It was with great sadness that we heard of Mike’s passing. Only meeting him a handful of times I can say he truly was a great man that was quick to offer a kind work or funny joke.

Sheri, you and your family are in our thoughts along with Mike.

Please accept our sincerest sympathy on Mike’s sudden passing. He was an excellent officer and a good and loyal friend. We wish you Shari and the family the very best for your future. God Bless and Keep You All……

Shari,

My deepest condolences to you and your family. As difficult as a loss of a loved one can be, I can only imagine how difficult it is when the loss is due to an unexpected event such as a diving accident. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family this Saturday.

We look forward to your return to CATARAQUI.

Philip Henderson
Lieutenant-Commander
Commanding Officer
HMCS CATARAQUI

Please except my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Godspeed

My wife Monique, and I extend our condolences to Shari and family. You are in our thoughts.

Fair winds and following seas, Mike. Your watch is finished, and God will look over Shari and the kids. Until we meet again in the Wardroom in the sky. 🙂

This was just shared with me and I am shocked and having a hard time believing this has happened – Shari my thoughts and prayers are certainly with you and yours. :'(

Now who the heck am I going to commiserate with on the lack of respect and place in the world for us “once upon a time COs” that usually have nowhere to go because no one wants us??

I always enjoyed all my chats with Mike even though they were always Navy vs Army. I regret now that we never tried harder to get out for that drink when he was out here in my BC. He was a great CIC colleague and a true loss to our program.

I wish I could be there to give you a hug in person!

On behalf of my Corps and personally, please pass my condolences to the Pilson family. Service to one’s country is a high calling and Service to youth takes a very special dedication. RIP Lt(N). Pilson.

My sincere sympathy to Shari and family for the tragic passing of
Lt(N) Pilson. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Take care all.

Mike I didn’t know you, but I feel the loss, , I know the passion that coursed through your veins with your military career, I am sure you fought great against your last battle. You most certainly will be sadly missed by all, but most importantly remembered . AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, YOU WILL BE ALWAYS REMEMBERED!!! GOD BLESS, THE BOSIN PIPES RING.

Mike’s passing is a great loss to his family, his friends, and the many members of his extended military family. He was always a hard-working, dedicated, and resourceful officer who could be counted on by superiors and subordinates alike. There were few others like Mike.

The news of Mike’s passing came as a shock to us. You have our deepest condolences, Shari, in this time of need. Even though we cannot be physically there due to circumstances, we are definitely thinking of you and the kids. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. We’ve very sorry that this had happened.

Mike was a gentleman amongst men. He always listened to what people had to say and offered his wisdom in a positive way. He was a mentor to many and touched so many lives in his short life. He will be missed. Shari, our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family. Mike, Till we meet again. God Speed.

Follow the following Link for a great story about Mike Pilson.

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1pfem/2010SummerBUMPH/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F229076%2F2010-Summer-BUMPH

My thoughts are will everyone who feels the loss of Mike. He has touched and impacted our lives more then he could ever know. He will be missed, but remembered always!

Shari,
My heart goes to you and your family during this very sad and difficult time. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers over the coming days and in the times that lie ahead.
Mike- you will always be remembered for serving your country and for serving your family- thank you for your service, we will never forget!

Mike will be missed. No matter how much time has passed, he always remembers his friends with a kind word and warm welcome.

He has touched the lives of so many people, he will not be forgotten.

On behalf of 105 Army Cadets and unit staff our condolences go out to his family.

Sincerest condolences.

Mike was a great asset to the CIC and the Canadian Cadet Organization and will be sorely missed.

Every time I saw and interacted with him it was quite clear that he dearly loved all Cadets and was wholeheartedly to ensure that they had the best training available.

Sincerest condolences from the entire Staff and Ship’s Company of RCSCC SCARBOROUGH.

Kindest Regards,
Wayne H. Closs CD
Lieutenant (Navy)
Commanding Officer|
RCSCC SCARBOROUGH
2467 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, ON, M1G 3G3
Telephone | Téléphone 416 267-1316
Cellular | Cellulaire 416-453-2696
whcloss@sympatico.ca
Government of Canada

We are all poorer for the loss of Mike Pilson, but none more so than Shari, and their family, to whom my thoughts go out. Mike deserves all of the accolades bestowed on him for all of his life achievements over his career as a CIC officer. As Mike crosses the bar and we hear of it but is even more poignant when it is one of your own. As a fellow diver and dive buddy I know he passed doing one of the things he really enjoyed and working with cadets. I would like to pass on this quote if I may:
Now the Supreme Admiral of the Universe has called our shipmate to sail with Him in eternally calm seas, forever free from the storms of mortal life. We honor and cherish the memory of our shipmate, but we do not mourn for them, for they have found safe anchorage in the great harbor of eternal peace, rather, it is for ourselves we mourn because a good friend has slipped their moorings, and is no longer with us. We mourn our loss, but we are consoled by the abiding faith that when the final watch changes for us, and we too cross the bar, our shipmate Mike will be waiting to pilot us to safe anchorage.

