Arthur Alexander Michael Retallick

(Arthur Alexander) Michael Retallick passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the age of 65 years. Mike will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Kimberly; their German Shepard fur baby, Freydis; many cousins and special friends.

Michael was predeceased by his father, Kenneth Arthur Retallick on April 15, 2015, and by his mother, Janet Theresa Retallick on April 9, 2021.

Mike was an avid musician, with friends from around the world and in the local Calgary music scene. When he was not walking his dog, you could find Mike playing bass, guitar, or listening to music. Mike loved history, watching movies, reading a good book, or hiking and camping with his family in the mountains.

Michael was always a very happy person, with never a harsh word and always having a great big smile. He loved life to the fullest and often said Bewnans da! Cornish for Ain’t life Grand, and he meant every word of it.

Michael was born in York, Ontario, moving to Winnipeg in his teens where he attended St. Paul’s Highschool. After leaving school, Mike worked at MacLeods/Stedman on Higgins Avenue in Winnipeg as their shipper/receiver.

Mike met his lifelong spouse, Kimberly in Winnipeg and they married in 1984. Soon after their marriage they moved to the Toronto area and lived for a few years where Mike worked for Mitsubishi in inventory control.

In the early 1990’s, Mike and his wife moved to Calgary, Alberta and established their permanent residence. Mike started photography, remaining in his chosen career as a professional photographer working in the school photography industry. He will be remembered by his friends and colleagues at Lifetouch Canada where he worked for several years until his death.

A Celebration of Life was arranged on November 1, 2025, by his music family at The Blues Can in Calgary, Alberta. Thank you to The Blues Can and Mike’s friends who organized the event, provided hors d’oeuvres and sandwiches, brought cakes and flowers, and joined in celebrating Mikes’ life and his love for music.

I also send a special thank you to the Carroll, and Matheson families for their support and continued assistance in helping me navigate life since Michaels’ passing.

Thank you to the Prairie Rose Cremation and Funeral Services for their support and care in looking after Michaels’s remains. Arrangements for burial of the ashes are yet to be decided.

In Michaels’ remembrance please help support Cancer research, or please send a donation to your local humane society so they may continue to care for all the precious pets they receive. Mike was passionate about his pets and helping where he could so others would win their battle against cancer.