January 5, 1937 - March 14, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness we say goodbye to our husband, father, and grandpa, Mike, who passed away in the early morning hours of March 14 at the age of 86.
Audrey, his wife of almost 59 years, was by his side. Dad was our hero, our family's guiding light, and while our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing he is now free from pain.
Dad was born in Chemainus, on Vancouver Island, son to Reginald and Katherine Clegg, and younger brother to sister, Robin. The family had a dairy farm in Westholme, and dad's
early life revolved around milking schedules and school.
He came to be a Toronto Maple Leafs fan from spending Saturday nights in the barn milking the cows and listening to Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts. He was an active member of 4-H, winning multiple awards for the cows he raised, and was a star fastball pitcher. He would later throw a two-hit game against the legendary King and His Court. His passion for the sport continued long after his shoulder called it quits.
Dad's life on the farm established his attention to detail and the strong work ethic that helped define his 35-year career with the RCMP. Dad joined the RCMP in August 1960, with his first posting to K Division.
He met mom in Edmonton, and they married in April 1964. Over the next six years, four of us - Kent, Sheri, Scott, and Kevin - would be born. When dad retired in 1995 as a chief superintendent, he'd been posted to E, F, and K divisions, as well as national headquarters, twice.
Our dad was a great dad. As we grew up, we realized he was an even better person, the best role model. He led by example.
Dad taught us humility, the value of hard work, that there is a difference between being liked and being respected, and the importance of integrity and being true to oneself. He was empathetic, he was kind, and he was loyal. He was always a gentleman.
His nine grandsons and one granddaughter also quickly learned how special he was, and he was their biggest cheerleader.
Dad couldn't seem to get the Island out of him, and he and mom moved to Nanaimo when he retired. Dad quickly became involved in organizations such as Crime Stoppers and Citizens on Patrol and the Central Vancouver Island Division of the RCMP Veterans' Association, of which he was a life member.
He took up golf and nurtured his green thumb. He took great pride in his yard and he and mom would visit countless greenhouses and nurseries every year searching for unique plants and flowers.
Our mom Audrey, the four of us, our partners, and our children will cherish our memories of dad: Kent and Coleen, and Aidan; Sheri and Greg, and Connor and Regan; Scott and Cindy, Ryan, Brady, and Kaden; Kevin and Cheryl, Mike and Amy, and Joshua, Nathan, and Zachary.
Dad formed some special bonds over the years, which became even more dear to him as his health deteriorated. We are forever grateful for the time and care these friends gave dad. We are also indebted to the many friends and neighbours who have helped mom.
We thank everyone who has reached out and who has shared stories and such kind tributes to dad. They have been a great comfort.