1939 – 2016

On November 12, 1939 in the wild and untamed state of New Mexico, Mickey Hunter Caldwell was born to Ernest and Mildred Caldwell, he being the youngest of four children. He grew up in the car business as the Chevrolet Oldsmobile dealership was owned by his father.

In 1960, Mickey and Bettee immigrated to British Columbia in 1971 and together, with partners, bought Roche Lake Fishing Camp. They built a new lodge, opened a restaurant and introduced the first New Mexican food to British Columbians. The restaurant became well known and over the years customers became life long friends.

The resort at Roche Lake was sold and the Caldwell family, with yet another child fondly referred to as the “fall crop”, moved to Kamloops. Mickey’s next 30 years were spent in the restaurant business. Mickey had a kind heart, generous nature and an amusing sense of humour. His utmost love was for his family and the wonderful people who worked and played with him in the restaurants, on the drag strip and at Roche and Sheridan Lakes abundantly enriched his life. His passions were for Chevy’s and fast cars, fly fishing and good food, and at the end of the day —a glass of fine red wine.

Raise a glass to Mickey.

Mickey is survived by his wife Bettee, his children Stacy Ritchey (Todd), Darcy (Joe Cerny), Michael (Rosalie Dewey), and Chelsye (Reid Tindall), his brother William K. Caldwell (Maxine) of New Mexico, grandchildren Alexandra Ritchey, Mickenzie Ritchey-Keller and Sophia Ritchey, Mateo Dewey, Devin and Sierra Caldwell, Kysia and Finn Tindall and friend of 60 years, Helen Emmons Jackson. He will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, in-laws and out-laws.

Mickey was predeceased by his brother Lincoln and sister Burdette. Our heartfelt gratitude to nurses Walter, Liss, Corine, Shirley and Heather and Dr.’s Yanko, Webster, Karpiac, Swartz, Prasad, Schmidt and Handson and the caring staff at Home Health Community Centre.

We will celebrate Mickey’s amazing life on Saturday, May 14 from 1-7pm at 1066 8th Avenue, Kamloops.

Given Mickey’s love for his grandkids, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an education fund for them.

• Date : 2016-04-19
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.