I just heard of Michael's passing and I am so sorry to hear this.. my humblest condolences to his family....he talked about you all with much love ❤️.

Michael brought such knowledge to his job at WPS. I needed his computer experience a handful of times over the years. He certainly knew his stuff. But it was his kind and gentle nature that made any interaction with him so special. He was a good man..... that's what it came down to.

Michael.... you are missed. I hope you and Kenny are sharing funny work stories.....❤️

Rest easy friend.....

We are shocked to have lost our cousin Michael, especially as he was planning to revisit the UK after so long away and as part of his forthcoming retirement. It is so nice though to read the wonderful comments and to hear how much he was loved and respected by so many special people in his life. I hope that "we cousins" can meet in the not too distant future to celebrate his life and share our memories.

Michael was an absolute pleasure to work with. He was always so patient and helpful with any IT requests or asks. Deepest condolences to all his friends and family, he will certainly be missed by many 💙

I met Michael in 1988 when he started work at the AA. He was working on a project to split up the WP centre where I worked and, as part of the split, my new job meant I would be working in the same department as him.

It wasn’t long before he would pop round to mine some evenings for a chat and, when I was away from home, he would house-sit. If I was going out for an evening he would look after my 2 children. When I was without a car, and so wasn’t going to go out, his response was “well, if I’m looking after Amy and Chris I won’t be using my car so why don’t you borrow it?” That was Michael all over, generous to a fault.

Michael was very popular at work. His knowledge and his willingness to help others was second to none. He was certainly missed when he left, not just by me but by all of those he had come into contact with.

When he came back to visit Basingstoke in 1999, he was able to meet up with many of his friends and former colleagues who were all very pleased to see him and, I suspect, tried to persuade him to come back to the AA.

I last spoke to Michael in May this year. He was looking forward to his retirement and making plans on what to do, including a visit to the UK. Life is so cruel that, after working all his life, he didn’t get to enjoy his retirement.

God bless you Michael. Sleep tight. Love Sandra xx

I just learned of Michael's sudden passing today. I worked with Michael at XCAN in Winnipeg and he was a wonderful man. He was kind and truly cared about people. He visited me in Australia when I relocated there on one of his many trips that he loved. In the past few years I would run into him in the walkways of downtown Winnipeg and he would always stop give me a hug and have a chat. I'm sad that he didn't get the chance to follow his dreams after retirement. Rest in Peace Michael - you will be missed😢

I worked with Michael at Xcan and we became good friends. He was very good at his job and was always cheerful and happy. He was well liked by everyone. I couldn't ask for a better friend. My daughter used to say she could listen to him talk all day because she loved his accent.

I worked closely with Michael for years. I have a lot of good memories of him, I was shocked to learn of his passing. RIP Michael, you will be missed.

This was a really shocking news to learn about Micheals passing just few months after his retirement. Micheal's memory remain with everyone he worked with here at the Communication Systems Branch of the City of Winnipeg. Our condolences to the Bolton family.

I was very saddened to hear of Michael's passing. Michael was always such a kind, intelligent, fun and happy person. Michael always made the time to help everyone and was always so much fun to talk to. Michael was so smart and had such a gift for explaining things and taking the time to listen and help. I will miss Michael and the talks we used to have. Rest in peace Michael.

Michael was our dear cousin and, even though I hadn't seen him for many years, I have fond memories of visiting him and Auntie Audrey when we were kids. Unfortunately, because of distance, Micheal couldn't join us at a recent family gathering. But we were all really hoping we could meet with him for a warm family reunion (in the UK!) on his retirement. I'm so sad that this won't now 'come to be'. But instead we'll all meet, our large extended family (of at least 14 direct cousins!), to remember Michael together. Meanwhile, it's been wonderful to read all the memories, stories and condolences shared here, thank you.