Shari and Family
I was shock to discover the Mike had passed away, I worked with Mike for only a brief period of time at RCSCC Napanee( Hawke) but I always respected his dedication to the CIC community. Its regretable that we never ended up diving together, our scheduals never seemed to align. My thoughts will be with you and your family at this time.

RIP Mike.

I remember friendship and good humour.
I remember reuniting in mid-life.
I remember sharing cherished memories of halcyon youth.
I will always remember Mike Pilson.

We celebrate a life lived to its fullest.
We celebrate a friend and shipmate.
We celebrate a man of integrity, adoration and inspiration.
We will always celebrate Mike Pilson.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I was lucky to have know Mike! He was a credit to the CIC.

Many of my best memories from my time as a cadet include Mike. He was an exceptional leader even then, and an amazing friend – someone who could share a laugh, cheer you up in bad times, and always up for a good prank. When I tell stories from those times, they usually include Mike.

Having kept in touch throughout the years since, I know he grew into a terrific officer and, more importantly, a wonderful man who put his all into everything he did and was so very proud of his family. Mike could brighten a room just by his sheer presence and enthusiasm. Timing and distance meant that we didn’t see each other often, but hearing his voice on the other end of the phone always brought a smile to my face.

To Shari, Mike’s children, and the rest of the Pilson family, my sincerest condolences.

Rest In Peace, my friend – you will never be forgotten!

7B

My sincere condolences to Shari and the family at this tragic loss in their lives. Mike will always be remembered as a class act, gentle, kind, intelligent and willing to share his knowledge and expertise using hands on demonstration and practice, as well as humour to make his point. I will miss seeing his wonderful photo’s from the BC coast, and his ready smile when we worked together at seamanship competitions, or teaching with RCIS(C).

God Bless Shari and Mike’s children who are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Liam, Taylor and Family,
I am so sorry and sad to hear that your Dad has passed away. I will be thinking about you often and hoping that you are remembering all the good times you and your Dad had together. I will never forget, Liam, the huge smile you always had on your face whenever your Dad came to school on special occasions. Courage, mes amis!

Mike,

You were truly a great asset to the cadet program. You touched so many lives and we will all remember what you did for us. On behalf of RCSCC FRASER, I wish to pass on my condolences to Shari and the rest of your family in this difficult time.

On behalf of the entire ship’s company at 106 Sir Francis Drake we would like to extend our heart felt condolences to you and your family. Please know that Mike has touched the lives of many people and will truly be missed. His memory will always live on in all of us who had the pleasure and honour to meet him, to work with him and to learn from him. It was a pleasure to serve with Mike.

Shari and family,
Know that you are in the thoughts of all those who had the privilege of working with Mike and all those whose lives he touched. Mike was a patient instructor, a dedicated officer and a kind and compassionate man who loved his family dearly.
Mike, Rest in Peace my friend. Your watch has ended. You are relieved.
Julie

My thoughts are with your family. It is sad to see the loss of someone so young.

Dear Shari and family,

Sincerest condolences to you all during this difficult time. Though I did not know Mike long or well, it was easy to see that he was well-respected and liked by all who met him. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

With deepest sympathy,
Alex Johnston

Shari,
My thoughts are with you and your family at this trying time.

Shari, Liam, Taylor and Family,
My thoughts are with your entire family at this difficult time. I will always remember Mike as a kind person, very passionate about serving his country as well as The Cadet Program. We will all draw comfort in our memories of Mike…

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this tough time. Many laughs and smiles have been exchanged and many lessons learned thanks to Lt(N) Pilson. Speaking as a cadet, his vast knowledge and kind heart will be surely missed.
With my Deepest sympathy,
Bryden Trapp

Shari, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family through this time.

