In Loving Memory of Michael Channer
"I flew with Michael"
by Federica de Micheli Edwards 17 Mar 2005 Dear Gerry & Sharon,
I met Michael in Johannesburg in July 04 when we flew to Lusaka in ZS-OKX. I am also a pilot with many hours in C210. Together we went to Rwanda and Congo in that same aeroplane that killed, only short of 6 weeks later, Michael. In the long hours of this long flight we spoke a lot. I have a son of exactly the same age of Michael. Michael was an outstanding pilot. Careful, meticulous, very intelligent and quick in understanding better suggestions for engine management. He spoke to me lots about his parents and I remember saying how much I would have loved to meet you one day. He told me about your extraordinary travels and I could relate immediately to the two of you. I had just landed from another flight when a friend from Zambia called me with the terrible news. Needless to say I was shoked and my thoughts went to you being mother myself with also a pilot son.One word is too many and 1000 are not enough.Impossible to get close to your pain, your despair, your loss and much more. In the meantime I hug you with all the love & warmth I am capable to give you. Federica Federica de Micheli Edwards
Johannesburg, South Africa
demi@global.co.za
"To the parents"
by roy n' marianne wood 17 Jan 2005 Dear Gerry and Sharon: this time last year we met in Big Bend Texas, both on a road trip. It has taken us sometime to settle but you have never been very far from our thoughts. The experience you have had is so removed from what we all expected. Hopefully your many memories and the kind thoughts of so many have started to soften the sharp edges of your grief. We wonder where you are now and if you have had any heart to plan. We heard you went abroad to perhaps find closure and hope it helped. roy n' marianne wood
ottawa
wood@storm.ca
"My sympathies to Sharon and Gerry"
by Pat Wilson 28 Dec 2004 Dear Sharon and Gerry,
I was so sorry to hear the news in the Mac'69 newsletter about Michael. I have lost touch with you in the past years since university, Sharon, but my memories of our friendship and the fun we had are still strong.
I did not know Michael but after reading the tributes to him I almost feel as though I did to some extent. It is no surprise to me that you and Gerry would have created such a fine young man.
My youngest son is the same age as Michael and I can only imagine the grief and sorrow you have endured.
Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Pat Wilson
Brampton, ON
patricia_wilson_7@sympatico.ca
"Lion on the Airstrip"
by Ed Sayer 22 Dec 2004 Sorry for not writing this sooner but I have only just heard about this tribute website. I thought the story might be of interest to family and friends of Mike.
Mike stayed at Mwaleshi Camp, North Luangwa a few times this season.
I think his final trip to Mwaleshi airstrip was the day before he flew to Livingstone, there was a young male lion on the airstrip that refused to move off when Mike landed and just watched Mike land next to him with a casual glance of his head.
As Mike off loaded the guests, he set off to pay his landing fees to the young male lion, much to the amusment of the guests. The young male lion, having realised he had been seen trotted away......
Ed Sayer
North Luangwa
slcsociety@hotmail.com
"To a friend"
by Larry Hall 17 Dec 2004 My deepest condolences to Gerry & Sharon Channer and family for their loss. I wish I had heard about the accident earlier. I will always remember Mike for the good times we had together growing up: the times we were biking, the times we were shooting the BB gun at targets in the barns, playing computer games and just having a good time. Mike was a good friend who I will deeply miss. Larry Hall
Carp, Ontario, Canada
larryjr@cnooc.ca
"A Testament to his Passion and Character"
by Christian Fry 5 Nov 2004 I was shocked to hear of Michael's passing, and it brought back one memory in peticular for me. While I have not talked with him since High School, reading the postings on this site has truely given me a better idea of his character. As I am sure you all know, Mike knew exactly what he was after, and before most of his age group could even clearly define their goals and aspirations, he had already achieved his. It reminds me of a class I had with him in High School - Transportation class.
One of the projects was to build a styrofoam airplane that would use a small gas motor for propulsion. While most of the class cut every possible corner to get to the finished product, Mike very carefully crafted his plane to the most demanding precision. The result was spectacular - The plane looked amazing. The engines we used carried about one minute worth of fuel, and most planes did not make it the full minute. One other plane ended up lasting for about 2 minutes if i recall correctly. Last plane to fly was Mike's. I still remember him letting go of the aircraft - Not an overhand throw to get some extra air speed like the rest of the students - just a simple, confident opening of the hand, and off went the plane. We could hear the buzzing and watched in amazement as it flew higher, more stable, and more graceful than all the others. Once the gas ran out, the plane went higher, and higher, and higher..
It stayed in the air, soaring high above the "Back Fourty" at West Carleton, and finally dropped out of sight 15-20 minutes after the first gentle release. So far, in fact, that a search was not attempted as it would require a 20 minute hike through the bush! I have always looked back on this time as a guide for my own life, how taking the time to do something properly and methodically will always produce superior results, and the importance of a clear goal. I envy him, for in the time he was with us, he has touched more lives than I could ever hope to in 80 years. My condolances to all who knew him. Christian Fry
Carleton Place
fry_christian@hotmail.com
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