Obituary for Michael Robert Strong
With sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of Michael Strong, ending his battle with cancer in Medicine Hat on February 6th, 2024, at the age of 39 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his soulmate and life partner, Stephanie (Greene); his beloved son, Xander; mother Judy; grandmother Adeline; brothers, Kyle Peterson and Dyllon (Kendra Almon) McEwan; sister, Shea (Jodie) Meeks; best friends, Russel Henderson and Shelley Hall. ; as well as his precious dog, Cobalt. His memory will never be forgotten by his friends, extended family, and in-laws. Although we are at a loss without him, we are grateful that he now rests easy.
Michael spent most of his childhood in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and moved to Medicine Hat in 2013. In 2014, he met the love of his life and put down roots soon after, calling Medicine Hat home. He was a very passionate and talented chess player, enjoying the strategy of the game and testing this against many opponents. He shared this passion for years at the giant chess set here in Medicine Hat where he met some life-long friends. The chess set was also a place he loved to go with his son, Xander.
For anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Michael, it was clear how unique he was. His acceptance for any person from any walk of life was unmatched, as he would converse with anyone who wanted to chat. He loved giving advice and was very good at being impartial, problem solving, and critical thinking paired with his exceptional outlook on life. Close friends and family often appreciated Michael’s open mindedness and ability to never rush judgement. This made him easy to lean on for emotional support. If he was in a position to help someone, he would not hesitate. Michael also just enjoyed all kinds of social situations. You could often find him at Juggies on wing nights with friends, UFC nights in pubs, playing cards with friends and family, and for many years playing Magic: The Gathering on a competitive level. Teaching Xander to play Chess & Magic were some of the best moments they shared together. On the other hand, he loved to spend many hours at the lake fishing for Walleye or Trout, taking in the quiet and company of nature and a loved one. Michael also spent a lot of time playing video games. He enjoyed this most when he was playing with his brothers or Xander and loved to discuss the pros and cons of games with them. As well, he had a special love for music and television. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was his favourite show, and he made a point to rewatch the entire series yearly. His music taste was eclectic with an emphasis on power metal, but he adored Avenged Sevenfold most and was able to see them live multiple times, even once with Xander.
Love for music and live shows were something Michael and Stephanie shared deeply, expanding each other’s minds to different genres. He was also a romantic who loved to plan thoughtful dates and grand romantic gestures. He has commented that some of his best times were just conversing on a road trip with Stephanie or having a trivial debate with Xander.
Michael had his struggles in life and was never unaware of his limitations. However, when he put his mind to something, no one has more perseverance. He overcame a lot of adversity for many of his 39 years and appreciated all the lessons learned along the way. Although we are at a loss without him, we are grateful that he now rests easy. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB at 1:00 pm. Memorial gifts in Michael's memory may be made to AJ’s Loan Cupboard, P.O. Box 45006, MacKenzie Drug Post Office, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0B1. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Michael Strong.
Michael spent most of his childhood in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and moved to Medicine Hat in 2013. In 2014, he met the love of his life and put down roots soon after, calling Medicine Hat home. He was a very passionate and talented chess player, enjoying the strategy of the game and testing this against many opponents. He shared this passion for years at the giant chess set here in Medicine Hat where he met some life-long friends. The chess set was also a place he loved to go with his son, Xander.
For anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Michael, it was clear how unique he was. His acceptance for any person from any walk of life was unmatched, as he would converse with anyone who wanted to chat. He loved giving advice and was very good at being impartial, problem solving, and critical thinking paired with his exceptional outlook on life. Close friends and family often appreciated Michael’s open mindedness and ability to never rush judgement. This made him easy to lean on for emotional support. If he was in a position to help someone, he would not hesitate. Michael also just enjoyed all kinds of social situations. You could often find him at Juggies on wing nights with friends, UFC nights in pubs, playing cards with friends and family, and for many years playing Magic: The Gathering on a competitive level. Teaching Xander to play Chess & Magic were some of the best moments they shared together. On the other hand, he loved to spend many hours at the lake fishing for Walleye or Trout, taking in the quiet and company of nature and a loved one. Michael also spent a lot of time playing video games. He enjoyed this most when he was playing with his brothers or Xander and loved to discuss the pros and cons of games with them. As well, he had a special love for music and television. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was his favourite show, and he made a point to rewatch the entire series yearly. His music taste was eclectic with an emphasis on power metal, but he adored Avenged Sevenfold most and was able to see them live multiple times, even once with Xander.
Love for music and live shows were something Michael and Stephanie shared deeply, expanding each other’s minds to different genres. He was also a romantic who loved to plan thoughtful dates and grand romantic gestures. He has commented that some of his best times were just conversing on a road trip with Stephanie or having a trivial debate with Xander.
Michael had his struggles in life and was never unaware of his limitations. However, when he put his mind to something, no one has more perseverance. He overcame a lot of adversity for many of his 39 years and appreciated all the lessons learned along the way. Although we are at a loss without him, we are grateful that he now rests easy. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB at 1:00 pm. Memorial gifts in Michael's memory may be made to AJ’s Loan Cupboard, P.O. Box 45006, MacKenzie Drug Post Office, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0B1. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Michael Strong.