How good it is to read all the previous accolades from the folks who knew him in his professional life, quite impressive. But to us, his family he is just ‘our Michael’. Clever, caring and kind, a good son.
I’m glad he was doing what he loved when he got his call.
Our hearts will hurt and our eyes will leak for a long time, but soon,
our lips will smile when we remember Michael.Hold your memories
close and all his children closer. My love to all.
Aunt Marg

Mike will always be remembered as a very sweet and funny person who will be missed dearly. Spending time on the ORCAs with Mike and the crews were something I always looked forward to. I used to get texts from Mike to let me know when they would be in Nanaimo and most times I’d be able to go down and go for coffee or just visit on the ORCA.
He always spoke highly of you and the kids and it was evident the love he felt for you all.
As I said in my email to you, we are sending our best to you and the family.

Tabatha

Shari, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. I remember when I was working at HMCS ONTARIO and you and Mike were dating, you made such a great couple. Whenever he came to QUADRA we would talk about your family and he would bring me up to date on everything, He was so proud of his family. I have never seen anyone as happy as Mike was to become a “home owner” ( I think was his exact words). He has touched many lives and left many memories through his work in the Cadet Organization. My heart aches for you but I know you are a very strong person and will continue to be the strong person Mike fell in love with and married. Remember God gave us memories for a reason. . Take care my friend.

Marjorie and Clayton Welsh

Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of a good friend.
If there is anything that my wife and I can do to help ease your loss, please call on us at any time. We realize this is a very tough time for you and your family.
Our prayers are with you

Carl and Donna Gallant

Shari and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Mike shines out for me as one of the greatest mentors I had in my cadet years. I am so proud to say I worked for him at Boatshed. This is truly a loss to the CIC and cadet world. My Deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Alison (McInnes) Slack

Our deepest condolences are extended to Shari, the kids, and Mike’s extended family. We will continue to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. God bless…

My heart goes out to the family and friends. I am touched by the sweet sentiments – most especially Aunt Marg. I remember high school with Mike and wish that I had the chance to know him better – he always seemed to embrace such a spirit and zest for life. Godspeed.

My deepest condolences to you, Mrs. Pilson, Liam, Taylor and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Nicci Rea (Mme Rea)

My prayers go out to you in this time of your loss. I did not know Mike, but I am very thankful for his service and wish to extend my deepest sympathies to his family.

Shari,

My thoughts are with you and your family at this time of great sadness and tears. May all the beautiful memories of Mike help you and the kids to ease your grief and bring you comfort in your time of sadness along with the memories you have share with Mike keep you warm on those lonely nights.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity.”

Hugs to you , Taylor and Liam..

The staff and officers of 58 Squadron send their deepest condolences to the Pilson family, and Shari your Air Force brothers and sisters are here if you ever want to sit and chat. There has been a hole created too soon in our CIC family.

On a more personal note, Carol and I are there if you need anything at all. There is a photo of us, taken by Mike, that has so much more meaning now. I will miss his constant attempts to ” recruit ” me to the Navy side.

Gone too soon, but never forgotten… Rest in Peace my friend.

David Peterson
Captain
Commanding Officer
58 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets Kingston.

Shari, and family –

My deepest condolences to you.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. There will come a day that your tears will dry and you will smile; remembering the life he lived and living with the legacy he left.

Rest In Peace, Sir.
I salute you.

LS Boehme

My heart goes out to you, Shari, and your family. May all the beautiful family memories ease your grief and bring you comfort in your time of sadness.
Heartfelt Hugs,

Canadian Corps of Commissionaires Kingston & Region Division was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Michael. It takes a special person to represent his community and Michael was one of them. He distinguished himself among his co-workers with his pleasant, enthusiastic manner and continuing high-quality performance. Commissionaires remember him with respect and admiration and he will be missed by all. I extend my condolences to you and your family. I hope that time and memories will help lessen the burden of your sorrow, and that you may draw some measure of comfort to know that others care and share in your loss.

Gary R. Hayes, SBStJ, CD
Assistant Chief Executive Officer
Kingston Regional Office
Commissionaires

I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a dedicated colleague. I am inspired by his dedication to the sea cadet program and to the Naval Family, and I hope his example will inspire many others.
My heart goes out to his family and close friends.

He won’t be forgotten

Paul Simas, CD
Lieutenant (Navy)

Je souhaite de tout coeur que Mike puisse reposer en paix après s’être dévoué pour le mouvement des cadets du Canada. Il a laissé sa marque auprès de centaines de cadets de notre pays et de dizaine d’officiers CIC. Il s’est dévoué pour la famille des Tender. Il a su garder le cap et offrir ses connaissances.

