McKechnie Elementary and carried on to Magee Secondary, graduating in 1997; with confidence and curiosity, he completed post-secondary courses at Langara and UBC. Michael was kind, thoughtful, generous, and developed a keen sense of humour which attracted many and led to lifelong friendships, which he prioritized and nurtured. He was also creative, and in addition to his deep and wide appreciation for all kinds of music, he embraced adaptive technology that enabled him to write his own album “Listen”, celebrated at a CD release party in 2007. Michael was supported by dedicated family and caregivers throughout his life, but he was his own strongest advocate. He was proud of the independence he attained, living in his own home in South Granville for the past 11 years where he was always up for adventure and travel. Michael remained deeply engaged socially, whether through his organized music group or impromptu walks, coffees and dinners. He was direct, honest, compassionate, patient most of the time, impatient when he needed to be, and perhaps most importantly, wholly accepting of others and himself. Through it all, Michael's smile and laughter were daily gifts to us all. Predeceased by his devoted parents Martin and Jacklyn. Survived by brother Stefan, sister-in-law Luca, his cherished nephew and niece, Marin and Mila, and his dear friend Angie.

Family and friends are invited to commemorate his incredible life on Saturday, January 18th at 2pm at St. Andrew’s-Wesley Church, 1022 Nelson Street, Vancouver. Reception to follow on location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network or Plan Institute