On behalf of Chief Downie:
It is with great regret and sadness that I must inform you that late Sunday afternoon Sergeant Mike Lawless passed away after his courageous fight against cancer. He died peacefully at home with his family. Mike’s family has asked that we respect their privacy at this time and refrain from reaching out to them. We all know that Mike will be missed and we want to support his family by respecting his family’s wishes at this time. When available, the Saanich Police will provide further details regarding how all concerned can show their support.
Mike joined the Saanich Police Department on September 8, 1995. During his career he worked in Patrol, Traffic, and twice in the Forensic Identification Section; both as a Constable and a supervisor. On December 1, 2010 Mike received the Municipal Long Service Award and on October 1, 2011 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Mike was known and respected for his skills in forensic work and was also a significant contributor to the Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock. Mike rode in the Tour de Rock in 2004 and continued his support for the Tour de Rock by volunteering on support crew every year from 2005 to 2012 but could not continue in that role in 2013 due to his illness.
Mike performed numerous roles on support crew during his eight years of volunteering but was best known on the Tour de Rock as someone who worked tirelessly to keep the tour riders motivated during their arduous journey down Vancouver Island. Members have fond memories of Mike working gymnasiums full of kindergarten and elementary school children up into a frenzy pounding floors with hundreds of miniature air filled bats while screaming so loud their teachers had to plug their ears as Tour riders rode into gymnasiums from Port Alice to Victoria. Mike performed these same feats equally well with Junior High and High School students (without the miniature air filled bats) throughout Vancouver Island during each of the tours he volunteered for.
Mike was a big personality and a beloved member of the Saanich Police Family who will be sorely missed.
A Celebration of Life is planned to take place on Friday, January 16, 2015.