Obituary of Michael Charles Lailey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael “Mike” Charles Lailey on Saturday, June 10, after a brief illness.

Mike was born in Regina on May 9, 1957, to Charles and Doris Lailey and was a lifelong resident of Calgary.

An autodidact and polymath, Mike loved learning about a wide range of topics and could always be counted on to provide a detailed answer to any question. He used his knowledge and skills to create a beautiful home and garden and cared for family and friends through his many projects.

His career path was just as varied as his knowledge. His occupations included welder, mechanical engineering technologist, and project and property manager.

However, it is his love of the outdoors, and especially climbing, for which Mike will be best remembered. As a young man, Mike climbed some of the most advanced routes in North America for the time, including Polar Circus. He travelled extensively throughout western North America. His favourite places included the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Banff/Yoho, and Pacific Rim National Parks. Mike was also an active member of the Calgary Mountain Club for many years.

Mike was preceded by his father and brother and is survived by his wife, daughter, son, mother, sister, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Mike later this year.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) or the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC).