JUAN MIGUEL (MIKE) MURILLO passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, at the age of 86 at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital on Saturday, November 10, 2007. Mike grew up in Leci??, Spain, in a family with five siblings. At the age of six he guarded and shepherded flocks of sheep in return for food for his family. He spent many nights alone on the mountain with his dog and herd and learned to overcome fear and life’s obstacles. At 24, he met and married Candida Martinez Mayoral, and by the time his first child was born, he was embroiled in a civil war against Franco. He was captured and remained in prison for 11 months before he escaped with others to France where he found work at the iron foundry. He prepared and executed his plan for the arrival of his wife and child who were under constant surveillance. They remained in France for four years during which time his first son was born and before the promise of a good life in Canada beckoned him. The family arrived in Quebec City in 1952 where another child was born. Within 18 months the family had moved to their final destination of Alberta and completed their family with the birth of two more children. Mike worked various jobs supporting his family including working in the mines until he landed a job with the City of Lethbridge as sanitation truck driver where he worked for 30 years before enjoying a long and healthy retirement. Mike’s biggest passion was fishing with his family and multiple pets at the cabin they had owned for 40 years and in growing a productive vegetable garden. He welcomed his friends and acquaintances and his friendly charm and contagious energy were well known. Mike’s other talents included making a potent variety of wine, playing a mean game of canasta, and drinking from an old goat skin that accompanied him everywhere. If all else failed, Mike would be happy watching the Toronto Maple Leafs and arguing his political views. Mike is survived by his five children; Millie, Mike, Marilyn (Bob Parker), Esther (Cal Schwartz) and Fiel (Mel Visser), Joy (former daughter-in-law); his four grandchildren, (Selena, Sylvia, Sarah and Michael) and great grandchild (Elijah). Mike was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Candida Martinez Mayoral on June 29, 2007. A special and heartfelt thank you is extended to the amazing staff at the Regional Cancer Clinic, Drs. Holland, Hebert and Kozan and the staff on Level 4C, for the care, compassion and sensitivity shown to the family and our dear ‘papa’. We would also like to acknowledge the excellent service provided by Cornerstone staff. A Service of Remembrance will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, donations in memory may be made to the ‘Mike Murillo - Caring Hearts Tribute Fund’, Radiation Therapy fund at the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 - 19 St South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5. To donate online, please go to www.caringhearts.ca . Funds will be directed to the building project of radiation therapy unit at the Regional Hospital.