February 8, 2020
Michael Severn passed away on 8th of February 2020 at 2:20am at the age of 90. He was born in Matlock Darbishure, England. Michael is survived by his devoted wife Louise of 64 years, his son David (Julie), sister Gillian Ruutel, granddaughters Tara Brown (Nick), Erin Severn and great granddaughters Ezara, Ashlynn, Avery, Amillia and Erralynn; brothers-in-law, Rany McLean (Lynda), David McLean, Jerry McLean (Kim), sisters-in-law, Bonnie Scott (Scotty), Chris Wicks (Bob), Linda McLean and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Michael was predeceased by his father, Donavan Severn, mother, Evelyn Severn, sister Sonia Scott and brother Anthony Severn. In September 2018, Michael lost his daughter Sonia to cancer.
Michael was a man of many trades. While in Hope, BC, where he met Louise, he was a top head loader in the forest industry. After getting married, he and Louise moved to Vancouver where he worked for Mosler/Taylor Safe Company. They then moved to Port McNeill and Jeune Landing where he became a foreman for Rayoneer Forest Company. They moved to Duncan several years later and he worked at Shawnigan Lake in logging and then moved to Nanaimo where he became the chief instructor for logging at the Vocational School. From there he became an inspector for the Worker's Compensation Board and was stationed at Terrace for four years after which he was transferred to Nanaimo where he became chief inspector for logging for the whole island. After fifteen years he retired and went into building houses. He worked alone except for his wife Louise who was the "roofer" (they called her "nine-square-Louise). Michael built 39 homes in Nanaimo and some in the interior and the north end of the island, during this he also built their own home. Michael and Louise belonged to Yellow Point Drama and were in several plays as well as their favourites which were pantomimes. Michael was always the "Dame" and Louise the "Baron". They also belonged to Nanaimo Ballroom Dance. He loved the Latin rhythms. Their favourite being the rhumba. It was nothing for them to go out for dinner to places like the "Old" Pipers Pub and people would move the furniture so they could "Strut their stuff", they danced
up a storm. Women loved to dance with Michael and have him do the old "bend-backwards" move.
Michael was admired by so many for his wit and his humour as well as the "sparkle" in his eye along with a loving smile. He was known for his letters he would write to people with a story that had a theme that went with the picture on the front of the card. Everyone treasured those stories and still do to this day. Michael was a man of all trades, when one of the officers at the Compensation Board was recommending him for promotion to the Chairman of the Board, the chairman said: "Can he also walk on water?"
Michael came to Canada when he was sixteen. He lived in foster homes during the war in England and was anxious to get away from the life he had there. He saved his money he earned from odd jobs and became a Canadian Citizen. He was in the army and then moved to Hope, BC where he met Louise. They married and had two children. He worked hard his whole life and was always there to help when anyone needed a hand. Michael will be missed by all.
A very, very special thanks to every single person at Dufferin Place where Michael was fortunate enough to spend his final days. Their loving care and support will never be forgotten. To them you are not a "patient" but you are "Family".
Michael requested that there not be a service and he wishes his ashes to be spread on a rainy, windy day behind his beloved gazebo.