Obituaries

CLEAVER, Mike

Long time Broadcaster Mike Cleaver passed away early this morning (February 10). He was the son of William Cleaver and Eleanor Cleaver (Pethick). He leaves to mourn his devoted partner Terry Low, sister Judy (Jones) and husband Vern Jones of Calgary and brother Chris (Marie-Yvonne) of Kelowna.

Mike had been fighting kidney disease for the past few months and it finally claimed his life. I last spoke with Mike this past Friday, and he sounded happy and much like the Mike Cleaver of old. He had nothing but nice things to say about his Doctors and the wonderful support staff at St.Pauls hospital.

Mike had a long and productive career beginning at Kelowna

Condolence Messages

Feb 20, 2019
Mike Cleaver was a fellow member of the KHS Radio Drama Club where we shared duties reading the afternoon school announcements, playing music and on occasion sending World Series Baseball games to select classrooms on the PA. The club, unlike earlier years of radio plays, presented all the school news plus the top tunes of the day on CKOV, 630. Mike eventually took over my part and full-time shifts at the station in 1964 when I departed to Vancouver radio. Mike visited me the following year at CFUN to check out the station control room and facilities. Unfortunately that was the last time our paths crossed until the twenty-first century. Meanwhile Mike was traveling across the country having the time of his life and acquiring many friends in the broadcasting world, especially in Toronto. We finally reconnected through a twice yearly reunion luncheon organized by Red Robinson at White Spot. During those get togethers we had a chance to relive our times together in Kelowna during the golden days of radio. As a team with the Okanagan Holiday Caravan broadcasting live, poolside from the Aquatic, of Mike's father Bill Cleaver, copywriter at OV and the friendship of his siblings, Judy and Chris. We all miss you terribly Mike. You went through some difficult health issues but were a fighter to the time your spirit left us. I know you have joined all of those broadcasting peers who admired you greatly. Rest In Peace my friend. Jolly JT (John Tanner)
Feb 12, 2019
Chris & Marie-Yvonne,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult chapter of life.

May all the good times and memories of Mike continue to live on with and thru you! God Bless!

Ron & Cindy Cannan
Feb 12, 2019
Chris,

I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family at this time and sending you thoughts and prayers.

Amber Coyle
Feb 12, 2019
To the Cleaver Family,

So sorry to hear the sad news about Mike. Our thoughts are with you at this time.

Tomi Tamaki and Family
Feb 11, 2019
Chris,

Heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your brother.

Bob and Carrie Taylor (Capri Hotel days)
Feb 11, 2019
Mike was one of the Strathcona kids from the early 60s who spent most of the summer just hanging out at the beach. He lived at the corner of Park and Long at the time. We used to visit him on weekend evenings in the CKOV studio on Pandosy upstairs, watch and listen to him spin the old 45s. Mike and Jolly John Tanner would entertain us after school with their YAFI programme playing all the hit songs. It was something I listened to and looked forward to every day. He had a tremendous radio voice and was a fun guy to be around.

Gerry Morrison
Feb 11, 2019
Mike was one of my closest high school friends. We shared many interests and had a lot of fun. The joint activity I remember best was setting up the KHS hit parade. We arranged a box in the school hallway, so students could vote for their favorite hits. I (the geek) tallied the votes, and Mike (the DJ) played them Saturday night on CKOV. After high school, our lives diverged, as Mike went on with his chosen career in broadcasting, and I headed off to university. But we always kept in touch, and I was always pleased to see him at the high school reunions. Mike was a great friend, and I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

Rick Perley
Feb 11, 2019
Chris & Marie-Yvonne,

My prayers and love to all of your family at this sad time in your lives. Mike will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Cherish all those loving memories and keep them close to your hearts.

Lillian Moller
Feb 11, 2019
So sad to read this. Mike remains a Canadian broadcast legend. Condolences to you Chris and your entire family.

Gord Vizzutti
Feb 11, 2019
Chris,

So very sorry to see this sad news of your brother Mike. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. May your memories bring you much comfort in the days ahead.

Take care,

Val Palmer
Feb 11, 2019
Chris,

I remember the early days with Mike and the Honda 1200.. our condolences to all..

David Langton