Obituary of Michael Corey Gilchrist

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear and beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend, Michael Corey Gilchrist who passed away on July 30th, 2023, at the age of 27. 

He was predeceased by his Grandpa Vern and Baba Valerie Gilchrist and Opa Hans and Oma Bertha Mikulla.  He is survived by his Mother Sonja Gilchrist (Robert) and Father Mike Gilchrist (Charlynn) along with his sister Jasmine, his dog Ducky, as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins, friends and co-workers. 

Michael was born on April 5, 1996.  Michael came into this world 7 weeks pre-mature which gave his parents quite a scare, but in no time, bounced back to become a strong little boy.  He celebrated his 1st birthday on April 5, 1997, during the blizzard of the century, along with his entire family who all ended up snowed in together at his home for his special day.   Ten months later, his sister Jasmine was born. Michael liked to hear the story about how he screamed and cried when it was time to pick up his sister Jasmine from the hospital.  “I don’t want a sister”!  Little did he know in that moment that his only sibling Jasmine would turn out to be the one he adored, trusted, and protected the very most throughout his life. Michael loved his sister beyond words. The bond he had with his sister was so deep throughout his life. From walking to school together every day, to playing together with their friends on the street, to taking turns protecting each other from getting into trouble. Jasmine was his safe place in difficult times, and they he shared countless memories together at music festivals, bonfires and countless events with friends and family.  Family was so important to him. 

Michael started pre-school Ecole Howden, then attended Niakwa Place School from K-8 where he was an honour role student, learned to play guitar and started making lots of friends.

At 10 years old, he decided he wanted to play hockey.  With Michael deciding this so late, and not knowing how to skate, he had his work cut out for him.  Determined to play, that summer Michael went to three back-to-back hockey skills and skating camps and when tryouts came that fall, sure enough, he made the team. In fact, he made one tier higher and had to ask to come down a tier to be on the team with his friends.  A special highlight for Michael was when his Seals A2 team went to Fargo to the Ralph Engelstad Arena and won the tournament.  

Michael attended JH Bruns Collegiate where he met some of his lifelong friends.  Working with his hands was something Michael always enjoyed.  The classes he gravitated to most were tactile programs working with woods, metals, and especially auto mechanics.  On graduation, he took pride in hosting a “small” party for his classmates for which he rented a smoke machine and disco ball. In the end, the count was well over 100 friends who all had a great time and celebrated graduation together. 

Michael started working in his early teens spending summers working at Grand Prix Amusements, with his sister following in his footsteps.   He later was employed by Penta Protective Coatings, Arne’s Welding and Maple Leaf Drilling Ltd.  Currently he was employed as a directional driller at Quantum Utilities, a job which he took great pride in.  He spoke highly of his crewmates and the company’s fabulous Christmas parties. 

Michael loved anything to do with travel, nature, and animals.  His journeys began from the time he was very young taking family car trips to Kelowna to see his Aunt Deb and cousins.  He also enjoyed other family trips to Disney World for his 8th Birthday, cruising the Caribbean and swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas, snorkeling with tropical fish in Akumal Mexico and cage diving with sharks in O’ahu Hawaii. As an adult, he also took trips to see his sister in Kelowna where he snowboarded at Big White BC, he visited Cuba and most recently went to Dominican Republic this past winter with his best friend Kyle. 

His love of nature was immense. He started camping as an infant and developed a true passion for anything outdoors:  the lake, boating, swimming, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and golfing.  His greatest love by far was fishing. He enjoyed his lake time with his Dad in Lac du Bonnet and with his Mom in Minaki.

Michael had a huge heart. He had an extra-ordinary way with all animals big and small. He rescued his dog Ducky from a shelter as a puppy. Ducky served as a loyal companion to Michael who he loved very much and went everywhere with. 

Michael’s sense of humor was awesome.  He would catch you off guard with a funny comment, you’d burst out laughing and then he’d play back and forth with you until you were laughing so hard together it hurt.  

Michael was a kind-hearted, gentle-spirited, caring, compassionate and such a calming person to be around.   Anyone who has been blessed to have known him knows how he was so purely all of these things.  Everyone loved Michael… Everyone felt like he was a like a brother or son to them… He was one-of-a kind… Everyone is going to miss his beautiful nature.

Michael will be forever loved. We will always be grateful that he was with us and cherish every single memory we have.  Our love for you is eternal Michael.  We will all be holding you tightly in our hearts –Until We Meet Again…  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation on behalf of Michael’s memory to:
Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter, 12-2727 Portage Ave, Winnipeg MB R3J 0R2 or www.petrescueshelter.com