Michael B. Franklin of Sunnybrae, Tappen, died at home in the early hours of July 5, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda, and his children: Melissa (m Jamie Treleaven), Zoë (m Todd Stevens), and Jayme (Ava Franklin) and his beautiful grandchildren Lily, Finn, Kieran, Cassia, Camille and Sawyer as well as his brothers John and Richard and their families in England.
Within days of returning home this April from another winter of sailing in the Caribbean with friends and family, Michael was diagnosed with stage four Glioblastoma multiform.
To know Michael is to know that he was born in an armoured car during a riot in Dehli, India in 1947. This explains a lot about Michael’s character. He was full of enthusiasm for life, exuberant and generous. He was a teaser, a social gatherer and always on the go. He loved his work and considered the day a success if he could leave smiles and laughs in his wake.
Michael immigrated to Canada at the age of 19 after working for Lloyds of London. He was at various times: a Commercial Aviation Insurance Broker and a pilot; a stay-at-home dad; a house builder; a Registered Waste Water Practitioner; a businessman, with Franklin and Co Excavating; a Board Member of Caravan Farm Theatre; and a firefighter. He treasured the camaraderie of the team at the Tappen Sunnybrae Fire Department with whom he served for 15 years.
He loved sailing, both here in the summer and in the much loved Caribbean Islands in the winters. He liked to quote Rat from The Wind in the Willows, and often said “there is nothing…absolutely nothing…half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
Above all, he loved his family and worked hard all his life to provide for them, encouraging them all in their endeavors to be the best that they could be. He will be remembered as “larger than life” with an open, honest and generous heart.
A wake will be held at a later date, for family and friends to celebrate Michael’s life.
Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm, (250) 833-1129. Email condolences and share memories through Michael’s obituary at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.