March 7, 1949 - December 26, 2020
On Saturday, December 26, 2020, Major William Michael 'Mike' Moore, loving husband and father of two, passed away at the age of 71.
Mike was born March 7, 1949 in Oakville, Ontario to Janet Elizabeth (Evans) and William Gardner Moore. Involved in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets as a teen, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1967. He earned his Chemical Engineering degree from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston in 1971. The following year, he married Lorraine Elizabeth Church in Vancouver.
Mike was a military engineer throughout his 35-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, with postings to bases in Trenton, Baldy Hughes, Chilliwack, Borden and Winnipeg and travels throughout the country. His Catholic faith was very important to him and when travelling, he would seek out mass wherever he happened to be on Sunday. He and Lorraine consistently volunteered at the churches in the cities where they were posted.
Mike played and followed sports throughout his life. Baseball was a particular passion, and Mike was a life-long Red Sox fan. He coached his son's teams, and patiently helped teach his grandchildren how to throw, catch and hit a ball. He was a determined runner, venturing out daily even when confronted by the worst of Winnipeg winters. Mike was known for his sense of humour and playful demeanor, as well as his knowledge of sports data.
After Mike retired in 2002 at the rank of Major, he and Lorraine moved from Winnipeg to Nanaimo to enjoy warmer weather, beautiful scenery and proximity to family. He enjoyed playing baseball again in the McGirr seniors' league, and learned how to play snare drum, becoming an active member of the Pacific Gael Pipes and Drums band. He joined the Holy Trinity Knights of Columbus Council #9990 where he helped serve his parish. Mike and Lorraine made frequent trips to Texas to visit their beloved children and grandchildren, who were his pride and joy.
Mike is survived by his wife of 48 years Lorraine, son Richard (Janice), daughter Victoria (Andrew Bishop), grandchildren Clara, Serena and Oliver Moore and Rebecca, Matthew and Peter Bishop. An only child, Mike was very close to Lorraine's siblings Roderick 'Rod' Church (Francie), Beverly 'Bev' (Douglas 'Doug' Morrison) and Patricia 'Pat' Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Gardner, and his mother, Janet.
A family funeral was held on January 8, 2021 at Trinity Catholic Church in Nanaimo.