Obituary of Mike Lea

Mike (65) left us on January 4, 2021 embraced by love to the very last moment and surrounded by his true love and wife Nancy of 37 years and his treasures, his sons, Brandon & Connor.

Mike is the son of the late Leslie & Rita Lea.  Cherished brother of John (Carolyn) and Cathy “Dee” Smith (Roy) and their families.  He leaves behind his father-in-law and best friend John Feehan “Jed”, his extended family, Jamie “Big Bop” (Laura), Johnny “Diamond” (Diane), Tammy “Gwamma” (Brian), Diane Lenz (Frank), Beverly Detwiler (Ralph), Billy Petrie (Carol) and their families.  Mike’s nieces and nephews were an important part of his life and he loved them all deeply.

Nothing came close to the love he had for his family.  He adored his wife Nancy from the moment they met on Grand Bend beach and beamed with pride and happiness for his sons Brandon (Elenna “Lanny”) & Connor (Madeline “Little Maddie”). He was most content when together with family and friends on trips, having a bonfire in the backyard, or the cottage in Grand Bend. 

Mike was born in Strathroy and moved to London where he quickly became the Sales Manger with Competition Toyota.  The recipient of multiple Toyota Canada Sales Awards and the prestigious National Professional Grand Master Award for numerous years and his stellar reputation, Mike continued to excel his entire career.  Over his 35 year tenure he built exceptional bonds with co-workers and customers that would last a lifetime and for that he was sincerely grateful.

Being Mike’s friend was for life. Recent notes from friends read, “I’ve known Mike for over half my life and this is the only time my friend has caused me grief” and “Mike made me happy to be just who I am – he made me feel beautiful inside and out – no one else ever did that for me”.  Mike was an inspiration to his friends of all ages.

Mike loved adventures that took him to the Caribbean, Europe and throughout North America.  Whether he was skiing in BC, Colorado or Boler Mountain; scuba diving/ water skiing in the tropics or the Great Lakes – he was passionate about life and always ready for the next venture.  A keen sports & music enthusiast, Mike could be seen at a Detroit Redwing game with lunch at Hockey Town Café or catching a concert of one of his favoured diverse artists.  His adventures were legendary and so were his stories and no one could tell a story more compelling or compassionate than Mike. He took you with him as soon as he started to speak.  

Mike you truly were larger than life.     ………."dream about me”

We would like to express our gratitude for your kind words, notes, many gifts of flowers and food. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.  If desired donations to the London Humane Society would put a very big smile on Mike’s face.  He visited there often to check in on his furry friends. Arrangements entrusted to DENNING’S OF STRATHROY, (519)245-1023. Share a memory at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com.