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Condolences
My deep condolences to Michael’s family. I have fond memories of spending time with Michael. His lust for life, kindness and positive outlook have left a lasting impact on me.
To the Stretch family, my condolences. I have fond memories of growing up next door to Mike and exploring our neighborhood together. He will be missed.
After a bunch of failed attempts at bringing my son to the market to find Michael, we sadly learned of his passing today. How can our hearts hurt so much over someone we barely knew? It was because he made my son feel special. He always remembered him every time we would show up for a balloon. My son always requested a Rapunzel balloon and Mike would remember and make sure to make it slightly different than the last one. I enjoyed our short conversations we had while he made it. We would go to the market solely for him and this experience.
I can’t imagine the heartbreak his family is going through losing such an amazing person. Rest in peace.
My heartfelt sympathies to ALL who are grieving this loss. He touched many lives had great impact on so many of us. I knew Stretch as a stage performer, a DJ, an artist, the cutest green onion cake + ice cream cone maker, a farmers market regular, dog lover, an outdoorsy-man, traveller, adventurer, ultimate DIYer, and of course our favourite balloon guy…but of all of these I knew him as a friend. I was lucky to have known him for over 25 years…a lifetime of memories to remember him with. Love and light to his family and friends…all who will remember him!
I have just heard the news about "Stretch" and I am devastated. Stretch and I have been friends since the early 90's, From nights out at different bars around the city, to, day trips to the lake for some jet skiing, we did it all. I am hurting as I write this and I will miss you brother!
I met Mike while I was working at Canuck Amusements- he was always my favourite customer. He started mentoring me in balloon twisting/entertaining in 2011 and put me on a path that completely changed my life.
He was always encouraging, quick witted and creative. He was a firm believer in being able to accomplish anything yourself. His own projects speak to this- he could build the impossible using his boundless imagination & some spare parts. Whenever we spent time together he had us laughing- whether it be working together at events, catching up on the phone or doing projects at his house. We came up with many business ideas together, some for fun and some that were a real possibility. He was always thoughtful to include his friends in his "next big idea."
His mind was nonstop and he had an eye for things that would become popular- such as songs, products, and businesses. We often joked that if he picked just two of his ideas, he would easily be a millionaire. He had an idea many years ago about a system at Calgary Lab Services that would text you once they're ready to see you. I went for a test recently and they actually have it implemented- he would have his mischievous smile and say one of his infamous lines "I called that 10 years ago."
We had a solid relationship where we could count on each other 100%. Any time I'd call he'd answer & vice versa. He was so dependable, generous, and completely authentic. Any time someone would ask him a question, he would give all his advice and lend his tools without hesitation. He had a vast base of knowledge and experiences to draw from and was more than willing to share to help anyone in need (a stranger or otherwise). He taught me how to DJ & gave me his entire library of music from a mere mention of wanting to learn more about it.
His way of life and positive attitude are things I've adapted into my own life including my own various career paths. Because of him, I've become more confident, adventurous and able to embrace the fun that life can offer.
As I write this, I find his character and spark are difficult to capture with words. His life and experiences could easily be made into a series of books. He was unlike anyone I've ever met and am so grateful that I was able to get to know him.
I miss him. His conversation, his hugs, his laugh.
I have endless love and gratitude for him. I'll carry him with me always.
I think it was the year 2000 when I first met Michael.
I was performing at the fringe fest in Edmonton , Michael was twisting at the market.
I liked him instantly, as was Michael's way with all who met him
His great smile and his warm heart shone through.
Although we never did things together outside of entertainment I feel we had a close bond.
It didn't matter if it was on the phone or in person for 5 minutes or 5 hours we always had each other laughing.
We laughed on the phone shortly before he left us
We really bonded when we twisted side by side at the grand opening of the Genesis centre.
First thing I made a big monkey he didn't know how to make ( unusual as he was a master balloon artist)
I ended up making several that day.
The next morning I was showing him how to make it before the event opened, but a child saw it and away we went doing monkeys all day.
It was a running joke right up to his passing.
At the same event I would bark each time I made a dog, Michael would look to see how many people turned there heads each time and he would laugh.
Any time we twisted together after that he would want me to bark.
