March 7, 1945 - September 18, 2019
Mike passed away after a steadfast 8-year battle with a rare form of neuro-endocrine cancer. He was the adopted son of Paul and Helen Dobel of New York City. He graduated from Bronx High School of Science, New York University, and attended graduate school at Cornell University.
A Conscientious Objector to the Vietnam War, Mike moved to Toronto in 1970 and took Canadian Citizenship in 1975. He never wavered in his love for Canada, never regretted his life-changing decision.
He also loved his work as a photographer, first taking commercial and industrial assignments, then switching to stock photography, which enabled him to travel wherever and shoot whatever he wanted. For several decades he was affiliated with the Masterfile Stock Photo Agency in Toronto. Later he switched to specializing in the niche market for book cover photography, using his own images and digital manipulation skills to create book cover art published in North America and abroad.
Mike was a sailor, scuba diver and certified water safety instructor. After moving to the Cowichan Valley in 1992, he joined the Cowichan Valley Canoe and Kayak Club and Cowichan Stargazers. He was a licensed ham radio operator and worked until recently as a volunteer with the CVRD Emergency Communications Team, as well as the Arbutus Ridge Emergency Preparedness Group.
Mike is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carolyn, his heartbroken cat, Jasper, and a family of loving in-laws across the United States.
Sincere thanks to doctors and staff at the BC Cancer Agency, Cowichan District Hospital, Cowichan Hospice Society, and Cross Cancer Institute; especially Dr. Susan Barr, Dr. Valorie Masuda, Dr. Edward Brooks, Shelley Kuecks, Dr. Sandy McEwan, and the late Dr. Jerome Rubin of Monterey, CA.
There will be no funeral, by request. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mike's memory to Cowichan Hospice House, c/o Cowichan Hospice Society, 3122 Gibbins Road, Duncan, BC V9L 1G2, Canada. https://