Obituary of Michael Cardinal

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Cardinal our beloved Husband, Dad, Papa, Brother, Uncle, Boss and Friend. On Saturday, April 24th, 2021 Mike passed away peacefully at home and began his journey to the spirit world. Michael was born on November 1st, 1952 in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta to his mother Mabel Cardinal-Kelly and his father Howard Wylie. He was raised by his great granny Mary-Marie Adele and his great grandfather Jean Baptise Cardinal in Little Rapids, Alberta. He grew up in the Fort Chipewyan area, this is where he met the love of his life Bernice, at 20 years old. Michael was a trapper, hunter, forestry firefighter, and he even worked at Syncrude. He was a very respected entrepreneur, who started his first business Lakeshore Sports and fixed small engines, boat motors and skidoos. He fulfilled a dream to own a boat and skidoo dealership with Bombardier, Mercury Marine and Merc Cruiser. During their time in Fort Chip, Michael and Bernice belonged to the Delta Roughriders Skidoo Club. This is pivotal because the Alberta Government kept telling the people of Fort Chipewyan a winter road to their community was not possible, but the Delta Roughriders were a force to be reckoned with, this was in 1986. Michael moved to Fort McMurray with his family in 1996, this is when Lakeshore Contracting began. The business steadily grew - Lakeshore had built a fleet of equipment and trucks that numbered over 150 and the employees peaked at 170. But his real dream of owning a helicopter was coming closer to reality. In 2007 Lakeshore Helicopters was born. Today Lakeshore has a fleet of 6 helicopters, 11 pilots and 3 engineers. Lakeshore Helicopters is Mike's other family and he is very proud of all his employees. Michael always went back to his roots, he loved his trapline days at Andrew Lake and Richardson and he obtained a new trapline and built a trapline cabin in the bush. This is where he was happiest, he loved providing food and loved going hunting and trapping with his friends and family. He loved to teach and show people the land, which has always taught him so much. Michael loved music and family gatherings. He was especially happy when he was listening to fiddle music. He loved spending time at his Lakehouse with his family and friends. His family and friends meant everything to him. He was a well-known and respected man and loved by many people. He will always be remembered for his many stories, jokes, advice, kindness, and teachings. He loved to share his traditional knowledge, his love for fiddle music and bringing people together. Family time is important. The legacy that he leaves behind is the kindness he showed us in how to care for each other. Michael will be greatly missed by his loving wife his darling, Bernice of 48 happy years together and his children and their spouses Kimberly (Sheldon), Michelle (Todd), Mitchell (Crystal) and his 8 grandchildren Tristan, Melissa, Ryder, Zachery, Brielle, Arianna, Sawyer, Nova, and his dog Stroman. He loved all his nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers and his numerous friends and family. As well, Mike had many friends across Canada and the US. The impact he left on everyone who met him will forever stand the test of time. He will be missed by all who knew him. A visitation viewing for family and friends will take place on Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 at Robert Anderson Funeral Home. 115-190 MacAlpine Crescent, Fort McMurray Alberta. From the hours 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and on May 3rd, 2021 at his home in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta from the hours 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Following with a procession ride through his hometown for one last visit, we would love for his friends and family to wave from their doorstep at this time. A private family funeral service will take place at the Fort Chipewyan Cemetery. In keeping with AHS Covid restrictions, the maximum number of people allowed to visit to say their goodbyes will be monitored. Please we ask you to wear a mask, social distance, sanitize and as much as we would love to hug you, we cannot at this time. We are unable to have any food or drinks or reception to follow. We know this is not how things are traditionally done, but this way allows us to bring him home to his final resting place. And we ask for your co-operation to keep everyone safe. We will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.