À sa famille je souhaite mes plus sincères sympathies. Je suis de tout coeur avec vous.

Bon vent, bonne mer Mike.

Ltv Carl Moffet, CD
Officier Tender Charge Command

O Eternal Lord God,
who alone rulest the raging of the sea;
who has compassed the waters with bounds
until day and night come to an end;
be pleased to receive into Thy almighty and most gracious protection
the persons of us Thy servants,
and the Fleet in which we serve.

Preserve us from the dangers of the sea,
and from the violence of the enemy;
that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lady,
Queen Elizabeth,
and her Dominions,
and a security for such as pass upon the seas upon their lawful occasions;
that the inhabitants of our Commonwealth may in peace and quietness
serve Thee our God;
and that we may return in safety
to enjoy the blessings of the land,
with the fruits of our labours,
and with a thankful remembrance of Thy mercies
to praise and glorify Thy Holy Name;
Amen.

Shari and Family…

Both Dawn and I are saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Mike was a wonderful guy who was always willing to lend a hand or a friendly word when needed. Know that you are not alone and that we are thinking of all of you during this difficult time. God Bless….

Shari, Jeanette and family,
my thoughts and prayers are always with you during this sorrowful time. take good care of each other. God be with you….

Jeanette and family
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of your son Michael,
know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Our
deepest sympathy to you and your family.

It is with great shock and sadness in which I heard of Mike’s passing. Over the years I have known Mike to be many things. A naval officer, an educator, a bit of a prankster(albeit a tasteful one), a professional, a role model, a colleague and a friend. So many people knew Mike as all this and more. It saddens me to know that such a great person is no longer with us. I offer my deepest sympathies to Shari and the rest of Mike’s family. May we all take comfort that his humor, knowledge and wisdom have touched so many of us and made this world a better place.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. My sincerest condolences and prayers go to you and your family.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the officers and cadets that make up HMCS ONTARIO’s sail and summer programme. Mike was a passionate member of our team who took the time and effort to ensure that those under his charge succeeded on the water and in the class room, that they experienced the same passion and excitement for the art of seamanship and on water training that he had. His wealth of knowledge and experience were invaluable to our programme and will be missed.

No words or deeds will replace your loss and the pain they you are feeling at this time, as the Commanding Officer I can only express our own sense of loss at losing one of our own, a colleague, a friend and a fellow seaman.

Respectfully,

Rodney J. R. Turcotte
Commander
Commanding Officer
HMCS ONTARIO

Shari,

We are so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Shari and Mike’s Family – I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. I sincerely hope you can find this comfort too. Take care, Jean and family ~Victoria, BC

I didn’t know Mike well, but for the few times I spent time with him, I can recall that most of it was being enthralled with the stories he shared. I had an instant understanding of how friendly and humble he was.

My thoughts are with you Shari, and your family.

John K. Hunter
Lieutentant (Navy)
Commanding Officer
RCSCC Bowmanville

Shari,

My deepest sympathies for you and your families loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care,

Danny

Dear Shari,

On behalf of the entire ship’s company at 65 IRON DUKE we would like to extend our heart felt condolences to you and your family. Your husband Mike has touched the lives of many people and will truly be missed. His memory will always live on in all of us who had the pleasure and honour to work with and to learn from him. It was a honour to serve with Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family

Jeanette, please accept our condolences on the passing of Michael. It is always more difficult when our loved ones pass prematurely. God bless you and your family.

Such a loss to his family, friends and the cadet movement. Mike will live on in the memories of all who knew him. His humor and passion made him irresistible as a friend and co-worker. I learned a lot from him in the short time I knew him. Mike, you will not be forgotten. Shari, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, God Speed

I, unfortunately, have only known Mike for about one year. I worked along side him at HMCS ONTARIO in 2012. Mike has touched all of us in one way or another and that is evident by all the wonderful words expressed above. It is easy to understand why he was so likeable. My deepest condolences to Shari and the young ones as well as his family. It is comforting to know that Mike will always be there in our hearts and thoughts. See you on the other side Mike!

We were extremely saddened to learn the sudden passing of Mike. Shari, please accept our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Mike was such great guy and someone who made an amazing contribution to the Cadet Program. We we hope you can take comfort in the tremendous legacy he will leave behind.

Take care of you and your family,

Donnie & Adriana Oulton

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

On beahalf of all cadets and staff at RCSCC Chaudiere we send our deepests most heartfelt sympathies to Lt(N) Goodfellow and entire family at this time of great sadness.
Lt(N) Pilson will live on in our hearts and in the knowlege of his passions passed on to all of us.
It was an honour to have had Lt(N) Pilson, a part of our family.