He had me busting a gut with many of his antics and things he said.
Michael was an incredible balloon artist, but I never heard him brag about it, he let his work speak for itself. ( something many of us should learn).
He was a big dreamer like myself, the difference was he turned many of his into reality.
Michael would literally give the shirt off his back to a stranger.
The last time I saw him my grandson Lucas and I went to see him at the market.
Michael gave Lucas a bunch of bullets for his nurf gun.
He made Lucas's day.
Although I knew he was in pain
Michael always wore a smile and brought joy in spite of it.
Michael had a way of making anyone no matter how young or old feel like they were special and the only person in the room.
Michael and I were planning a big balloon jam at my house and then one at his.
He Loved to share and help others.
Great talent that will be sadly missed.
I had Michael fill in for me at a restaurant a month before his passing.
Last week a customer asked about him ( I had to walk away for a moment).
In my conversation with the customer it became clear that he made a huge impact on them.
That was Michael
That is the reason for Stretch fest
He was no ordinary guy he was all heart
Whoever got his heart must have a VERY BIG chest.
Goodbye my friend, I Love you and miss you.
The world has lost a really great guy but all who knew him, surely knows this already! Mike was always such a kind and generous neighbor and friend! He had such an infectious positive attitude!I loved our neighborly street chats with Rolo right by his side, where we shared wild dreams of getting out of the city! Rest in peace dear friend! You will be missed ❤️
Ahhh, Mike, a man made of all the good things. I always felt good after leaving a gig that I spent with Mike. He had his own unique way of pouring his kindness, incredible generosity, humour and intelligence into the world. He surely demonstrated to the rest of us on how to be a good human. Prayers up for safe travels for my friend.
I had the privilege of performing at many different events with Mike over the years. He was always one of the highlights of these events to both the attendees and to fellow entertainers. Always positive, always an amusing story to tell, always cool and fun plans that he would share as to things he was looking at doing… even as we would be setting up prior to people arriving at shows he would stop to talk, share … even teach others around him a new design he had learned as a balloon artist. Honestly… as I type all this my memories of the great times with Mike are all coming flooding back at once… with the main part of each memory always being how he was smiling, laughing, sharing ideas, helping others, even sharing his equipment if it made it easier for those around him to do their job better. Mike was a great guy. The kind of person everyone is proud to call a friend and say, “yeah, I know him! “ because being connected to him in anyway made us better as well. To say he will be missed is a huge understatement. Love you man… my best and care to Mikes family as well.
Mikes smile would light up a room. His laugh was contagious and his dreams were larger than life. This man touched so many lives. I say man but he was really a little boy at heart always. So full of life, never afraid to be goofy, always there to help if you needed it I cried on his big shoulders a few times. He was a huge part of my life. When the farmers market first started mike and my mom and my daughter were the entertainment team there for years and years My daughter was about 8 and those two were fast friends. He was like a brother to her and taught her everything he knew about balloons. He was so patient and would spend hours helping her. She is now an amazing twister because of Mike. He was always there for me. When my friends daughter was getting married and had no money for a DJ he stepped in and even though he had never met her he donated his services without a thought. Well that’s not exactly true, he said I would have to do his laundry for months (lol that never happened).
Mike was a giver, a peacemaker , and his dreams were bigger than he was. I know now he can hopefully see how much he changed the world and how many dreams he made happen for others. I will miss that smile and his smartazz wit that always picked me up if I was down.
Mike you were a blessing in my life and I will miss you terribly my friend.
Mike was the DJ at our wedding, and a regular customer at my wife's work.
I had the pleasure of getting a tour of his house the spring before his passing. I was struct by the overpouring of not just creativity, but courage. I would sit and delay so many projects wanting to get it just right - but here he has a dozen shower heads in a series in his basement bathroom.
I have no doubt of the blessings he has accumulated and distributed in this life by way of his positive being. The world has certainly lost a friend. I for one will strive to be a little more bold, and little more joyful in this life to pick up the slack left behind.
My sincere condolences to his family. As an acquaintance I am deeply saddened, so your grief is truly immeasurable. I wish you all a deep sense of connection to his spirit in your grief, and a glimpse of his eternal love for you all.
