Michael Frederick Betts

October 27, 1947 – September 4, 2026

Michael Frederick Betts of Victoria, British Columbia, died following Alzheimer’s disease on September 4, 2026, at age 78.

Born in Chatham, Ontario, Michael grew up on a mixed-crop farm on the shores of Lake Erie. His love of the land, animals, and farm life led him to a lifelong career as an agrologist. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph in 1969 and a Master’s degree in Weed Science from the University of Saskatchewan in 1973.  He and Maureen were married in 1970 and became parents in 1978. 

Michael began his career as a Research Scientist with New Zealand’s Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in 1973 in Christchurch.  After working for 3 years in N.Z., he and Maureen travelled throughout N.Z. and Australia before returning to Canada.  There, he continued his career in research at the University of Manitoba before moving to British Columbia, where he served as a Provincial  Research Scientist and Weed Specialist.   He was respected and loved by his co-workers and retired in 2007.

Michael valued integrity and held high standards in everything he did, believing in taking the time and making the effort to do things well and properly. There was little he couldn’t do himself or fix.

His love, generous spirit, and quiet wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Devoted to his family, Michael showed his love through steadfast presence, care, and the time he shared with those closest to him. Always ready to lend a hand, Michael gave generously of his time, knowledge, and practical help to family and friends. His kindness was felt not only in his words, but in the many thoughtful things he did for others.

An avid cyclist, Michael chose to ride his bicycle rather than drive whenever possible, and cycled to work year-round for approximately 30 years. He cared deeply for nature and enjoyed cycling trips with family and friends. He also found great pleasure in gardening, baking homemade bread, hiking, camping, and sharing the outdoors with those he loved.

Michael is lovingly remembered by his wife, Maureen Betts; his son, Drew Betts and wife Mandy; his daughter, Lindsay Kirke and husband Bryan; and his grandchildren, Desmond, Tyler, Seth, Kyri, and Beau. He was a loving and devoted grandfather. He was predeceased by his older brother, Ken Betts.

Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada to support Alzheimer’s research. Michael chose to donate his body to the University of British Columbia’s Medical Student Program.