At Aforza, we often talk about family. Our community thrives on connection, camaraderie and shared moments on and off the courts. Today, we come together to honour the life of one of our own: Michael Lo.

Michael, a cherished member of the Aforza family, passed away this past August, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, warmth and a deep love for the game of tennis. He wasn’t just a player; he was a friend, a mentor, a husband and a radiant presence who touched the lives of everyone he met. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the joy and positivity he brought into our lives.

A genuine soul

Christina, Michael’s beloved wife, describes him as a kind, gentle and sincere person who treated everyone with fairness and appreciation. “He was always smiling, always approachable,” she shared. “Whether at home, at tennis or at work, Michael was the same—genuine through and through. He had a quiet demeanor and a beautiful smile. He was truly a kind soul.”

Michael’s journey to tennis began as a childhood dream. Growing up near a tennis club, he would pass it often and ask his mother if he could learn the game, but the timing was never right. Years later, after moving to Canada and waiting for his wife to come home from work late one evening, Michael decided to finally pursue that childhood dream. Tennis quickly became a sweet and vital part of his life. “It was always more than a game for him,” Christina said. “It was good for his mind and body—he loved it. And Aforza was a happy place for him. He always looked forward to lessons and his time there.”

A friend to all

Michael’s friends and playing partners remember his infectious positivity and a genuine smile that could brighten anyone’s day.

Ernie Vindevoghel, who shared a 15-year friendship with Michael, shared his memories:

“Michael was one of the most likable people I’ve ever met. He seemed to know everyone at the courts, and they all had a smile and a greeting for him. We started practicing once a week 15 years ago. We never played games—just practiced, chatted and joked around. He would always insist I practice my serve, and he seldom took the time to do that himself. He was always encouraging about how my game was improving. Michael was not a power hitter but had a knack for returning balls to a tough spot for me to get. He seemed to get great enjoyment making me run! It was always fun. We would have lunch every few months and connect. He was much more than just a tennis buddy; we had a unique connection.”

Al Sosiak, another close friend and tennis partner, shared:

“Our games had frequent breaks for pleasant conversation. I heard all about his life story and learned a lot about Chinese culture, which I greatly appreciated. Those conversations reflected Michael’s nature—sociable, thoughtful and full of heart. He worked hard to be sociable and nice to everyone. He was the

same on the court; even when a shoulder injury limited his serve, he kept playing without a single complaint.”

A passion shared

Christina also shared how tennis became part of their shared life. When she mentioned wanting to learn the sport, Michael didn’t hesitate to sign her up for lessons. He was always eager to support her interests and make her smile.

She recalls fondly how, after his games, she would pick him up and laugh as she found him waiting eagerly outside, like a child waiting to be picked up from school. “He loved his three regular partners. He knew he wasn’t the best player, but he appreciated them so much. He always said it felt like David and Goliath out there because they were all bigger and taller, but he loved the camaraderie and the challenge. He didn’t play to win; he played for the joy of the game.”

Off the court, Michael was just as thoughtful and intentional. Christina shared: “He wasn’t much for walking—he didn’t enjoy it, and I teased him about it—but he always made time for me. Except for shopping,” she joked.

A legacy of kindness

Jeff Spiers, one of Michael’s coaches, shares a memory of their first lesson:

“Michael’s excitement was contagious. He was eager to learn, ready to try anything I suggested and always shared how our sessions improved his game. From that first lesson on, I wasn’t just Jeff—I was ‘Coach.’ His enthusiasm for tennis was matched only by his kindness and his infectious smile. Seeing Michael at the club never failed to lift my spirits. He was a wonderful human being and will be truly missed.”

Doug Kozak, Aforza’s Front Desk Manager, reflected on Michael’s warmth and humour:

“Michael loved tennis. He was always looking to play his set date and time with his regular people—Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Gary, Thursday at 11 a.m. with Ernie, and Friday at 11 a.m. with Al. Michael would always joke that he needed more muscles to keep up with his hitting partner, but that he didn’t have time to lift weights.

Michael loved playing in the building and always wanted to be on court #7. When it got bitterly cold in the winter, Michael would tell me stories about how the club used to be—people wearing jackets and mitts in the bubble to play, and the clubhouse being just a couple of Atco trailers. He was always excited to see the changes at the club.”

More than just tennis

Michael’s thoughtfulness extended far beyond tennis. Carson Savage, a former staff member, reflects on the impact Michael had on his life: “Though I only knew Michael for a short time, it felt like a lifetime of friendship. He had a gift for making everyone feel valued. A simple chat with Michael could turn my day around. He was always asking about my weekend or offering a kind word. Michael’s generosity and genuine care for others left a mark on me I’ll never forget.”

Michael’s love for his wife was equally evident. Doug recalls: “After tennis, Michael would wait for his wife outside, even in the winter, saying he wanted to be ready when she arrived. He often joked, ‘It’s best to keep your wife happy.’ That small gesture reflected the kind of person Michael was—always thinking of others.”

Beyond tennis, Michael had a deep love for music, reading and spending time in Victoria, his favorite place to relax and unwind. He was a creature of habit, and Christina said, “We were a perfect pair—complementing each other and compromising where needed.”

Michael didn’t own a camera and often joked about his inability to take a good picture. “He took the worst photos,” Christina laughed, “but that was just Michael—simple, genuine and full of humour.”

Forever in our hearts

Michael Lo’s presence at Aforza was much more than the sum of his games or lessons. He was the friend who remembered every staffer’s name and interests, the player who brought warmth to every match and the person who took the time to brighten someone’s day with a thoughtful gesture or a handwritten note.

To everyone who had the privilege of knowing Michael, his memory will forever be a source of inspiration—a reminder to live with kindness, cherish community and find joy in the little moments.

Michael, you will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Thank you for being a part of our family and for leaving our community better and brighter just by being you.