I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Michael's passing. He definitely deserved a long and happy retirement. Aways a very friendly and professional person. I remember just after he was hired, I asked him for an opinion on a new technology. The next day he handed me his sixteen page report about the pros and cons of it. When he was hired, we were a small group, and he was the only person responsible for making sure the big computer hardware met the ever increasing needs of the department. Even though it was a stressful position, he ran with it and made it his. It was a pleasure working with him. My deepest condolences to the Bolton family.

I was truly shocked and even more saddened when I heard Michael had passed away.... he was just beginning his new adventures of well deserved retirement. My heartfelt condolences to his family, to his friends and to his close work family. Michael always greeted with you a smile and conversation. It was always a pleasure 'bumping' into him in the hallways at work. He will be missed, he IS missed. Rest in Peace ✝ 🙏

My deepest condolences to the Bolton family. All the I.T. guys at the WPS were great, Mike was no exception. Mike had that very calm laid back demeanor. Regardless of how stressed you were Mike could solve your problems. Always had that smile. You have left us too soon Mike.

Michael was often outside the St Mary entrance when I came into the building in the morning. We would walk into the building together and talk & joke. As his retirement came closer, he was excited to share his future goals & travel plans, as others have mentioned. He looked forward to this time. What an lesson for us all: to enjoy 'time' as we have it NOW, Do the things we want to do, and to appreciate those around us who come in and out of our lives on a daily basis, making each of our days better. Such a sad shock to hear that he won't get to fulfill his hopes and dreams.

Michael was appreciated by many; myself included. I could rely on Michael, who was the only person who dealt with the Volunteer software that only two positions here use. He was THE 'go-to' when there were glitches with it, and he always, always helped with a smile, and understood that the needs of volunteers were different than for staff. He was gentle, kind and made things happen in his methodic way. He even tried to explain IT things to me, which always made us both laugh!

His humor was sharp, his heart large, and he will be missed.

I met Michael the day he started at the WPS, and I was in the office next to his the day he retired 20 years later.

Throughout that time, he was a support to me both in our technical work together and emotionally. I hope I was even a fraction of that to him.

He had a great sense of humour and I am sure I tested his limits with mine.

We often sat and chatted to work out our challenges or just to enjoy each other's company. Nearing his retirement, our chats were more about his plans to retire, travel and take photos.

One time, after a particularly intensive system upgrade, Mike could see I was stressed. He had remembered, that in the past, when he would ask if I needed anything, I would be a tease and joke that he could, "... also get me a coffee and maybe some almond biscotti!"

When I came in to work the next day, what was on my desk? ... A package of biscotti! He said he could see I wasn't doing well.

At or near the end of a workday, often Mike would appear in my doorway, look at me and say, "Can I go 'ome now? (home)", in that wonderful accent!

I was in no way ever in a position where he reported to me but I would say, "Permission granted!"

I miss him.

Well Mike, you can "Go 'ome now". Permission granted!

Michael was always a pleasure to talk too, we always walked to the parkade together to and from work, he was truly a genuinely nice man, and very knowledgeable at anything computer related. I was saddened to hear of his passing and it's too bad he didn't get to enjoy his retirement. RIP Michael.

I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Michael, he was such a nice man and so knowledgeable in his field of work. On many occassions I would call him directly for assistance and he was always more than happy to help. He would help me understand the techy world in his lovely English accent and it alway made my day. We had many conversations about retirement and I know he was so looking forward it. Another big loss for our WPS family, To his family my condolences, Michael was very much loved by his work family and he will be missed . RIP my friend.

Michael was so patient as he worked with me on my various computer glitches and projects. We always shared a laugh or two every time I called him. He was such a nice man who is gone too soon. ❤️

I have fond memories of working with Michael. A true gentleman. My sincerest sympathies to his family and friends. Gone too soon ...

I am so saddened to hear this news. Michael was a gentleman; kind to everyone who knew him. He often spoke of his love of photography, and the trips he would take exploring and taking photos of everything. Michael was my go to, always offering assistance on the phone or popping by the Chiefs office to help us out. Michaels help was always appreciated. Rest in peace Michael, you will be missed.

I am very saddened to hear this. Michael and I had many conversations inside and outside of the old PSB. He helped me to understand some of the technical things when the WPS switched sysytems. He always had a smile and a laugh to share.

