It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Michael Shamus Murray on May 21, 2024. Born on February 26, 1976, Michael was 48 years old.
Michael was a cherished partner, son, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend. He leaves behind his devoted partner, Dionne Tomniuk, his loving parents, Vicki (Per) Andersen and James Hicks; his siblings, Meredith (Darin), Melissa (Craig), Paul (Dena), Mark, Nicala (Dennis), Natasha, Micah, and Nick; his many nieces and nephews, Stacey (Tom), Jordan, Sachi, Maiya, Ella, Finn, Raeanne, Oliver, Madison, Logan, Ryder, and Theo; five great-nieces; one great-nephew; a large extended family and many friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.
Dedicated to lifelong learning, Michael became a certified Hypnotherapist, was proud to have earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Victoria and went on to complete an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies at Royal Roads University.
Michael was always eager to share his knowledge and skills with others and with that he carried the uncanny ability to find the good in every situation, live in the present moment, and find fun and adventure in even the smallest of moments or tasks. Michael was a talented and passionate pool player. To the game, he brought not only a competitive edge but also spent many hours happily teaching others to improve their game and hone their skills. Michael was a lover and creator of music. He spent many hours writing meaningful lyrics with his guitar or playing a tune for others to enjoy. Michael cherished every moment spent with family. His love and support were steadfast, bringing immense joy and comfort to those he cared about. His selfless nature and empathetic spirit touched many lives, creating a legacy of kindness and compassion.
Although Michael was taken from us far too soon, his impact on our lives will endure. His memory will live on in the stories we share, the laughter we remember, and the love that continues to surround us.
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on June 18, 2024, at the Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Road in Victoria, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. All who knew and loved him are invited to attend and honor his remarkable life. In lieu of donations or flowers, we ask that you honour Michael by carrying out an act of kindness. Tell somebody they are “awesome”, give someone that extra time and attention, reach out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, buy a stranger a coffee. The world could use more kindness and more of the giant hugs that Michael so generously shared.
Rest easy, Michael. Your spirit and the love you shared will remain in our hearts forever.
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Cindy Warwick
Vicki,
Our heartfelt condolences to you all on your loss. He was taken far too soon.
We hope when you think of him and remember all the good times you shared together, it brings you some comfort during this difficult time. Speak of him often and he always be close by.
You, Per and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Cindy Warwick
Faith Faltermeier
Sending so much love to the family. I am so grateful for the time I got with, Michael. Not only was he a mentor, and a team lead…he was a friend. Someone I will always look up to. Indigenous Outreach Team will forever be thankful for everything. One of the kindest humans I had the pleasure of knowing. “Stay awesome,” will stay with me forever. Much love,
Faith Faltermeier
Shannon Firman
I met Michael as I started as a new counselor a few years ago. In that time, he became a teacher, a mentor and a friend. He always had something positive to say and had a keen love of learning. I had many an interesting conversation with him where I learned something new. He always encouraged my growth as a counselor and as a person and I valued his opinions and problem solving skills. He helped me solve many a problem as I learned this field. I will always value the things he taught me and example he set. I miss him greatly, and I am so sorry for your loss. He did so much good in the world and helped so many people. His energy for supporting people was inspiring. That energy lives on in the people he helped. He will be missed.
Joyce Browm
Sending love and hugs to Michaels Family. So very sad to have him leave so soon. 💚 🙏🏼.
I have known Michael for only a couple of years through work and because of his beautiful spirit, his kindness, his sincerity and caring nature I felt very comfortable with him . As a coworker and team lead… his hard work; helpful behaviour, great knowledge made working with him appreciative and joyful! I had the privilege of facilitating a group at work with him and that was wonderful! I will hold all the beautiful memories in my heart. ♥️ I am so grateful that I met and got to know him. I so enjoyed our talks and his laugh. He is deeply missed!
His presence at work was our benefit and gift.🙏🏼💜
Sending love, peace and appreciation to my friend Michael 💐🙏🏼❤️
Shari Thompson
Our sincere condolences to the family. Such a profound loss to his family, friends, co-workers, and all who he touched.
