Michael Geller, a champion waterskier who competed for both Team Canada and the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, died on May 6, as announced by both Water Ski Canada and the University of Louisiana-Lafayette last week. Geller was 18 when he died, and Water Ski Canada said in its statement that he “died suddenly,” but other details about his passing are currently unknown.
Water Ski Canada posted about the young man’s sudden and unexpected death on Facebook, saying:
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we share with all of you the news that Micky Geller, from Ontario, has died suddenly.
Micky was a valued member of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Water Ski Team, and the Ontario skiing community and he represented Water Ski Canada on many occasions including the U17 IWWF World Championships, the Jr. US Masters Water Ski Tournament, and the 2022 Pan American Championships.
As skiers and all the members of our community begin to mourn this great loss, many will acknowledge his amazing work ethic, unending passion, humour, athleticism, and charisma. During this difficult time, let us come together as a community to support one another and cherish the memories we have of Micky. The University of Lafayette at Louisiana will fly their flags at half mast on Thursday, May 18, to honour Micky and his contribution to the school and their Water Ski Team.
We invite you to share your memories by sending photos and memories that will be shared with the family. You can send the memories to [email protected]. We will continue to update you on the ways we can all pay respect to Micky’s memory.
The family has provided obituary and funeral details that can be viewed here: https://www.hpmcgarry.ca/memoria…/michael-geller/…/index.php
Photos of Micky to share with the family can also be uploaded to this site.
The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend the funeral in person: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php…
The Geller family would like to create an award in Micky’s memory and WSWC will work with them on a suitable way to remember Micky’s wonderful contribution to our sport and everyone in it. If you wish to support the award, you can donate through the WSWC website https://www.paypal.com/donate/…
Should you need to reach out for support please email us and we will gladly share some resources to help your healing journey.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette released a statement as well, saying:
It is with great sadness that the University will lower the University flag to half-staff in memory of Michael Arthur “Micky” Geller on Thursday, May 18. Micky was a freshman kinesiology major from Carp, Ontario, Canada, and was a member of the National Championship Ragin’ Cajuns Waterski Team. Micky was ranked 6th in the world as a junior water skier in the U21 jump. His friends and family remain in the thoughts, hearts and prayers of many at the University.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 18, at 1 p.m. at the West Chapel of Hulse in Ottowa, Canada.
Geller’s obituary said:
We are overwhelmed with sadness as we announce the passing of our favourite son, Micky Geller. As a member of the Junior National Waterski team, he was proud to not only compete but also earn medals for team Canada. Micky was ranked 6th in the world in U21 Jump and loved nothing more than flying off the ramp. He spent his younger years in gymnastics and then moved on to rock climbing and waterskiing. In his free time Micky enjoyed the company of close friends, motorcycling, snowmobiling, having deep conversations and debates and just chillin’.
With his full throttle approach to life, Micky experienced more in his 18 years than many ever will. However, he was just cracking the surface of the possibilities that lay ahead.
There are so many people who truly loved Micky simply because he loved so generously. Our boy will be remembered for his empathy, passion, strength, fearlessness, drive, discipline and limitless potential.
Micky is survived by his parents Bobbiann and Mitch, sister Chloe, grandparents Mary Ann and Bob Cormack, Bob and Lynn Macpherson, Larry Geller and the late Nancy Geller, dogs Sandy and Daisy, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and teammates whom he loved dearly.
Featured image credit: Geller’s obituary
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