Michael James Dufresne

Michael J. Dufresne, 56, passed away March 9, 2023, at his favourite place – overlooking the lake at his home in Kenora, surrounded by those he loved the most.

In early 2022, Michael was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He tackled this challenge like he did everything else, with a quiet strength and steadfast discipline. Even while facing the battle of a lifetime, Michael lived his best life. He continued doing what he always did, living life his way and on his terms with grace, dignity, and courage - without blame or regret.

Michael was born on October 22, 1966, to Doug and Eva (Shapland) Dufresne. His birth made Mark an older brother, a title he too would assume when Shaun came into the world. From the very beginning, Michael was unique, not just because he was the only brother without red hair. He was born with an integrity that centred and defined who he was and the incredible man he would become.

Michael grew up on the family farm, raising horses, cattle, pigs, and milking cows; clearing fields, cutting wood, hunting, and fishing with his brothers, and working in his family’s service stations. An avid reader, Michael was incredibly smart, with a nearly photographic memory. Unsurprisingly, he was an honour roll student throughout his academic career and graduated with a BComm from the Asper School of Business. He loved playing sports, hockey, football, racquetball, squash, and baseball in his early years, then later, tennis, floor hockey and soccer. Michael enjoyed the competition, and winning, yet the camaraderie of sports is what brought him the most joy.

In 1991, Michael met Laurel, the love of his life. He immediately knew she was the one. Their wedding on June 3, 1995, was one of the four best days of his life, the remaining being the birthdays of their three daughters. It was apparent that Michael’s favourite role and title was Dad. He approached this new position with patience and empathy and took great care in his responsibility to raise three young girls who each became strong, independent, and successful women. Michael’s love and pride for Leia, Ema, and Rheall were evident to everyone he met.

Michael joined the family’s retail furniture business in 1986, working at their first store in Kenora on weekends, holidays, and summers while finishing his degree. During his 36-year career at The Dufresne Group, Michael’s responsibility and impact grew as he progressed from Store Manager to Director of Stores for Dufresne Furniture & Appliances to Director of Operations for Ashley HomeStore, with many stops in between. He will be remembered as an incredible teacher and developer of talent, for his extreme knowledge of the furniture industry, and his exceptional abilities to draw connections, offer a voice of reason, and keep all things balanced.

While his commitment to work was unwavering, Michael enjoyed a full, balanced, and diverse life with many friends and hobbies. He often said he was “just a simple man who only needed simple things to get the most out of life.” Among these simple things were being with family and friends, living on the lake in Kenora, playing and watching sports, fishing, hunting, enjoying the outdoors, - and then, more fishing. This is precisely what he spent his time doing. Fishing in Northern B.C., ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, visiting the farm, driving in the countryside, and cheering for his favourite teams (the Raptors, Washington Capitals, and Blue Jays) were activities he enjoyed until his last days. And when the time came, he was at peace, knowing he lived a great life, his way.

Michael’s influence and significance will live on. Family, friends, and coworkers would often call upon him for advice as Michael had an incredible ability to understand a situation, its impact, and importance. He was level-headed, listened intently and empathetically, and offered guidance that was fair - sometimes direct - yet always from the heart. It’s said that wit is an element of intelligence, and Michael was evidence of that. He had a great sense of humour, and no one was off limits from his teasing!

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Laurel; children, Rheall, Ema, Leia; parents, Doug and Eva; siblings and their families; Mark and his wife Stephanie and their children Rachel, Elizabeth and Alexandra, Shaun and his wife Lori and their children Adam and Renee; mother-in-law Carolyn Hansen, brother-in-law Brad Hansen and wife Diane, along with their children, Lyndsay, Jay, and Mackenzie.

A funeral service and celebration of Michael’s life will be held on July 8, 2023 at 11:00am at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church with Father Rudy Manaloto officiating. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to Lake of the Woods District Hospital. Donate Now | Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation (lwdhf.com)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Dufresne family.