Obituary of Michael Jacob Jessie Schleich Steger BarronWright

Whom do you know with a six name name? Michael did. Each of his names accumulates into a remarkable story. ”Michael”, sixth of seven. “Jacob”, a middle name beginning with “J” just like the other six. “Jessie”, a fine confirmation name for a Catholic boy. “Schleich”, “Steger”, and “BarronWright”, family surnames. This six name man had a deep respect for tradition and lineage in family history. A dear brother, uncle, father and friend fought cancer hard, using allopathic and naturopathic medicine together. Supporting his treatments every day in the past year was his beloved friend, June Horsman, who was tireless and vigilant to the final moment and last breath. She and Michael’s daughter, Alysen, and Alysen’s mom, Lorraine, were at his bedside at Pasqua Hospital. June’s total commitment in the past year to his care touched the family deeply. Michael was a visionary, dedicated to deep spiritual and ethical values all his life. Born in London, Ontario, Michael found his way back as a young man to the family’s roots (grandfather Henry Schleich homesteaded in St. Peter’s Colony, Lake Lenore, Saskatchewan 86 years ago). He took a shot at community college and university, but ever eager and impatient, he soon found his way into the action. He had unusually prescient and strongly intuitive skills in “media”, savvy very early on about what lay ahead in the 70s, 80s, 90s and the early 2000s in that field. No wonder he was well known for so many “first initiatives” in media. He founded his own media consulting firm in Saskatoon back in the early 70s and that success led to a quarter century career in marketing and advertising sales with the CBC. At the very end of his career when his illness had slowed him, he was a senior account manager for “THESTAR”, a local community newspaper group that he loved being part of. He was always enthusiastically gathering family details. Michael was our historian, our archivist, our family anchor for a history which reaches back to Romania and describes a diaspora spanning Germany, Australia, Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon. One of six boys (Robert, David, William, Richard, Michael, Timothy) and a girl (Paula). Former husband of Lorraine BarronWright of Tisdale, Saskatchewan. He was predeceased by his parents Paul and Christiana. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Niki. He is the very proud father of his second daughter, Alysen, a graduate Pharmacy student at the University of Saskatchewan. In recent years his cherished friend June Horsman, whom he described as the love of his life, enriched Michael's life by helping him achieve much of his “bucket list” when the cancer diagnosis descended. His list involved many projects and trips, such as the annual September Threshing Bee in Moose Jaw which he just loved. Beloved uncle and great uncle to over two dozen young people spread all over North America. They found him fascinating, world wise, a little eccentric, always loving, generous and smart. Michael was also Sam’s grandfather and little Austen’s “grampsUnc” (a 3 ½ year old’s way of distinguishing among siblings who look so much alike). Michael often discussed family roots and traditions, such as all those siblings having middle names beginning with the letter “J” and the skills of Henry Schleich as a steam engineer which brought him to central Saskatchewan almost a century ago where he started the Schleich-Steger clan in Canada. He loved ritual and continuity. Characteristic of this beautiful man, too, was his lifelong generosity. He always remembered anniversaries, dates and special events, and documented absolutely everything. Michael had a fireplace which he and his neighbour Mick built in the back yard where visitors enjoyed powerful conversations about history, his abiding Christian faith, the CBC, the Senate “which will change, I’ll bet you a buck” and about the media industry he loved. This man walked the earth with vigour and purpose. He loved Volvo cars. He built a fabulous wardrobe. He advocated for social justice causes. He collected all kinds of things, filling every nook and cranny of his house and garage. Michael had a kind-hearted generosity towards people in need. His mark on many lives is indelible. Special thanks to the EMS paramedics [Peter, Kate, Sam]. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ron Taylor, Dr. Patricia Tai, Dr. Cathy Ferguson, Dr. Mathew Abraham, and Dr. M. Jancewicz, the emergency services staff, the palliative care consultants, the selfless and consummately professional nurses at Pasqua Unit 3B and Pallative care for all their kindness and the tireless, compassionate care they contributed to Michael’s last days. Blessings to Kathy Platt, the wise, loving pastor of Sunset United who somehow finds time for every person in her community. Deep thanks also to Michael’s sister-in-law, Dr. Sussanna Czeranko, for her loving counsel in natural medicine. In lieu of flowers, please consider Michael’s favorite group … we ask that donations be made directly, in memoriam, to Ducks Unlimited Canada – Regina Chapter, 1030 Winnipeg Street, Regina SK S4R 8P8. A celebration of Michael’s beautiful life will be held at Sunset United Church, 177 Sunset Drive, Regina, SK at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2014 with Kathy Platt officiating. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com God Bless You Michael. The cancer took your body, but not your eternal spirit. You are finally at peace after fighting so hard. You are in our hearts and minds forever.