In Memory

Michael Bridgman

December 29th, 1957 - August 2nd, 2026

Born in Isleworth, England

Passed in Calgary, AB

Michael Bridgman, 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 29, 1957 in London, England to Leslie Peter and Rita Margaret, he was a loving husband, father, grandad, son, brother, and friend to many. He had an accomplished career in the telecommunication and manufacturing industries as a trusted leader and mentor. Outside of his career, he had a passion for travel, motorcycles, and his family. He is lovingly remembered by his loving wife of 48 years, Brenda; children, Brieanna Martine (Adam); and Keegan Michael (Kristine); grandchildren, Henry George, Faye Penny, and Alice Poppy; father, Leslie; and sister, Susan. He was predeceased by his mother, Rita in 2024.

Rather than a traditional obituary, Mike began writing a letter to his family and friends. We’ve shared his letter below, followed by an invitation from our family on how we can all remember and honour Mike together.

Letter from Mike

To all my family and friends and those I have worked with over the years,

I have had the privilege of experiencing so many wonderful things, and I’m sorry that this is how I’ve had to close this off. Just a few short weeks ago, I had so much to look forward to but was faced with an abrupt end that was out of my control. There were many times that I was on the other side of this, trying to help people reconcile an end that they hadn’t expected or planned for. I did not realize how difficult it would be to face myself.

I have been looking forward to so much - life with my amazing family and incredible grandkids. I loved the time I spent with each of you. Thank you. I love you.

Unfortunately, Mike was not able to complete the rest of the letter to outline his hopes for those he loved the most. We have instead chosen to share some of the most important things we learned from Mike. His impact was incredible to so many, and the more we can do to share lessons and love from Mike, the better. Here's the list we started as a family:

• If you find people you like working with, bring them with you wherever you go

• Take a ridiculous number of photos every time you travel or any time the family gets together.

• Find something to laugh about each day

• Travel as often as you can

• If you find someone who understands your sense of humour, that's a win

• Marvel at the night sky

• Love your family fiercely and unconditionally

• Be confident enough to believe you can fix anything that's broken (even if you can’t)

• You never know how much time you have, so focus on what matters most.

• You can enjoy your job, but don’t let it define you. Don’t give too much of yourself as you’ll never get it back

• You’ll never just go to “look at that kitten” or “meet that puppy” at the rescue. Animals will make your life richer and provide unlimited joy.

• Buy the latest gadgets (that you don't need), and never throw them away (even if they don't work), because they might come in handy one day

• Always cheer for England, even if they have let you down since 1966 (the bronze this year will have to do)

• Spoil your grandkids with love, affection, and things from the dollar store they will never forget building with you

• Take up all those hobbies you wanted to try, even if you just do it for a little bit it will still make your life that much richer

• Take big chances, move across the ocean as you may make something amazing out of it

In place of traditional condolences, we would love for you to share a favourite memory, funny story, photo, or lesson from Mike, knowing what an incredible impact he had on those around him. Please share in the comments below or email us at briebridgman@gmail.com. We will gather your memories so his family and friends can carry them forward and ensure the best of Mike lives on through our shared thoughts and actions.

As per Mike’s wishes, there will be no traditional funeral. We will instead gather to celebrate his life at a later date.

If you would like to honour Mike, please consider making a donation in his name to the Alberta Cancer Foundation or to Dulcina Hospice where Mike received exceptional care.

Share a message or memory

Alan/Denise Freeburn

1 day ago

We were so very sad to hear of Mike’s passing and would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Brenda , Brieanna and Keegan on the loss of a wonderful husband and a loving dad. We met Mike and Brenda through Keegan and our son Gary. They were both in the same school from grade 5 to 12. We have known Mike and Brenda for many years. Although it was only in the last few years that we reconnected again, meeting up for lunch once or twice a month. We shared lots of laughs and good times with them and always enjoyed Mike and Brenda’s company.
Mike was always proud of his English heritage and background.
We are going to miss Mike so very much.

Cal Kaltenback

3 days ago

I worked with Mike for only a few short years, initially at Nortel and then Sanmina. I was so pleased when Mike decided to join the Sanmina team. He was well liked and respected, a competent manager and team leader, and so critical to our success in establishing the new Sanmina operation.