My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Michael was such a gentleman. I had to call him for IT issues often, both because my unit needed his services often, but mostly because I'm terrible with computers! He was so patient and kind!! He will be missed and I'm so sad he can't enjoy his retirement as he so richly deserved. Rest in peace, Michael

Condolences to Michael's faMikyla. I only worked with him for a few years but he was such a nice guy. Sorry to hear of his passing!

Condolences to Michael's family and friends. We chatted often on our breaks about his interests outside of work and he was always so helpful with all of our IT issues, big or small. I'm sorry he never got a chance to really enjoy all his retirement plans. Rest easy Michael

Even when things are busy and stressful, Michael had a way of setteling everyone down. Michael was a paitent and kind person. He was also a great mentor and teacher.

I'm deeply saddened by this news as he just told me he was starting to not think about work when he woke up in the mornings. I'm glad he got to feel "retired" for a bit.

Michael will be remembered by the IT staff here and all the people he supported. His knowledge and advice are much appreciated. I don't think theres been a person in the building for 20 years who didn't know who Michael was or he had some impact on.

R.I.P Michael. You will be missed by many and I appreciate everything you have taught me.

This is very sad news. Michael and I had so many great conversations and I knew he was looking forward to retirement. He was a lovely man. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. ❤️

So sad to hear of Michael's passing. I had regular dealings with him at work and he was always the consummate professional. We would pass each other often on the fifth floor and I enjoyed our informal chats. When his retirement was announced I remember speaking with him about his future plans and how much he looked forward to traveling. Condolences to his family. RIP Mike. You were one of the good ones.

I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was a very nice person who waved and greeted me whenever we saw each other. He was so very helpful and assisted me with many

IT related needs over the years at WPS. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences to his family.

I had the pleasure of working with Michael as our direct support on a major server project.. He was fantastic and instrumental in ensuring success. Michael knew the importance as it benefited members not having to view (repetitively) the worst of all types of material. He made sure everything worked because he took great pride in his job and worried about his colleagues. Michael saved a lot of unnecesary trauma for members.

Thank you Michael, rest in peace.

I’m so sad to hear of Michael’s passing. Over the years I had the pleasure of working with Michael often due to the heavy demand our unit had for IT related services. He was always professional and no matter how complex the problem Michael would figure it out. As already mentioned by others, he was definitely regarded as the go-to-guy in our unit. On one of my last chats with Michael was on his last day at work, prior to retirement. He took the time to connect with as many people as he could to wish everyone well and say his goodbyes. I remember he was excited about travelling and indulging in his passion of photography; a passion we shared. It was a pleasure knowing you Michael. My sincere condolences to Michael’s family.

Shocked and saddened to hear of Michael's passing.. He was such an asset to the WPS. He was always happy and willilng to share his expertise. He was one of the main contributors to my success while in WPS IT. Michael was very excited about retirement and I am sad that he wasn't able to enjoy more of it.. He will be missed..

I am deeply saddened by this news. as a police officer, early in my career, in the early 2000's, I worked specifically with him on a major case management system. What a incrediable problem solver. Over the years we would see each other in passing, in elevators, and would always catch up, right up until his retirement. Michael was a gem of a person, and brilliant with IT issues. I contacted him on countless issues throughout the years, and even though not his job, he would either fix it or steer me in the right direction. Always saying call anytime. He truly was a valued member of the WPS family. My heart goes out his family. He will be truly missed. Rest easy Michael.

I'm shocked & saddened by the news of Mike's passing. We had many conversations outside during our breaks at work. He often spoke of looking forward to retirement. Im so sad that he didn't get to enjoy & fulfill his retirement. Mike was always helpful when I had an IT problem & was extremely knowledgeable at his job. Mike will be missed by the Wps. My Condolences to Mike's family.

Very nice fellow Michael was. We were just discussing the RV lifestyle prior to his recent retirement. Very sad news. He will be missed.

You will be missed.

