1. With sadness but gratitude for a life well lived we announce the passing of Wallace Michael Robson after a brief illness. Survived by his best friend and soul mate of 40 years, Marian, daughters Susan (Roland Sr.), Sherry and Sally, grandchildren Roland Jr., Stephen (Amanda), Devon (Jill), Kendal, Brent (Dana), Bryce and great grandson, William.

    The only child of Katherine and Charlie Robson, Michael was born in Port Alberni and grew up in Great Central Lake, a mill town nearby. The family moved to Port Alberni where he spent his high school years. Michael was in the arts faculty at UBC and was an active member of Alpha Delta Phi, so active that his mother moved to Vancouver to oversee his studies and ensure his graduation. He then went on to receive his degree at the London School of Economics.

    Michael began his career in the forest industry in the documents department of Macmillan Bloedel and formed lifelong friendships there. He was a 'solid wood' guy and went on to executive positions at Canfor, COFI, Canadian Wood Council, Canadian Plywood association and Forintec.

    He was a legend in the industry at home and abroad. Well known for his knowledge of the industry and its markets, his frank nature, and his sense of humour. He often joined his marketing pals on overseas trips to visit customers and they became famous as the "coach and four".

    Michael was one of the experts in the early soft wood lumber disputes with the US, and was called as a witness at the hearings in Washington D.C. He was also one of the Canadians on the Board of Directors of the National Forest Products Association, a body representing the entire US industry. He was a very special ambassador for the Canadian forest products industry.

    A life member of the Vancouver Club, Michael and a group of friends brought great excitement to the club with their annual Christmas lunch antics. Other social highlights were Farmorama in the summers in Langley, Super Bowl weekends at Fairmede Farms, Grey Cup parties and Chinese New Year events, all with the same group of friends and their families.

    In his later years, Michael continued his much-loved daily walks, read three newspapers a day, and avidly followed golf, hockey and football. He and Marian also were subscribers to the VSO and local live theatre. Life was full and rich to the end.

    Family was so important to Michael. He kept in close touch with his daughters and grandchildren and was always there for them, as they were for him. He loved his wife, Marian deeply and always appreciated her love and support.

    Michael was a larger than life figure and he leaves a gaping hole in the lives of Marian, his family and friends.

    A private celebration of life will be held for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lupus Society of BC.