Shari & Ernie Thompson
Jacquie Brown
So sorry for this tragic loss. Michael had a unique energy, always positive. He will be very missed by so many.
Mary Morrison
Michael will be remembered as an extremely thoughtful, kind and friendly person and someone who was very passionate about his work and the ones he served. He will be greatly missed. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of his loved ones during this impossibly hard time.
Amanda Scott
Rest easy, Michael. I will always remember the little you in diapers who didn’t say much but were quick to laugh or ask for a cookie while myself and your older siblings tore your Moms house apart. Thank you for being a bright star in my childhood and for being a huge part of The Scotts second family. Sending your family love and light; you left far too soon. You will be missed just as you are loved, beyond measure.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are” -Carl Jung
Sandra Scott
A very nice picture of Michael, certainly shows the warm person he was. Fond memories of the little boy in the boots. Love, Sandra
Randy Riches
One of the most sincere, caring and warm people I’ve ever had the chance to meet. I played pool with Michael and he’d always be the first person to offer a kind word, a compliment or just ask how your day was going. I hope his legacy is the positive contribution he made to so many peoples lives. RIP Michael.
Sylvia Morice
Michael’s death leaves a huge void in the lives of all who knew and love him. I was so happy that he and Dionne made a trip to the east coast a few years ago and we were able to spend time with them.
Rest in peace, Michael, you will be held forever in the hearts of those left behind to mourn.
Love you,
Aunt Sylvia
Sharon Hicks
I can only echo what has already been said … when he and Dionne were here on the east coast 3 years or so ago, we had a great visit and I got to enjoy the big bearhugs from my ‘little’ nephew. We also had numerous long conversations over the past decade or so, and I will miss those. He really was a special person, in so many ways. He will be sadly missed by so many of us who loved him. 💔
Lyndsay (Bowers) Arsenault
I knew Michael for a few years while he lived in Edmonton. He was a gentleman, kind and caring, would give the last change in his pocket to anyone in need, cares deeply for his family and friends. Bless his soul.
Barbara Smith
I am truly sorry for the loss of Michael – i knew Michael as a little boy. He was the sweetest little boy one could ever imagine – Michael grew up to be a stand up guy, still sweet and smart and caring. I will always hold those memories close to my heart. Rest in peace…
Caroline Scott
I’m so sorry for your loss. This obituary is beautifully written and very much captures his loving personality. We often rode the city bus together in the mornings on our way to Scona. Always a safe and warm feeling in his presence amongst the chaos of a crowded high school bus. Lots of love to you all xoxoxo
Jeremy Rilkoff
It is incredibly difficult to put into words the person Mike was, and I apologize for using this space as a personal eulogy, but I may not have another chance.
I first met Mike around 2008 while he was working at the Bard & Banker. I overheard him talking about a crazy pool shot he had seen during league, and as someone who thought they were pretty good at pool, I leapt at the chance to talk shop with someone. Without hesitation he invited me to join his Sunday team and come play in league. It was there, in that first game against Chris Carroll, that I realized I knew absolutely nothing about pool.
Mike was always ready to listen, teach, and observe with full attention. I would be downplaying it to say he inspired an entire generation of pool players at UVic. He gave me the opportunity to run the weekly pool league, something I was fortunate enough to pass down to others, who would echo my exact sentiments. He never judged people, and was always ready to hear both sides to find the amicable solution. In short, he was a life long negotiator and listener who would always find a way to guide people through their current struggle.
I owe a lot of Mike, and while he never played a direct role in my day to day life, he was always a beacon of light and optimism whenever or wherever I found him. He taught me to be more accepting, be more willing to listen to a situation or proposed solution, and he would be proud to know that he taught me a lot about pool. Aside from billiards, his love of music and life in general poured out of him without any filter. He truly was an absolute joy to be around at all times.
We will love you forever and never forget the time you took to make us all feel as amazing as you were. Rest in peace Michael, you gave more in your short life than many are capable of doing in their entirety.
gregory zimmerman
James my prayers are with you and family and friends, Missing you already Michael. A great man, a true class act.