Michel (Mike) Joseph Hector Bercier passed away on July 25, 2023, after a short battle with an aggressive cancer. He died surrounded by his loved ones at 64 years of age.
Mike was born on December 10, 1958 to parents Beatrice and Richard Bercier in Quebec City, Quebec. He moved with his family to North Bay, Ontario in 1966. He married his wife, Colleen, in 1991 and became a stepfather to her three children. Some years later in 2003, Mike and Colleen moved to Callander, Ontario where they continued to reside at the time of his death.
Mike was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Colleen Bercier; his three stepchildren, Sherry Bessette (Vincent), Brent Yacoback (Carole Ann) and Erin Gillespie (Ian); his father, Richard Bercier; his two sisters, Rachelle Cooper (Randy) and Diane Van Herk (Chris); his niece, Stephanie Van Herk, and nephews, Ryan and Russell Cooper; his five grandchildren, Liam Bessette, Johnny and Jake Yacoback, and Elliot and Quinn Gillespie; his brother-in-law, Bernie McClary (Barbara); and his dear friends Barb and Gerry Van Herk.
Mike was a friend to all. Those who had the pleasure of meeting him connected with him instantly. He was kind, generous, funny and never hesitated to help a friend or neighbour in need, whether it be assisting with a home improvement project or assembling a new bike. He was also incredibly curious and inquisitive, and prided himself on his extensive knowledge of history and his unmatched trivia skills. Mike had a keen sense of adventure and a great love for the outdoors. In his spare time, he camped and hiked throughout Canada and the United States, logging thousands of kilometers with Colleen in his truck with trailer in tow. Those closest to him recall his hikes up and down the Grand Canyon, and his annual “Mad Mike’s River Rat Expedition” canoe trips. He will be missed tremendously by his friends and family, who intend to carry on his memory by finding adventure where they can each and every day.
In his final wishes, Mike opted not to have a funeral service. Instead, should you wish to pay your respects to Mike, his family asks that you take a moment to breathe in the outside air and take in whatever nature surrounds you. Donations can also be made to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice, who provided Mike with superior care and showed the utmost kindness in supporting him through his final days. For this, Mike’s family is forever grateful to the Hospice doctors, nurses, staff, and volunteers. The family would also like to thank Dr. Inez Jinnah and Dr. Hailey Moore for the care they provided to Mike following his diagnosis.