I do remember picturing that maybe in another life Mike would have been the captain of a large ship, perhaps an ocean vessel in the British navy. For some reason I also thought that he wanted to be a writer and author, and maybe he was at some point.

Wendy Meerveld- Nortel

5 days ago

Micheal always had a sense of humor and was always a joy to be around. One of the reunions he had just purchased his Autin Mini and was telling us about it and that it talked to him in a British accent. Some of the ducussions it had was:
Floor it, mate! WEEEEE! Oh, bloody hell, that was a speed camera!"
"Hold onto your crumpets, here comes a corner—WEEEEE!"
"Right then, move your left foot, or we shall both look rather silly at this roundabout."
Do try to steer. I look cute, but I cannot swim if you drive us into the lake.
""Faster, darling! My tea is getting cold in the cupholder."

Mike had us in tears laughing so much!.
Going to miss you my friend ❤️

Bonnie Heidebrecht

5 days ago

I never worked directly with Mike but did converse a bit on FB. But my husband Peter did work with him, laughed with him ,argued with him . Peter always said they had good discussions. But when my husband got sick and ended up at a hospice it was Mike that came and brought old buddies from Pete’s working days. Peter couldn’t talk a lot at this time but he understood and the guys made him laugh with stories from the old days. Always brought him a burger! That’s my memory of Mike. Just him taking the time to be there for a friend. My family and I appreciated that kindness so much . 💕

Terry Lewis

5 days ago

Growing up with Mike, he was like the big brother I never had. Most of my early life lessons came from Mike (such as "Don't forget, go-karts go fast and don't have brakes...oh and watch out for that kerb!") and I forgave him for almost blinding me with a lump of wood when we were building one of our epic bonfires (although it probably served me right for sticking my head out to say "What was that?" when he shouted "Watch out". I could always guarantee Mike would have a good comment for many of my Facebook posts and could count on his generosity when sponsoring me on my charity bike rides. Although we hadn't seen each other for many years, they just melted away when I saw him at his Mum's funeral. An all round lovely bloke who will be missed by many.

Rhonda Labas

6 days ago

I remember meeting Mike, Brenda and family to help you all with Maggie and your cats. Then again with some behavioural issues throughout the years.

I believe I won Mike over on my visit to their new house regarding some behavioural issue and Mike bet me that I could not cut her toenails. Being me I could’nt let a challenge go and I managed to trim Maggies nails. Not only that I always managed to dodge her teeth throughout the years due to excitement aggression when she got excited to see Mike or Brenda.

I realized just how soft, kind and what a beautifully committed person Mike was with his pets. Many of people would of surrendered a dog like Maggie or euthanized but there was no way he was giving up on her and she was loved by him until the day she passed and onwards

Not many people have the love and compassion like Mike had towards his animals and I tip my hat to him.

Matt Shale

6 days ago

Keep that cup.
And thank you

Brieanna Bridgman

6 days ago

When I was 13 or 14, my parents finally bought me my very first pair of red tag Levi's (before that they were always orange tag). We went on a trip that summer somewhere in BC (I think it was Mara Lake). We had a dark blue Ford Tempo at the time. At some point during that trip, the car started on fire - with big flames coming out of the engine bay. Dad sprung into action - the first thing he did was take a couple of cans of pop, shake them up, and spray them over the engine to douse the flames. When that didn't work, he decided he needed something like a blanket to smother the fire. We didn't have a blanket, but he did manage to find a brand new pair of Levi's...I was so mad at him the whole trip. I had forgotten about this until yesterday, and can now smile at the memory because it was classic dad behaviour.

Hugh McMahon

6 days ago

We only met Mike a few times, but each time we did, he was always friendly, warm, and very sociable.
Our heartfelt condolences to Brenda and the family who loved Mike so much.
Mike’s letter was beautiful and deeply meaningful. It’s so sad that he wasn’t able to finish it, but it was a touching reflection of the kind of person he was. The tribute from his family was beautiful and fitting way to honour his life and memory.

Alan Laver

6 days ago

As a young couple of 13 year old kids Mike and I were employed by a milkman to help him with his daily deliveries. We were paid 50p per day to do this and enjoyed our days before school delivering milk to the customers. The milkman “Ted” seemed to disappear for ages at a time while Mike and I got on with the deliveries. It turned out the while we were doing all the work Ted was visiting his favourite customers for cups of tea etc etc. He was such a ladies man 😃😃

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