Michael Thomasen
January 22, 2026
January 22, 2026
January 22, 2026
It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Stephen Thomasen, who died suddenly on January 22, 2026 at age 62. Born October 3, 1963, Mike lived life on his own terms-independent, sharp-witted and never one to sugarcoat anything.
Mike spent his career in automotive body repair, a trade that suited him well. He took pride in his work and was known for the care and attention he gave every job. He especially enjoyed working on classic cars, bringing them back to life and appreciating the craftsmanship of another era.
Outside the shop, Mike had a long-standing love of music-especially the drums. He played for the enjoyment of it and spent time in several bands over the years. He didn't make a big production of it; he just liked to play.
Mike had a dry sense of humour and a knack for saying exactly what others were thinking-whether they were ready to hear it or not. He enjoyed tinkering, taking things apart to see how they worked, and more often than not, figuring out how to put them back together. He liked solving problems, especially the kind that required patience, stubbornness and a bit of improvising.
Mike is survived by his mother, Terri; his brother John and sister in law Linda; his nephew Eric and wife Ally and great nephew Liam; his niece Sarah and her boyfriend Jordan and his grandfather John. He also leaves behind many friends who knew him as unique, straightforward and always himself.
Mike had a sentimental side that showed itself in the quieter ways-in the music he played, the projects he poured himself into and the people he kept close. He mattered deeply to those in his life and his absence will be felt in the everyday moments that once included him.
That was Mike: genuine, capable and unapologetically who he was. He will be missed.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
My uncle was one of a kind. I still remember his bellowing laugh as he taught me how to work on vehicles in his shop. He might have been laughing at me… but he always made sure to support me as I learned the basics.
From the moment I picked up my first pair of drumsticks, we had something to bond over. We shared a love for music, great sound systems, and most of all, playing the drums. He always had the nicest kits, and he took pride in taking care of them. I think they were his prized possession. We used to go back and forth about who was the better drummer. Usually, it ended with both of us failing to execute some drum solo from a rush song… and then grabbing a beer.
His commentary on the “secret underbelly” of politics always made me laugh, but it also pushed me to think deeper and look at things from more than one angle.
There was more to Uncle Mike than most people saw. On the surface, he could come across as a rough, gruff body man with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. But there was a softer side there too. He may not have always shown it easily, but he genuinely cared about the people around him.
He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and say what needed to be said, whether you wanted to hear it or not. And somehow, even then, you couldn’t help but love him.
Love you, Uncle Mike. Miss you every day. Say hi to Neil Peart for me.
~ Eric ThomasenMy cousin Mike was one of the funniest guys I knew. He always made me laugh! I will always remember that little smirk he had on his face. I always saw the kind and caring side of Mike and he was always making sure everyone was ok with my family. Even though I didn’t see Mike that often we did keep in touch through text. The last time I saw Mike was at the rib fest in Langley doing what he loved so much, playing drums in his band. He was so happy that day. I will forever cherish those memories. ~ Shelley