I would share elevator rides with Michael several times. I always saw him as a constant friendly presence. I could always count with a smile and a brief pleasant conversation with him. Never saw him frustrated or impolite or unwilling to help. Rest in Peace.

Always a gunuine nice, polite person. Through my years of always running into Michael he was always smiling even on the -30 days we ran into each other, My condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, and those who didnt know him, you missed out!.

Saddened to hear about Michael’s passing. He was always kind, helpful, and ready to solve any IT issue with a smile. Running into him in the hallways or elevator at HQ was always a bright spot in my day, and his positive attitude was truly contagious.

Michael will be greatly missed by myself and so many others. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

It is with great sadness to hear of Michael's passing. Anytime I had interaction with him on I.T. issues or just to see him in the hallways, he was always such a friendly guy and I enjoyed our chats. He was definitely a huge asset to our I.T. division and will be greatly missed. Sorry to hear that he didn't get the chance to fufill his retirement goals. Gone way too soon. R.I.P. Michael and sincere condolences to his family and friends.

I worked with Michael for a handful of years, and he was always a pleasure to work with. I enjoyed our morning chats while getting coffee (whether decaf or not!) from the office Keurig machine. Condolensces and Rest In Peace.

While I am sure he never knew it, Michael was my safe-walk back to my car many early evenings after work. We always seemed to arrive at the same time, and leave at the same time too. Which was great, as Winnipeg Police headquarters is situated in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, which isn't always the safest place for a lone young woman to walk.

We never really spoke, just exchanged polite 'good mornings' and 'good evenings,' warm smiles and waves. I was always too shy to spark up a conversation (and I think he was too), despite how intrigued I was by his accent, and grateful I was for his presence! I always planned to ask how that accent came to be. I am sad I had to learn so from his obituary.

It was bittersweet to learn of his retirement, as I knew I had lost my kind, mysterious, quiet, safe escort. And now it is only bitter to learn of his sudden passing.

I am sorry I never struck up that conversation, my kind escort. And I am sorry you didn't have more time to enjoy the fruits of your life-long labour.

Rest in peace, Michael

While I am sure he never knew it, Michael was my safe-walk back to my car many early evenings after work. We always seemed to arrive at the same time, and leave at the same time too. Which was great, as Winnipeg Police headquarters is situated in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, which isn't always the safest place for a lone young woman to walk.

We never really spoke, just exchanged polite 'good mornings' and 'good evenings,' warm smiles and waves. I was always too shy to spark up a conversation (and I think he was too), despite how intrigued I was by his accent, and grateful I was for his presence! I always planned to ask how that accent came to be. I am sad I had to learn so from his obituary.

It was bittersweet to learn of his retirement, as I knew I had lost my kind, mysterious, quiet, safe escort. And now it is only bitter to learn of his sudden passing.

I am sorry I never struck up that conversation, my kind escort. And I am sorry you didn't have more time to enjoy the fruits of your life-long labour.

Rest in peace, Michael

Michael was always kind, patient and understanding, even when dealing with a bunch of impatient idiots at work (which I absolutely was, one of many, on occasion). Any time I felt stressed and needed to escape work for a few minutes, he let me invite myself with him for an outdoor vent session. We talked about what was bothering us, what our plans were for the summer, family and friends, and anything that came to mind; he was so easy and nice to talk to. He was so ready and excited to retire; I hope he got to do even a small part of what made him happy, and I will miss him very much. I consider myself lucky to have known him. Thoughts and hugs to his family; he talked about you often.

Michael was our 'go to' guy! He always had a solution to an IT problem and was very kind no matter how dumb the question. I was sorry to see him leave the WPS and am sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.

I am so saddened to hear of Michael's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Michael at the Winnipeg Police Service. I first met Michael when I worked in one of the Service's speciality units. He was one of my few "go to" people I whenever I had a computer issue and he was always very patient. He always had time for a bit of talk when I saw him in the building and we chatted about many topics including airline flying to politics to bucket list travel destinations.

Condolences to his family. Rest in peace Michael.