“YOUR WINGS WERE READY, BUT OUR HEARTS WERE NOT”
It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Michael John Culver, age 57 of Barrie, Ontario. He passed away on April 3, 2026, at the residence of his eldest son in Edmonton, Alberta.
Mike was born on September 11, 1968, at Humber Memorial Hospital. He grew up in the Bramalea area and later moved throughout Toronto and Mississauga. After the birth of his first child, he made Barrie his home.
Mike was the loving husband of Heather Hand-Culver and a devoted father to Wyatt, Chad (Stephanie), Jordon (Sky), Hayley (Cole), Courtney (Steve), and Avery (Matt), and a beloved grandfather and Papa to Auria, Maya, Charlie, Emily, and Ella. Mike had a special place in his heart for all his children and grandchildren. He was always involved, spending time playing with them something that came naturally to him because of his ability to keep the childlike spark he always carried.
He was a cherished son of Rosemary Mowat and Robert Culver (Barb). Mike was a caring brother to Laura Culver and Bob’s son Rob Davis (Jeanette), with whom he maintained close bonds, whether near or far. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and many beloved furry friends.
Mike excelled in many service, management, and team lead roles throughout his over 30-year career in IT and served as an instructor for Data Centre Technologies at Georgian College in 2014. Although he was very involved in management roles and service operations in his later years, he chose to dedicate his time to family, friends, and helping the community at the Barrie Native Friendship Centre, which brought him great purpose and happiness.
Mike had a unique talent for bringing laughter and joy to any situation. He had a passion for the outdoors whether boating on Lake Simcoe, riding his motorcycle along scenic back roads, or simply driving to find his next adventure. As long as he had a coffee in his hands, he was ready for the countryside.
Forever and always, Baamaapii Mike Ba.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends.
In Honour of Mike, donations can be made to the Barrie Native Friendship Center, Migwetch
My condolences and deepest sympathies.
Honoured to have known him and call him my friend.
Safe travels on his journey and sorry for your loss.
Miigwich
Prayers to the family, I will miss him at the Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin gatherings of Coordinators in Ontario. He brought his kindness and rewarding work for Indigenous Men and shared with us all. Miigwetch and safe travels.
My condolences to my cousin Heather and family. Condolences to Mikes family as well. What a good soul he was he will be missed.
My sincere condolences to the Culver family at this time of sadness.
Although I only got to meet Michael a couple of times I could feel his light and kindness.
I will never forget his smile. 🦇🙏🌷
Sending my condolences to Mike’s family. He was a wonderful person and a stellar father figure. He will be missed.
Ahhni, we met briefly but left a lasting impact, your reassurance and advice with the program was much appreciated. Miigwech for the time, wisdom and knowledge.
It was a honour to have had this time to know you, to work with you.
My condolences to Mike & his family. I had the pleasure of experiencing Mike as a father figure in my early teens. Mike helped shaped my character into the man I am today and it is with great sadness to be sharing my condolences today.
My condolences to all of Mike’s family for this heartbreaking and unthinkable loss….he will be missed by so many
I didn’t know Mike for to long, I started Calling him Houdini because, he would always disappear and get a coffee, then walk in to the building with the biggest smile. He truly had a heart to help people. He was kind, and compassionate, and his impact in my life will always be one of the BEST, and most LOVED, versions of me. Miigwetch Mike for your generosity and kind nature. You will never be forgotten for your impact. You showed up Time and Time and wanting to. You loved it. And we care about you too Mike, fly high.
Miigwech. Miigwech. Miigwech.
Mike you were truly one of the kindest souls, so caring, with a heart bigger than most. You touched so many lives just by being you. I can’t thank you enough for your guidance and always taking the time to check in. You will never be forgotten.
So sorry for your families loss Heather. Our deepest condolences 💐 Gone too soon.
My sincere condolences to Mikes family. So sad to hear of your passing, Mike. I’ll cherish the time we lived together as you were like a big brother to me. Mike had the biggest heart in world and was just so filled with love, I’m gonna miss you cuz!
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Michael will always be remembered fondly for his community involvements and advocacy work.
I’m sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you Heather and family
I will never forget you. You left a mark on my heart that no one will ever understand or know. I am ever grateful for your presence in my life and I will carry you forward in my heart. Thank you for being there for me, thank you for holding space for me, thank you for showing me that I am loved. I’ll see you later, Mike. Love you <3
In life, we don’t know what ppl go through.
Love deeper, hug tighter and be kind to our fellow human.
Mike baa was a very kind man and went out of his way to help others. He certainly came through for me. I remember our last interaction and my last words to him.
“Be safe and see you when you get back”.
I hope we can walk in that light as he did.
Until we meet again! 😀
Oh my gosh, my heart is broken!! Mike, you held a very special place in my heart! All those practice runs we made as teens…May you Rest In Peace my special friend…
I’m sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. Mike was always smiling and making people laugh. He was a kind soul and will be missed terribly by all who knew and loved him. Condolences to the family.
so very sorry for your loss Heather, my thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. 😔🙏🙏🙏🫂
Megan and I are so sorry for your loss. We hope his memories bring you peace.
My condolences god bless going to be missed by a lot of people very much god bless
Mike was an Uncle unlik any other – always treated me as if I was one of his own and was always there to lend a ear or help. He left such a big impact on my life and his spirit and love for everyone will continue to live on in my heart
You will be greatly missed Mike but never forgotten
My condolences. Many good memories come back. Rest in peace.
Thinking of all the Culver children and your families at this difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
My condolences to my oldest, dearest friend Heather. And to his great children, grandchildren, mother, father, sister and brother. You were a great friend. I will miss your smile. Baamaapii Mike Ba. Safe journey.