MICHAEL HART IZEN

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MICHAEL HART IZEN Michael Hart Izen, aged 52, passed away peacefully, at his home in Vancouver, on August 26, 2018, with his wife, Gina, and daughter, Chloe, by his side. Michael was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He graduated from Kelvin High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg in 1991 and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria in 1995. He lived in Victoria, BC for many years before moving to Vancouver in the 2000s. Michael ran his own consulting firm and worked for the NDP provincial government in the 1990s focusing on Youth, Indigenous communities and job retraining. For the last six years, Michael lived with an aggressive prostate cancer all the while maintaining his unique sense of humour and positive outlook on life. Despite his terminal prognosis, Michael turned his efforts to educating other men and society about early prostate cancer awareness and testing. He wrote and published the book "Finger-Up the Bum: A Guide to My Prostate Cancer", chronicling his own experience. His story touched many lives through numerous book talks, media interviews and tireless advocacy for the BC Prostate Cancer Foundation, BC Cancer Agency and BC Cancer Foundation. A memorial was held September 28, 2018 at Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver, BC. He is survived by his wife, Gina Leola Woolsey of Vancouver; his daughter Chloe Woolsey of Vancouver; his parents, Barbara and Roy Izen of Richmond; his brothers, Jonathan and Steven of Gibsons and Vancouver; his nephews and extended family. A wonderful friend to others, "Mike" or "Doc" will be sorely missed by his loyal network of caring friends in Winnipeg, Victoria, Vancouver and across Canada. Michael will be missed for his wonderful qualities. He was loving, compassionate, kind and loyal and valued strong friendships. We will miss his irreverent humour, love of laughter, joy and positivity in life. We love you, Michael and will always remember you and keep you in our hearts!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2018