Michael Russell Wikaruk, age 54, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2024, surrounded by his family: his loving mother, Alice Wikaruk, his best friend and partner of 23 years, Annika Michele Parker, and his chosen daughter Caeleb Raven Goff. Michael was predeceased by his father, Walter Wikaruk (2001). Mike held many roles in life, including a Petty Officer 1st class in Sea Cadets, managing and spinning tracks at night clubs, and later working as a billing specialist at AT&T, a systems analyst for Research in Motion, and running his own company, MRW Consulting. Mike was an accomplished marksman, and spent much of his youth mentoring and teaching young Sea Cadets. As his life changed by long-term illness, Mike focused his time on providing for his family. He was always available to give a reassuring pep-talk, ever ready to engage in heated discussions about world issues and would jump in to help at any time in any way he possibly could. He was an avid reader who preferred horror or humour and kept up correspondence with one of his favourite authors, Christopher Moore. The French River, Moon River and "as far from the city as he could get", were his favourite places since he enjoyed fishing and being surrounded by trees. He loved a good joke and would often stick googly eyes onto random household objects, Roomba vacuum included. You could always count on a gag gift under the Christmas tree from Mike. A three-foot tall PacMan Joystick wrapped in yellow 'No Name' gift paper was one of his best ones. Michael (Mike, Mikey) was a beloved son, partner and father, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mike and Annika's dream was to one day open an animal sanctuary in the country together. They planned to back a panel van to the door at the local shelter, and bring all the dogs home with them. After much coaxing Mike eventually agreed with Annika that the homeless cats and maybe a horse could come home too. With that in mind, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to The OSPCA (Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) https://ontariospca.ca or Toronto Animal Services https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/partnerships-sponsorships-donations/donate/donate-to-animal-services.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 3pm.