October 24, 1946 - December 12, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness - but also tremendous gratitude for having known him - that we announce the passing of Michael Wisnicki. He left this world peacefully, surrounded by the love of friends and family, and the caring staff at Silver Kettle Village - Ivy House, in Grand Forks, B.C.
Mike is predeceased by his parents Catherine and Paul WISNICKI, his grand-nephew, Rex Halladay and his grand-niece Athena Griffith.
He is survived by Beverly, his wife of 55 years, his sisters Nina and Julia (Rhys Griffith), niece Miranda (Del Halladay), nephew Morgan and grandnieces and nephews Finn, Mya, Grady and Viktor, and by Bev's family who loved him dearly.
Mike was born in Vancouver, 10 minutes after his "womb-mate," Nina. From the outset, he was a determined self-starter and problem solver. As a young man, Mike once spent a rainy night dangling from the top floor window of his parents' house suspended by his climbing rope, because as a budding rock climber, he needed to know, firsthand, what a miserable night hanging high on a mountain wall would feel like.
And that was Mike. Self-taught and highly competent at most things. If he wanted something done, he would usually do it himself.
Mike went on to live an incredible life of climbing, skiing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and later - photography and bird watching. With each new challenge he took it upon himself to excel. He never bragged, yet he exuded a quiet confidence.
His friends note how he could help you plan your kayaking expedition, plot a hiking route through the Purcells, suggest ways to repair your creek-fed water system, or draw your attention to how the Pine Siskin hides her seeds to survive a Kootenay winter. If you asked, he would give you the answers. But only if you asked.
Mike was also a fearless trailblazer. His climbing record in the Squamish area dates from the 1960s and is full of first ascents. A founding member of the very first Whistler pro ski patrol, he was known as the guy with the backpack filled with dynamite who you sent in to blow up a dangerous cornice.
He was also one of the very first people to ever ski on Blackcomb Mountain, (after sweet-talking a helicopter pilot!).
A knack for observation ran through everything Mike did. Before he made a move, he observed the weather, observed the safest routes, and observed the patterns. Once, while exploring the shores of the Arctic Ocean, he noticed a small, sealed cylinder under a remote mossy rock cairn. It turned out to contain some of the last writings of the doomed Franklin expedition, a find of historical significance now housed in a national museum in Ottawa.
Mike was passionate about observing nature through the lens of his camera. Even when he was hampered by vision problems and dementia in later life, he spent many hours watching birds and changing landscapes. He always knew when a storm was coming.
Mike's home for more than 50 years was on a mountain bench overlooking the beautiful Grand Forks Valley. He lived there with his beloved wife Beverly, who he first met at "Toad Hall" in Whistler, many years ago, and won over with his terrific sense of humour.
Mike and Bev enjoyed many great adventures together, including Yosemite, Haida Gwaii, the Tatshenshini River, and Costa Rica. But Mike was always grateful to return to their home, Beefy's ranch, where he felt the most at peace. Mike's long-time farm partners all know how exceedingly fortunate they were to have Mike as a partner.
All the children who grew up around the farm revered him. His family, and close friends - like his wonderful caregiver, Erin - felt the same. He was warm. He was funny. He was kind. He was compassionate and considerate towards others.
He will be missed. But Mike's life was nothing, if not inspiring. As Bev puts it, "I have a lifetime of memories with a man who helped me love life." His friends will continue to think of him whenever they spend time in nature.
A celebration of life will be held in the springtime, when the birds are at their noisiest, and the weather permits.