Respectfully
Lt(N) Hannon

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
I have always thought of Mike as loyal friend, colleague, mentor to many, dedicated and respected fellow officer and seaman.
He will be deeply missed by many, and never forgotten by any.

Fair winds and folling seas until we meet again my friend.

Monika

I will always remember Mike as a kind and understanding individual that never hesitated to help guide you in the right direction. His passing was far too soon. My sincere condolences to Shari and the family during this trying time.
Respectfully,
Brian Rebec

Shari and Mike’s Family,

Our thoughts are with all of you at this time and rest assured that Mike’s legacy will live on not only with you and your family but, also within the Sea Cadet family. He has accomplished so much in his time and his imprint truly reaches out from coast to coast through all the Cadets and Regular and Reserve Officers and NCMs that he has lead, trained, and mentored through his local, summer, and vessel involvement. May we all continue to remember the fond memories and moments that we’ve had with Mike.

A Fair Wind and Following Sea to our friend,

Peter

Dear Shari:
My thoughts are with you and your children during these hard times.

G,

On behalf of the Mountbatten Alumni Association here in Sudbury I wish to express our sincere condolences to Mike’s family and friends.

Shari, the entire ship’s company of RCSCC Royal Sovereign in Sault Ste. Marie send you our condolences. You, your family and Mike were in our thoughts and prayers on our opening night. RIP, my friend!

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Pilson family

On behalf of RCSCC 253 CRESCENT
officers, cadets and
Navy League of Canada Caledon Branch

To Shari and Family:
Shari, we go back many years to STORMONT in Cornwall. My sincerest regrets for your loss. I know first hand, through our time in the Cadet Program, that Mike was a very dedicated and loving family man and Father. I know you will miss him but you have experienced true love and devotion. You are extremely fortunate to have experienced and enjoyed his love.

To Mike: You are a very fortunate person. We worked together in the Sea Cadet program for many years. I have always been amazed at your dedication to the program when we met at your Corps or competitions. This was second to your love of family but neither suffered; well your away time. Your work on the west coast is monumental. You accomplished more then you know. Your dedication and experiences put the Sea Cadet Program and CIC into the forefront with the CF/RCN. You have proven Canada’s Youth can, and are willing, to serve our country.

To you Sir – BRAVO ZULU

As Commanding Officer of RCSCC STORMONT in Cornwall I was invited to make a speech at the Battle of the Atlantic service late 1990s. I now offer the ending of that speech to you Sir:

“May your soul rest in Peace and your memory live forever in our hearts”.

Steven D. Lear, LCdr, CD (Ret’d)

Shari there are not enough words to express my sincere condolences for such a tremendous loss. His dedication and wonderful sense of humour will surely be missed. Just know all you have to do is reach out to your CIC family, we are here for you. I will touch base when I return in Oct.
I my not speak “Navy” was one of our jokes. But fair winds and following seas my friend, until we meet again

Fair winds and following seas, Mike. We have fond memories of you, you were a great guy. You will be missed.

Dear Shari

Deepest condolences to you and your family. Your husband was a good man – friend and mentor to many. The loss of a man who had such a deep and profound impact on so many people is difficult to put into words. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Shari and Family,

Deepest condolences to you and your Family. Mike was an exceptional CIC Officer. This past spring one of our cadets spent time with him on the ORCA’s and loved every minute of it and working with Mike. He has had a tremendous impact on so many people in many different ways as a mentor, friend and colleague. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed.

Mike was a good man who gave of himself to make the world a better place. The impact he made on the lives of others will stretch out like the ripples of a stone falling into a pond, as those he mentored pass along what they learned from him to even more people.

Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.

To all of Mike’s family. I was shocked to hear of his passing. We shared many weekends together at the cottage. You are all in our thoughts. It is great to read all of the many wonderful things Mike has done over his short 46 years.

To all of Mike’s family, though this time is trying and won’t ever be forgotten, take solace in the thought that Mike created so many lasting impressions in this world that we are all living testaments to his good nature and devoted heart. It fills me with pride to put on my Naval uniform every day knowing that I must live up to the examples set for me by hero’s like Mike. I am also a diver and will be putting a Mike tag on my BCD so that he will always be neutrally buoyant, floating in the current.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. My sincerest condolences and prayers go to you and your family.

My deepest condolences to family and friends!