Obituary of MICHAEL ROBERGE

MICHAEL ROBERGE MICHAEL ROBERGE (Also known as Squirrel, or SquirrelyRodent) Michael Richard Roberge, age 42, of Winnipeg, passed away tragically and suddenly on Saturday, August 4, 2012, near Grafton, North Dakota, as a result of a motorcycle fatality. Michael was on his way to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. For the remainder of his vacation, he was planning to travel to the Gulf of Mexico. Michael is survived by his immediate family: mother Doreen Gowler and her husband Dennis Gowler; his elder brother Gordon; and his father John Roberge (Jan), all of Winnipeg. He is also survived by his friend Melissa, and an amazingly large group of friends. Michael was pre-deceased by his grandparents Gordon and Beryl McLure of Winnipeg. Michael's cat Sheeva, who was 22 years old, passed away at Michael's side, two days before Michael's death. Michael got Sheeva from the Winnipeg Humane Society when she was a kitten. Michael was born in Winnipeg, on December 12, 1969. Michael attended Rockwood School, and then Grant Park High School, from which he graduated in 1988. Michael went on to earn his red seal journeyman certificate in trailer mechanics from Red River College. He was at the top of his class and received the award for Journeyman of the Year, an achievement in which he took great pride. Michael worked for a few companies throughout his career: Bison Transport, Ocean Trailer and Paramount Trucking. For the last year, Michael has been employed by RamWinn Diesel. Known for his blonde, blue-streaked hair, welcoming smile, and signature style, Squirrel was a very giving person and always made time for his friends and family whenever they needed him. He could always be relied upon no matter the season. Despite a lack of formal training he was very skilled and creative in the kitchen; he could make the most amazing and delicious meals out of the most unlikely of ingredients. He teased so many of us, with his almost-daily photos of his home-cooked meal, which he would post on Facebook (Squirrely Rodent). He made so many of us feel hungry with these photos, and I'm sure a lot of people envied him for his skill and talent in the kitchen. His true passion was riding his motorcycles; and motorcycle related activities. He was never very far from the bikes he loved. He and his best friend Tyler, made trips west to Vancouver Island, and east to Prince Edward Island. Since then, along with friends, or by himself, Michael has traveled to and from almost every corner of the US and Canada. He has attended the annual rally in Sturgis; and for many years, Michael took part in the Ride for Sight. The family gratefully declines flowers. Instead, if one wishes, memorial donations may be made to Ride for Dad for Prostate Cancer, the Winnipeg Humane Society, or a charity of one's choice. Many, many thanks to Michael's friend Tyler, who helped us immensely with this obituary. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the police and medical staff in North Dakota; as well as Cropo Funeral Home in Winnipeg. We also wish to thank all of our friends and Michael's friends who phoned or emailed us. Thank you to many of Michael's close friends who have consoled us; and also thank you for all the beautiful photos and messages on Facebook. Michael's funeral service will be held at Cropo Funeral Home on Saturday, August 18, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow at Cropo. Michael: You will be truly missed by your family, and a huge host of friends