Michael was born on March 30, 1961 to Carmella and Joseph Peters at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Michael  had an older  brother Joe, (now deceased) and a  sister Carmella . Our Mom was Italian descent and 1st generation Canadian. Our Dad was an orphan so not sure of his descent. . We suspect Canadian first nation.

Growing up Michael and Carmella were best friends and played with Matchbox cars and Hot wheels.  We  shared mutual neighborhood friends and enjoyed our childhood. . Michael went to De la Salle Catholic private school for elementary school and then Burnhamthorpe Collegiate. Michael left school as a teen as he wasn’t very studious and didn’t like to be told what to do. He was a free spirit up to the day he passed. He lived life his way. I remember when he was around 13 he decided he didn’t want braces anymore and he removed them himself (thus the space between his top teeth). Michael and our cousin John were very close when they were younger. I remember Michael and John saving up to get these platform boots made at Master John’s (a custom boot maker) on Yonge St.   Think Alice Cooper. He had to hide them from our Dad, however,  our Dad caught him wearing them and that was the end of the boots. Lol. 

 We have a lot of cousins and we were very close with them growing up. Michael was always making pranks and had a great sense of humor. He was a very sensitive soul. He loved animals and would give poor people the shirt off of his back. Michael and our Mom were so close, I used to tell them they must have been a couple in another life.  All through our teens and early 20’s we shared the same friends. He was always into cool cars. He convinced our Mom to help him buy an old 57 Chevy when he was 16.  Michael moved to Houston when I was living there with our Dad. It was the disco era and we would go to clubs and dance all night and then have after parties at our Dad’s house or other friends. Let me tell you we partied. If he wanted help with a clingy girl in a club I would pretend to be his girlfriend and save him.

 My Dad sent him out to LA to help a family friend who was buying and selling exotic cars. That was the beginning of his experience in the business that he became known as an expert. Michael did very well for himself buying and selling vintage foreign cars and trailers. He would sell them all over the world. He had a great eye! After awhile he decided to move north to the Santa Cruz area. He made long lasting friendships from all over and experienced wonderful adventures as he scouted for that vintage find.. 

I have fond memories of  visiting Michael in Santa Cruz .  Hiking up in the hills, he would teach me about the flora and fauna in the area. He would take family members on trips as well, always taking time out to be there for us. 

Our last visit in 2021 was difficult as he was suffering from his illness. But in true Michael style,  he still showed us around and shared his favorite beaches, places and knowledge of the area. He introduced us to his friends and had his sense of humor and appreciation for life. I will treasure that time spent with him forever. It was such a gift for me! I think of him everyday and he lives on in me. He died too young and had to many dreams to fulfill. I am sure he is reunited in heaven with our parents, our brother Joe, Aunts, Uncles and friends. RIP Michael. Lovingly, Carmella.

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