Michael Bell Pettigrew
December 22, 1925 – June 2, 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Bell Pettigrew. Michael was born in Watford, Hertfordshire England, and became a Navel Cadet at the HMS Conway Training Ship at age 14. He then joined the British Port Line and obtained his Masters Certificate in 1951.
Michael met the love of his life, Doreen, while he was at sea and immigrated to Canada where he pursued a career in Insurance. In 1987, Michael and Doreen retired to Vancouver Island to their seaside home. Michael returned to work as a consultant in the insurance industry and worked to age 79.
Michael never gave up his love for the sea and enjoyed sailing his sailboat until he was 83. He was a member of the Nanaimo chapter of the Master Mariners of Canada. Throughout his life, Michael was an avid reader and a life long learner. His knowledge and wisdom will be sorely missed. Family was everything to Michael and the family remains very close today.
Michael is survived by his wife, Doreen; sister, Verena Holloway; daughters, Verena (Clyde) Munnion and Martine (Darrell), Sallenbach; granddaughters, Danielle Munnion (Fiancé, Jeff Harris) and Vivian (Jeremy) Gleeson.
We will miss Poppy’s charm, his great sense of humour and his witty repertoire of limericks and jokes. He always had a twinkle in his eye and laughter in his heart.
We will love you forever Poppy!
A service to celebrate Michael’s life will be held 1:30 pm on Monday, June 12, 2017 at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 2600 Powder Point Road in Nanoose Bay. All are most welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honouring Michael’s memory by making a donation in his name to the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation, 1200 Dufferin Crescent, Nanaimo BC V9S 2B7. The hospital provided such excellent care in Michael’s final days.
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesmemorial.ca
YATES MEMORIAL SERVICES • 250-248-5859
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