Michael John Lourim
May 19, 1941 – April 27, 2016
Michael John Lourim, 74 of Saltspring Island B.C. passed away suddenly at home on April 27, 2016. Mike was born May 19, 1941 in Detroit Michigan to the late Frank and Blanche Lourim. Following high school he entered the Benedictine religious order.
Mike arrived in Canada in 1967, working as a research officer at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), where he received his Masters of Education (MEd) from the University of Toronto and completed all the coursework for a doctorate. More recently he graduated with a Diploma in Christian Studies from Vancouver School Of Theology at University of British Columbia.
It was Mike’s love of natural materials and architecture, combined with his creativity and and critical eye for design that pulled him into his next career, where he was owner and operator of Lourim & Co. renovating both in Toronto and on Saltspring Island.
He had a wonderful eye for proportion and design, whether he was arranging stones inside a pool of light on a hall table, or constructing a garden gate, his “patented” potting shed or a new kitchen (his favourite being IKEA). His strong intellect drew from his love and study of many disciplines, including the classics, sociology, architecture and design, theology and social justice.
Mike had an easy warm manner and an enchanting smile for both friends and acquaintances. In conversation he had a lovely dry wit but not at anyone’s expense.
Sue and Mike moved to Saltspring Island in the early 90’s. Mike is survived by his wife Sue, his son Sean, Sue’s son Dylan (Colton, Ayden) and in-laws Debbie, David, Sarah, Becky and Graham, cousin Bruce and Deb. He will be remembered fondly by many friends and acquaintances and deeply missed by many.
A memorial service will be held at 11am, Wednesday, May 11th at All Saints by the Sea Anglican Church, Saltspring Island, B.C.