It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Lebel. After a brave battle with cancer, he passed away at home surrounded by his family.

 

Mike is dancing in heaven with his Mother and Father; Maureen and Leo Lebel, Sister Nancy and her husband Jerry Minarz, and sister Linda Atkinson.

 

Mike was incredibly loved and will be sadly missed by his wife Laurie, son Daniel and his wife Elizabeth, son David and his partner Carly, beloved grandchildren Sam and Anna, sister Joanne and her husband Glenn Lowery, brother-in-law Dennis Atkinson, brother Paul and his wife Pam LeBel, sister Mavis and her husband Barry Hess, mother-in-law Doreen Sudletsky, sister-in-law Cathy Sudletsky, the extended Lapka family, his many nieces and nephews, and so many wonderful friends.

 

Mike was the youngest of six children, and often flew under the radar. He grew up in East Kildonan and attended St. Alphonsus Elementary School, Munroe Jr. High and Kildonan- East Collegiate, where he graduated with a major in autobody. Mike spent most of his time outside as a child, biking and playing hockey at the outdoor rink. There was a large age gap between his oldest siblings and him, and they had a unique maternal bond. He had the rare gift to grow up alongside his nephews Kevin and Darren, he would laugh so hard recalling memories of bumper shining and getting into trouble together. His sister Mavis was his partner in crime; together they broke many house rules but never seemed to get caught.

 

In 1986 Mike met his bride Laurie, and together they built a beautiful life. They prioritized hosting celebrations and spending time with family and friends.

 

Mike’s heart belonged at Victoria Beach, where he and Laurie purchased their very first cabin on David Road in 1996. It was on David Road that they spent many weekends laughing and dancing with the Pascoe and Lennstrom families, and raising their kids together. It is on David Road that Mike first shared his love for biking, snowmobiling, quadding and building with the boys. When the family would arrive at the cabin on a Friday night, he would give the boys a saw, hammer and box of nails. He was always amused by what they were able to accomplish by the end of the weekend. In 2005 Mike and Laurie sold the cabin on David Road and began to build a new cabin on Evergreen Road. Mike cherished time building the new cabin with his sons, and all the good times that followed. He loved to host his friends and family on the big deck. Beach days with Angel and Zig were the highlight of his summer.

 

Mike was an exceptional father to Daniel and David. He was always volunteering at activities, whether is meant being the hockey coach or the Boy Scout leader (Rusty). He shared his passions with the boys when they were young, and as they grew older, he always showed interest in theirs. He loved helping with the boys with their renovation projects and helping them spot a good buy and sell. Mike always showed up for his children, even when they thought they did not need help. He was so proud of their accomplishments and the lives they have built for themselves.

 

Mike was a man of many trades, and knew a thing or two about a variety of subjects. He was the person many of us called when we were in trouble, or needed a good piece of advice. Mike was the first to spring into action with no hesitation. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and made a run at a few businesses in his day; including Tuxedo Taco and Ultimate Signs. Mike spent the last leg of his career working with AAA Alarms. He was a gifted salesman, and loved working with people.

 

Mike was passionate about winter and the sports that came along with it. He loved to curl, ski, and snowmobile. He and good friends Dave Coverdale spent much time together exploring the trails and lodges around Manitoba. He was respectfully called “Clark” because of his fondness for Christmas. He always strung beautiful lights, cut down his own tree and threw the most memorable Christmas parties.

Mike was a proud Winnipegger and a big sports fan. He loved the Winnipeg Jets and The Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He and good friend Barry Zimmerman were two of the loudest fans cheering on the Blue Bombers when they won the Grey Cup in 2019.

 

Mike and Laurie loved to travel together, and went on a warm trip every year. He shared his love for a good road trip with the boys, and took them to the mountains regularly to ski.

 

Becoming a Grandpa was Mike’s dream come true, he spent as much time as he could showing his love to Sam and Anna. The kids made Mike laugh like no other. Mike was quick to tell anyone who would listen about how gifted his grandchildren were.

 

Mike loved to make people laugh and was the life of the party. He made the best prime rib roast and loved a rye coke press. His laugh and presence will be missed so dearly by so many.

 

Mike had many great pieces of advice, it is likely he might have shared the following words with you:

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“Love one, trust few, always paddle your own canoe.”

“Moderation is the key to success.”

 

Our Family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nurse Kathy Trakalo and the staff on ward GA4 at Health Sciences Centre for all their care and compassion in the final weeks of Mikes life.

 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, pending current covid restrictions. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to The Seth Pascoe Memorial Scholarship Fund by e-transferring to sethpascoememorial@gmail.com or a charity of your choice.

 

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.”

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St, Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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