Obituaries

KUIACK, Michael Joseph

KUIACK: Michael Joseph. It is with heartfelt sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of Michael Joseph Kuiack of Kelowna, BC, Saturday, February 20, 2021, after a courageous year long battle with cancer. Michael was 60 years of age, born December 19, 1960 in Airy Township, ON. Michael leaves to mourn his three precious children: Adam of London, ON, Simon of Kelowna, BC and Leah of Lake Country, BC., and the children’s mother, Shannon (Reid) Kuiack of London, ON.

Michael is also survived by his father, Max Kuiack of London, ON, his mother, Rita (Mask) Kuiack of Ottawa, ON, four sisters - Denise (Kevin Horoky) of London, ON, Shelley (John Wendell) of Ottawa, ON, Joanne (Philip Brown) of Strathroy, ON, and Stephanie (Howard Jones) of Mississauga, ON and Montego Bay, Jamaica, as well as plethora of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Michael’s high school sweetheart and life partner, Beth (Burton) Flynn, and her family, were with Michael unshakeably through to the end. There are no words that can begin to describe the loving care Beth provided in these later days. Beth was the largest bit of his heart and the best part of his soul. His debt to her can never possibly be repaid.

Michael spent his formative years in Kapuskasing, ON, and graduated from the University of Toronto in 1984. He was a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous since April 13, 2007 and remained as active as possible in service to that lifesaving fellowship until the end.

Michael was a 2-time winner of the Poetry London Contest; in 2012 for Miracle On South Street and again in 2014 for Life Is School. He is the author of 2 self-published books; a collection of poetry -Here There Be Tygers- in 2017 and a novel -An Embarrassment of Riches – in 2018. Michael held a passion for both literature and music. His bookstore, Clockwork Books in London, ON, was dear to his heart.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no service at this time. Michael will be cremated and future celebrations of Michael’s life will be held in London, ON and Kelowna, BC. The family wishes to acknowledge the tireless support of the Rev’d Anne Privett of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, the compassionate care of the staff of The Hospice House of Kelowna and Hospice Palliative Care team, the medical team of The BC Cancer Agency, and Dr. Eddie Naude, throughout Michael’s cancer journey. In lieu of flowers, those willing are asked to make contributions of time and/or a financial donation in support of the Salvation Army of London, Ontario or Kelowna, BC.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299

Link: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Condolence Messages

Mar 11, 2021
My sincere condolences to Beth and all of Mike's family and friends. I only knew Mike as a FB friend through another FB friend, but followed his courageous battle with cancer through the past months. Sharing his battle so publicly was heroic. It put a face on a disease that has influenced all of us, one way or another. His strength in the face of cancer gives us all strength. His memory will live on.

Janet Dahl
Mar 03, 2021
Beth,

We are all very saddened to hear the news of Michael’s passing.

May our heartfelt condolences bring you peace and comfort that you are not alone in this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

With caring thoughts,

The Staff and Board of KCR
Mar 03, 2021
Dear Beth and family; I was at U of T with Mike 4 decades ago and enjoyed his zest for life, witty tongue, and sharp enquiring mind a great deal. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a very generous soul and will be missed by all I am sure. Take care in this difficult time. All the best. Anthony Madott
Feb 27, 2021
Dear Beth and family, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Dennis and Vivian Destobel
Feb 25, 2021
Condolences to Beth and family.

This is a very sad day. I have been following our friend Michael on Facebook with so many others - hoping against hope for a miracle. What a nice man.

R.I.P. Michael

Mike Fredrickson
Feb 25, 2021
Beth didn’t know Michael as much as I know ou through Nola but I cannot express my sadness of losing your partner. The first time I met Michael was at a Xmas dinner at clubhouse and I sat next to you and Michael

Gloria Malczynski 429
Feb 25, 2021

Dear Beth and Family, our deepest sympathy are with you all on Michael's passing our heart breaks with you. Margaret & Terry Currie
Feb 25, 2021

To Beth and all of Mikes family and friends, I would like to extend our sincerest condolences.

Mike and I were good friends throughout High School and University. Unfortunately, except for a few get togethers, we lost touch in the mid 80s.

As a result my strongest mental images of Mike are of him in his teens. Hanging out on the circle. Camping at Remi Lake Provincial Park. Basement parties. Playing basketball on Friday nights at the Civic Centre. Football in the Gore on weekend afternoons. His friendship in the 1970s meant a great deal to me. Mike was smart, sarcastic, witty and insightful. Someone you could talk to about virtually any topic.

Goodbye old friend. While the rest of us soldier on into our 60s, to me you remain eternally young. The image of you that I carry bears no pain, but only the boundless possibility of youth.

In Sympathy,

Mike Crnkovic &

Candace Smith
Feb 25, 2021
Dear Beth and all who loved Mike, we are saddened at his passing and hold you in our hearts and prayers. Julie and Jim
Feb 25, 2021
Please accept my condolences on your loss. I worked with Michael at Teletech, and also knew him during his years in AA. He will be missed. Don Garvey
Feb 24, 2021
Michael, I will never forget the years I was lucky enough to learn from you. To laugh with you. To share our solution with you. 417. - MJ
Feb 24, 2021
My condolences to all the you.

Sincerely, Carol Keough
Feb 24, 2021
Beth,

Wilf and I offer our sincere condolences on the death of Michael. I recall meeting him when he was helping you as you prepared for Messy Church or you were setting up for a church event.

Wilf and Bev Akerlund
Feb 24, 2021
Beth, I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. Even though we never met him I know what a joy it was for you Beth when you and he connected again and how happy you were over these past years. Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.

Judy and Craig Lewis
Feb 24, 2021
Dear Beth and others who also loved Michael, I am so sorry for your great loss. Jes Findlay
Feb 23, 2021
Beth and family I’m so sorry for your loss.We were very good friends and he’ll be missed very much in the recovery community. Love and prayers Deb Cavanaugh
Feb 23, 2021
Dear Beth and family, our sincere condolences to you. We are so sorry to hear of Mikes passing,what a warrior he was! We are happy you have so many great memories and good friends to help you through these difficult times.

Love Bev and Doug
Feb 23, 2021
Dear Beth & Family - our heartfelt condolences for your loss - I hope all the memories of happiness and joy you both shared will help to comfort you now during this difficult time - Diane and Eric Greer.
Feb 23, 2021
Dear Beth and family, we we are so sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. He past away far too young, but happy to know that he and Beth were able to have a few good years together. Please know that Beth that you have been in our hearts and months over the past months. Most Sincerely, Barb and Rick Schmidt, Sunrise Village
Feb 23, 2021
Please accept our sincere condolences. It was a pleasure knowing him! Sincerely Tootie and Ro Schan