RIP Mike
Kurtis
Michael will never leave us - his infectious smile, his delicious lust for life and fun and his genuine need to be of benefit to others makes it impossible for those who knew him well to think for one second that he has left us . He may have left us in body - but we all learned so much from Mike and we ALL have so many amazing memories of him...that I honestly feel that we were all extraordinarily lucky to have had him in our lives. And he remains among us in our hearts and minds.
I met Mike when I first came to YYC and started Face Painting once a week at the old Farmer's Market- sharing the little area next to his bouncy castle....with all his Helium Balloons waiting for eager hands to take them away and a never ending line up of expectant faces waiting for Mike to work his magic in rubber - he NEVER disappointed, and off they would skip with a happy mother in tow. (The "Yummy Mummies" would take refuge by the bouncy castle to rest up after a heavy day of shopping at the market - and Michael LOVED to chat to them and be his perpetual charming self). He LOVED to make others smile. He was devastatingly handsome (and he loved it)...we teased him mercilessly about how he posed in pictures - those come hither eyes will never be forgotten. There was not a single bad bone in him. He was universally loved and enjoyed by all his colleagues in the entertainment industry.
He will be remembered for his ridiculous suits - Loud and in terrible taste - absolutely PERFECT attire for a Balloon Twister at a corporate event. He had charm and wisdom and talent... a very hard combination to fake. He will be remembered for his insane kindness. If he knew one of his colleagues needed something - if Mike had it - he would just drop it off - on extended loan. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Mike.
He adored his life. He adored his family and he was just a genuinely excellent human being. When my life fell apart - Mike was one of the first people at my house - offering practical help to lessen my suffering. He gave it without fuss or emotion just genuine friendship and support. I will miss him every day - but then, I didn't see him every day - we WILL miss the big man at our corporate events, but more we will tell his stories, laugh at old memories and be thankful for having had such a prince in our lives.
My love goes to Wes and Nonnie and all his family and friends. I can't feel sorry because each time I try to .- a flood of memories invades the space and makes me grin from ear to ear with such happiness it almost moves me to tears. Thanks Mike for being such a fabulously silly, happy, fun, glorious human being.! I loved you very much!
I did not know Mike, except through the Market. My 4 year old was smitten with him every time we visited. They would conjure up elaborate balloon designs and I appreciated how generous he was with his patience and time. He was incredibly engaging.
I found out about his passing through a request to the Market to see if Mike may have been available to come to my sons 5th birthday next month - that's how memorable he is for my son and that he wanted to share that with his friends.
I hope your memories bring you some solace during this time.
Sarah and Charlie
Our deepest condolences to the entire Stretch family. Our hearts and hugs are with you all at this very sad time as you try to make sense of why he was taken so soon. We know you will miss Michael very much. Keep the memories in your hearts of all the precious times you shared.
Our thoughts and prayers to Wes. Nonnie,their family and Michals friends..
It was not difficult to recognize his humanitary personality with our first visit.
Michal's life contributed to making our world better.
Our Love
Lorne and Shirley
I’m saddened to hear of Michael’s passing. When I first moved to Calgary my family visited the market, my 4 year old daughter fell in the parking lot and got several boo boo’s, Mike was the first to rush in and get bandaides, give her a balloon and put a smile on her face. Stellar example of a good guy! You will be missed. Louise Kollmel
We were saddened to hear of Mike's passing, he was a shining star and will be deeply missed by everyone.
The Calgary Farmers' Market is sending the Stretch family strength and love during this difficult time, we are all truly sorry for your loss.
We are so deeply saddened by the news of Mike. He was a beautiful soul inside and out. We met him through neighbors across the street right after he bought the house.
We became good friends,neighbors, shopping buds, always sending each other sales on at different stores, and he took me and introduced me to krazy bins. He loved to shop, find good deals. Both my grandsons worked for him around the yard, He hired the neighborhood kids to help around the yard too. He was a good friend to anyone who was blessed to have him in their lives. Mike had such an awesome personality and spirit, always helping people. He was loved by many, and we were so lucky to have known him. He touched so many lives and will be deeply missed. We want you all to know how deeply sorry we are for your loss.
With our deepest and most heartfelt condolences.
Bob and Sue
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