• Training with her or
• Making a contribution toward her personal fundraising commitment of $4,000. (LLS’s large fundraising minimums ensure that a high
  percentage of funds raised go directly to patient services and research.)

Mike took a great, quiet pride in his work. That pride was contagious –
he made me work better, just by his example. His work ethic didn’t get in the
way of him having fun at work. That attitude spread to the rest of us, too.

Mike had great skill with people – he seemed to make a friend out of everyone with whom he came in contact. Like many talented people do with their special gifts, he made this seem easy.

I think Mike’s secret was enjoyment: He enjoyed his work, he enjoyed the people
he worked with and he enjoyed himself. This infectious love of life made him
a pleasure to be around – someone you looked forward to seeing and
missed when he wasn’t there.

I continue to miss Mike every day but I comfort myself knowing that he lived his too short life to the fullest. His example is an inspiration to us all.

Reflections on Being a (Golf) Gentleman

The game of golf was an important part of Mike’s life. The fact that we are present at a golf course today is an indication of that. Mike had spoken of his ambitions of pursuing golf professionally when he was a teen.

Even though that dream did not become a reality, those early years out on the course instilled essential character qualities in Mike. Character on a golf course is found in those who, although they have skill and ability, graciously encourage those of us who do not.

Exhibiting such humility when faced with those of lesser skill surely is neither art nor science. It stems from a simple philosophy of seeing others as who they are, and putting them first.

Having played golf with Mike, it was not surprising to see how his balanced approach to the game – taking the good and the bad in stride – only spurred him on to improve his next stroke, or the next game.

Mike carried this philosophy into his daily life as well. Life’s continual ups and downs never seemed to upset him. He had realized that the roughs, sand traps, and water hazards – whether found on the golf course or in life – were only minor, or temporary setbacks.

Dwelling on them would accomplish nothing more than unnecessary regret, remorse, and rejection of any gains or victories.

Instead, Mike saw each of life’s daily challenges as an opportunity to improve his score, to do better. Winning was not the issue. The focus was on how he played the game.

A colleague at work described Mike’s influence: “Mike was the one who made [the work place] human.” This singular attention to the needs of others is something that characterized Mike.

Mike brought his brand of humanity and humour to the workplace, and in so doing, encouraged many through their times in the deep weeds.

I will always count it a privilege to have known Mike, and trust that his legacy of courtesy, good humour and determination will live on through all of us in our personal lives, in the community, and in the workplace.

Good-bye Mike. Thank you for enriching the lives of so many, and for your courage, example, wit, and wisdom. We will miss you.

Here’s a printable version of Ajay’s Tribute.

EASTMAN – Michael Terence. (1962-2003). Passed away peacefully from Leukemia in VGH on January 15th 2003. Lovingly remembered by his wife Julie and son Kyle of Coquitlam, BC; parents, Terry and Nola Eastman of Ladysmith BC; brother Kevin (Tami) and sister Carol Smith (Kevin) of Ladysmith BC; in-laws Karl and Pat Seidel of Summerland, BC; brothers-in-law John and Paula of Mission and Joe (Kris) of Calgary; sister-in-law Stephanie (David) of Salmon Arm; nieces and nephews, Ashley, Sydney, Nathan, Shylah, Allison, Colby, Anna, Haylie, and little Nathan.

Mike will be sadly missed by many aunts, uncles and cousins as well as his wonderful friends. Our sincere gratitude to the doctors and nurses on East 6 for their compassionate care of Mike and their emotional support to the family.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Mike’s memory to the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Comfort Fund. c/o VGH Foundation, 899 W. 12th Ave. Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9.

A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held at 2:00 on Sunday, February 2nd, 2003 at the Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club 3251 Plateau Blvd., Coquitlam, BC.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.