Evans, James Michael “Mike Running Horse”
Of Kitchener passed away at the age of 31 in the presence of his family and comfort of his home on June 20, 2017 from congestive heart failure. He was the oldest child born to Dakota Evans-Rompen and Dave Bailey (2016) on February 2, 1986. He was predeceased by his father, infant brother Connor (1993) and his uncle and godfather Todd Shuttleworth (2010)
Mike is survived by his mother Dakota (DJ), step father Ron (Rompen), his devoted and loving sister Katherine, sister Angela Ouellette (Jon) and his best friend Brett McCarthy. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother Marlyn Irving, his uncle Roland Two Hawks (Bublitz), his aunt and uncle Thom and Lee (Gray) all of Kitchener, his godmother Barbara Mitchell (Steve), his adopted parents by choice Brian and Deborah Lalonde of Peterborough as well as a host of friends, aunts, uncles, and the best cousins of all. He also leaves behind many friends in the Metis and motorcycle community that supported him (Sam and Deb Cross) and his riding family at International Brotherhood of Deaf Bikers. Also left to mourn is his faithful companion Levi.
Mike loved to a fault, always wanting to help others. He was born with beautiful brown eyes and a huge smile, blessed with a caring heart for the underdog, and his desire to follow the good Red Road. Mike never met a stranger that he didn’t find the ability to strike up a conversation with. Although Mike strongly and courageously fought every battle sent his way, he never seemed to get a break; suffering a brain stem stroke in 2009 and complicating his chances for heart transplantation. Even with all of that he managed to laugh and smile and cheer others on every day. He lived well and relied on Creator to excel well beyond the scenarios given to him by the medical profession.
We will all miss him terribly and our one solace is that his care free spirit has now been released from his body to return to the Creator. We loved Mike with every fiber of our being, but none of that love could protect him from his congenital heart defects or the ravages of his stroke. Run free and proud Running Horse!
Arrangements entrusted to Haskett Funeral Home, Lucan. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life has been planned, please email kwgeekgirl@gmail.com for details. Donations in Mike’s name may be made to the Hospital For Sick Children Toronto.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Sandy and Jen
I just heard about the passing of Mike. May his life now be happy and healed in heaven. I remembee the first time I met Mike. He was in Hamilton, the same time as Jenilee our brain injured daughter. He had a smile and giggle that would make Jenilee and I light up. We had a comical teasing relationship and he will be sadly missed! God bless your family xoxo Sandy and Jenilee McEwen
Trish Van Der Kamp
OMG. I just found out. I am so heart broken! Dj and Ron I am so sorry! Mike was the best. His smile could light up a room, and i am going to miss his wicked sense of humor. He always talked about all the things you were doing to help him get better. We were talking about visiting and me getting up to Lucan. I’m really going to miss him.
Janko Stukic
I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers to you, DJ and the rest of the family!!!!
Mike and I did not have the deepest of deep relationships with one another, but I do know that he was a really great guy and he was always a joy to be around!! We had many great laughs together!! I will not be able to attend the Celebration of His Life this coming Saturday, but Mike and the rest of the family with definitely be in my thoughts and prayers!!!!
Sending prayers, hugs and love,
Janko Stukic
Brenda and Dave Swan
DJ…we are very sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. Although we only met you and Mike for a brief period of time we know that his giving ways came from his Mom and Dad.
We remain eternally thankful that you saw it on your hearts to help our daughter and son-in-law and especially our grandson with the lift to get him into their house.
Mike touched our lives for such a short time but the impact of that meeting has stayed with us. That shows what a great man he is and always will be.
Our sincerest sympathy to all.
Renate
Dakota, Ron, Katherine and Brett! My condolences go out to all for your lost of Mike. I’ve never seen a stronger person then you Dakota to go through 9 years of trying to find a way of helping Mike. Mike always had a great smile that no one could forget or will ever forget. He also was willing to help anyone he could that needed the help. It was just like yesterday I remember Mike coming over to watch baseball or hockey with Phillip and hearing them both hollering the loudest they could at the game. Well their both in heaven with their creator watching us from all below laughing and smiling at each other.
Deb Crunican
DJ,
My deepest sympathies. It was a pleasure to meet Mike back in Feb.
Deb Crunican (OT)
Tracey Carter
Mike got his ability to smile and his courage from you Dj. All of these years you shared his story with us and we watched him fight the good fight. Everyone wanted that miracle as much as he did. I have never seen such a kind, wonderful and caring family until we became friends 10 years ago. You went above and beyond for your son. I know people who should follow your example. You and your family are an inspiration! Mike is truly an angel and now he has the wings to prove it. God bless you all.
Orillia Chapel
Dak I am so sorry for your loss. I had many chats with Mike over the years and one thing he was always grateful for was that his family stood behind him. Barb has him now and he is safe. Let his heart and smile be your strength in this sad time. Hugs to you and Ron and Katie. Love Orry xo
Tina Wood
My prayers and support are with you all in this moment. May his love and spirit live on in you…
Cindy White
Dakota,Katherine and Brett,
I am so sorry to hear about you losing Mike. I know how deeply you will miss him. Keep your memories of him close and he will live on in your hearts forever. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy (Lucan Drug Mart)
Brian and Deborah Lalonde
DJ, Ron and Katie, we send you our condolences . We missed his laugh and beautiful person he is. I love when he always tease me about red dress. We love Mike with our heart very much and he was special to IBDB. Deborah will miss him calling her, “Whassup mommy”
Brian and Deborah Lalonde
Heather Neill
My heart goes out to you all .
Shallon
DJ & family I am very sorry for your loss. He sounds like a remarkable man.