April 10, 1957 – August 31, 2024
On August 31, 2024, Leonard Michael Jackson passed away at St Boniface Hospital after a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. He was 67 years old.
Michael was predeceased by his parents Len and Anita Jackson. He is survived by his sisters Debbie Girling and Pamela Jackson; nieces Melissa Thompson and Karley Tidey; and nephew Jackson Locken, along with many others.
Michael was born in Kenora, Ontario on April 10, 1957. The family lived in Lac Lu, Ontario, where there was so much to do, fishing, swimming, and hunting. What a place to live when summer came around. They then moved to Kenora, Ontario. Michael excelled in track in high school and held the Canadian record for the 400 meters. He got a scholarship to the University of Niagara and earned two degrees. Michael moved back to Kenora and worked at the local mill for a bit before moving to Winnipeg where he worked for Revenue Canada and Manitoba Indigenous and Northern Affairs. He started one of the first hotdog carts in Winnipeg, starting with one cart, then three carts, doing the day shift and then at night at the Light Club, Strawberries, the “A” and of course the Famous Palomino Club, where he is a legend as the Hotdog Guy.
Michael couldn’t wait to go to the Bahamas every year for the past 30 years, making lots of lifelong friends, and walking the beaches looking for seashells. Happy hour was at 4:00 p.m., behind the pool shed. Having a local fisherman bring him fresh lobster every day, throwing big dinner parties, and enjoying the peacefulness of what the Bahamas offered. He adored bringing family and friends down to enjoy what he loved about the place.
Back home he enjoyed hanging out on his deck or in the park, which was a part of the complex. Happy hours as usual. He was also the block watchman, making sure everyone was behaving. LOL
Michael was an amazing cook and could make something out of nothing. One thing you learned, is that no one was allowed in the kitchen when he was cooking.
He was a jokester, not knowing if his stories were true or not. He lived for “April Fool’s Day”, pranking whoever he could. He was the best at keeping a straight face. He was always trying something.
As per Michael’s request, no service will be held.
You will be missed and not forgotten, not even if we tried.
Rest in peace, your best friend Dean.
