In memory of Mick Ellis, whose influence shaped a generation in the media world.
Mick had a huge impact on my life – he was the reason I deviated from Catholic school into the “sinful” path of multimedia. His work on TV Soul Time was a defining moment for me, helping me decide which high school to attend. His media studies program from grade 9 drew me in, and I became one of his mentees, hooked from the start. Mick and I worked countless events together – pep rallies, plays, sock hops – creating hours upon hours of media that built my skills and passion for this field.
Russ Ramsden – Tony Kuzub – Mick Ellis
Mick, Russ, and I tackled at least a dozen Gateway plays, and every project we took on was filled with lessons that stuck with me. Mick introduced me to multi-track audio recording, even gifting me a copy of “SAW” so we could push our audio-visual work to new heights. That experience shifted my career, opening my eyes to what was possible in media, and to this day, I wouldn’t be where I am without those early projects.
Mick helped me understand the media landscape – how to tell stories, to motivate, and to wield the art of sound and visuals in ways that captivate audiences. I often reached out just to say hello and to thank him for the countless opportunities, encouragement, and wisdom he provided. Even now, with each new experience, I’m brought back to those days in his classroom.
Mick, you were not only a mentor but a true friend. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone lucky enough to have known him. He will be greatly missed.
It is with broken hearts that we have to say goodbye to our beloved Mick. Our husband, father, friend, grandfather – our rock, Mick. Mick died on August 18 after a short illness from cancer. He loved life and his family beyond measure. Mick is survived by his wife and best friend of 54 years, Lorraine; his children, Erin (Dany), Mike (Kathleen), and Dan; grandchildren, Malcolm and Gillian; brothers, Peter (Maria) and Colin (Susan); sisters-in-law, Linda and Lynne; and 9 nieces and nephews along with their children.
Mick has been an actor, a woodworker, a musician, a consummate fix-it guy and DIY dude, an artist, a media studies pioneer, a beer-maker, a gardener, a student, a teacher, and above all a dad and husband. He had an appreciation for everyday joys, every day. “Oh man, that’s good!” he would exclaim over each evening cup of coffee. If he could creatively salvage something into usefulness the whole day was “great!” Relentlessly positive and gifted with seemingly endless energy, nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He showed his care through action, perpetually willing to lend a helping hand, especially to his (sometimes needy) family.
He was an educator who left a lasting impression on students and colleagues. Many former students from his years teaching at Evan Hardy Collegiate and running audio-visual programs through the Saskatoon School Board have sought him out to reconnect and share the ways he impacted them as a teacher. He truly was a pioneer in his field, creating lasting programs such as Telemedia.
Mick was a dedicated environmental steward, and ingrained the ethos of reduce, re-use, recycle into his children. More recently, he described saving energy as his hobby, and he derived great joy from checking the energy production of his solar panels every day.
We are bereft, but Mick loved life and so we will strive to carry on that tradition, at times through bleary eyes, however working to live with joy in our hearts, one scrap piece of wood re-purposed or quiet morning savouring a good book at a time.
A Celebration of Mick’s life will be held at Glass and Lumber, 432 20th St. W, on Sunday, September 15 from 1-5 p.m., presentation at 2 p.m. Mick had an intense dislike of formal wear, so please wear whatever you’re comfortable in.
Charitable giving was important to Mick, so rather than flowers, if you would like, his family suggests that a tribute donation is a loving way to honour him. Some of his favourite charities included: Doctors Without Borders, Meewasin Valley Authority, and EGadz. (Also, hug your loved ones and unplug your not-in-use appliances.)
