Michael Ginger passed away peacefully in his 92 ^nd year on January 19 ^th. .  Born in Montreal, Quebec he and his wife Lydia emigrated to California in 1961 just after he graduated from Concordia University with a BSc. After thirty years as a pharmaceutical representative, he retired and spent his time avidly gardening their beautiful property and began a serious collection of knives.

When he and Lydia moved into their retirement community in Rancho Bernardo, he not only travelled to events for hunting down knives, but he also began to make kitchen knives.  Many friends and relatives who received paring, fillet, and chef knives now have useful mementos of him.

Michael was also an athlete. When young in Montreal he chose boxing.  He reached and participated in the provincial Golden Gloves events collecting a few impressive trophies but not the gold.  When he retired he took up archery.  And, as with other interests, he proceeded to excel by competing in senior competitions including the Senior Olympics all over the USA where he collected many medals.

Michael and Lydia travelled the world visiting Australia, South America, and several countries in Europe.

Michael was sadly pre-deceased by his daughter Monica Michele and son Michael Jr. His wife Lydia passed away in 2006 after fifty-one years of marriage.

He is survived by his niece Marilyn Ginger and his nephew Wayne Ginger.  Also, his sister-in-law Monica von Kursell, and nephews Arthur von Kursell and Alexander (Sasha) von Kursell.

Michael, always the dapper gentleman, was generous to a fault; sharing what he had with his family and helping out friends. Where he lived, until health prevented it, he was the go-to person to repair and refinish furniture for friends and residents.

Michael's family would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Casa de las Campanas Assisted Living and Health Centre for all their care and help at this sad and difficult time.  A deeply heartfelt thanks to the hospice staff at Comfort and Peace.

A celebration of life and/or interment date is pending. Condolence messages may be sent to mhginger92@gmail.com