My brother, Mike, was born in Woodstock, NB and was raised in the country (Waterville, NB) where he enjoyed typical boy things, with all the neighborhood fellas. Days were spent playing outside, riding motorbikes, Ski-Doos, building a three-story treehouse, and finding a bit of mischief along the way. Mike enjoyed sports, mainly playing basketball and baseball, and even spent some awesome summers on the tug-of-war team with the rest of the crew. He usually watched a lot of baseball on TV, which meant Mom would be watching and learning too. He seemed to like Carlton Fisk, as I heard that name a lot. If you ever visited our house during those years, you might've heard him blasting tunes from his bedroom, typically KISS. Mike loved Mom's cooking, and her way of making him feel very loved. He learned a lot from Dad about horses and farm life, taking shifts in the barn at night when a foal was due to arrive. Life was never dull. Getting a Firebird in high school was a cool mode of transportation, one from which I benefitted when it wasn't too embarrassing to have lil' sis tag along. I adored him and looked up to him, but didn't mind bringing him back to reality, and never backed away from a lively debate. I was a girl, and four years younger, so I knew it all - of course. We spent many weekends at our camp in Howard Brook where Mike went fishing, carried water, and learned the ropes of backwoods living. Many memories were made there. Mike was a good student and smart as a whip. He had a tendency to procrastinate with assignments, much to Mom's dismay. I swear every book report and project was about sharks. Mike was student council president and loved the perks; I think he ate a lot of chocolate covered almonds.

He graduated from Hartland High School in 1985. He went on to attend UNB in Fredericton and received his Education degree, with a specialty in Phys Ed. He enjoyed an assortment of career paths over the years, and although many were not in a formal classroom, he was always teaching, guiding, and encouraging others. Mike decided to move out west and was in British Columbia for about 10 years. He mainly clung to the Vancouver area, and loved life with his friends, and enjoyed big city living. He was excited to get acting jobs, and even some modelling (he'd hate me saying this). He was a great tour guide when friends or family or anyone from 'back home' would look him up if they were in the area. I loved my excursion to Whistler with him, and he even played some old Tim McGraw songs for me (and made fun of them of course). Mike moved back to NB in 2004 via a cross country excursion with Scott (there were some stories, as you can imagine) and his dogs. With a second niece on the way, he was ready to pitch in and do some babysitting. Claire and Maggie became his pride and joy, and they could do no wrong in his eyes (much to my chagrin at times). Mike loved his two dogs, Abby and Daisy. They kept him hopping and were good for him; they adapted to east coast living. Anyone that knew Mike would know of his love of fitness, working out, mixed martial arts, swimming, running, and I'm guessing listening to Van Halen during a lot of it. He liked movies, and TV, and watching UFC. We always felt we had to up our games whenever he was around, so I thank him for the motivation at times. Not lacking in genes for decent looks, Mike didn't suffer socially, but more than that, he had a gift of making people feel special, important, and heard. His dazzling smile didn't hurt either - he kept his pearly whites sparkling. Many times growing up I heard, 'Your brother is so good looking!' and then in the next breath, 'You don't look anything alike.' (Sigh - thanks).

His latest employment was at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital (DECH) in Fredericton where he really sunk his teeth into something he loved, and was good at. We were all so proud of him. He often talked about how much he enjoyed his job, and his co-workers. His journey was far from perfect, but it was his. We always wanted nothing but the best for him. Gone before him: Mother (Ann LaPage), infant brother (Mark), uncle (Billy Clendenning) and grandparents (Bill & Ethel Clendenning; Wilbur & Tina LaPage). Survived by: Father (Allison LaPage), sister (Me / Lisa Dunlop), brother-in-law (Scott), and two special nieces (Claire and Maggie). We know that immediate family are not the only ones grieving this loss, as Mike had a caring extended family - colleagues and friends, near and far. Although it is especially painful for those of us who were closest to him, we know that many will be in need of hugs. This tribute is not formal, it wouldn't be Mike's style, and he'd want some smiles. He was always jovial, joking and so so funny. We won't be having a formal service, but he would want everyone to get together in smaller groups to reminisce and have some laughs. A tribute to honour his life will be held when it is sunny and hot out - he'd appreciate that, as he loved the sun. North Lake was a special spot to him, a place he went to many times over the years, to enjoy family and the outdoors, and swimming across the lake and back. Often times we were ready to call a search party, but then we'd see him swimming back. It goes without saying, he will be missed. I can't believe I won't receive a text or a call, beginning with 'Hey L J…' If you ever feel like you want to honour him, raise a protein shake, and if you're feeling hungry, eat some eggs, or tuna. If you're feeling fancy, perhaps a juicy steak. Adored by so many, he would want everyone to enjoy the lives they have been given. Stories, pictures, emails, and texts will always be appreciated by any of us. We've all heard 'Gone too Soon,' and 'Gone but not Forgotten,' but they certainly ring true. Quite simply, we love you, Mike. Now and forever. Life just won't be the same without you. You left your mark, and you made a difference. XO