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 married his high school sweetheart, Bettee Emmons, and they had three children.
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 Jean, Walter, Liss, Corine, Shirley and Heather and Dr.’s Yanko, Webster, Karpiac, Swart, Prasad, Schmidt and Hanson and the caring staff at Home Health Community Centre.
We will celebrate Mickey’s amazing life on Saturday, May 14th from 1-7 at 1066 8th Avenue, Kamloops.
In lieu of flowers, please send the family a keepsake—-a photo, a story, message or memory or, if you wish, a donation to an educational fund for the grandkids to www.mickeycaldwell.com
5 Tributes
Dear Bette and family… how sad it was to read of Mickey’s passing.. we all go back a long way… starting off meeting you both at Roche Lake where you always made us so welcome, even in our old camping gear! Next step was you at Chapters and myself at the Dome…that’s where the next generation took over !
It was indeed a great pleasure knowing you both and Mickey’s quiet and smiling ways will not soon be forgotten.
Please hold all your special memories close to your hearts, they are beyond precious… stay strong.. stay together… Barbara and Garth Carr.
Dear Bettee, Stacy, Darcy, Mike and Chelsea,
We were surprised and saddened to read of Mickey’s death and our thoughts are with all of you and you family.
We have wonderful memories of good times and amazing dinners at Roche Lake — the night some rowdy late night diners nearly drove off the dock and into the lake because they took a wrong turn at the fork; some rowdy dinners of our own ( including one we don’t really remember very well, when we “helped out” by finishing off the leftovers in the blender when a liter of margaritas was poured, well– several blenders); emergency calls for lettuce which would lead to a run up to the lake and a visit that could last all evening; and, of course, that first fateful evening when Bettee and Mickey brought Carlos to dinner at Petra and Randy’s, an encounter that started it all for us.
Mickey had the devil in his eye, a warm heart, and a smile and sense of humor that were contagious. We’re not up to margaritas any more, but we will surely raise a glass, or two, to Mickey.
We will see you on May 14, and in the meantime we send big hugs to all.
With affection,
Carlos and Susie
Darcy, we are saddened to hear about your Dad. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Greg Shea and Kathy McEachen
Mickey you will not be forgot.. For the short time we spent together at the lake (best summer of my life) we had such a great time. Thank you for the opportunity to be with you and your family. Teaching me to love and appreciate New Mexican food , selling me my first car and playing Fleetwood Mac none stop 24/7 .. Now go catch that 25lbs. Trout .
Dom,
I am just now reading your tribute to Mickey. Thank you for your kind memories of our times at Roche. We will be going there tomorrow to spread his ashes on Father’s Day.
Bettee