Michael George Welsman

Michael George Welsman died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at home.

Mike was born in Toronto in 1961, a son of the late George and Margo Welsman. He leaves his wife, Helen Flisar, and her children, Andria, Erika and Michela, his brothers, John (Cherie) and Paul (Sandra), his sister, Carol (Pat), as well as his nephews, James and Andrew, and his nieces, Amy (Alex) and Sophie (Mack).

They will all miss him beyond words and remember him always for his steadfast loyalty to family and friends, his music, his humour and his soulfulness.

Mike was a gifted mimic, who applied no limits to his array of subjects. He would target family, friends, politicians, members of his community, dogs and, recently, the relentless sounds of hospital equipment. He was so good that, if you closed your eyes, you could visualize right there in the room a particular person, the Prime Minister, David Suzuki, the handyman, Lucy the Yorkshire Terrier. He loved to make people laugh.

Mike loved to paint, and he also applied no limits to his canvases. He painted driftwood, rocks, paddles and pictures, usually drawing inspiration from his favourite landscape, Muskoka.

Most of all, Mike loved to play music. With his musical friends, his band of brothers, and his sister, he gave joy to so many. Music was his fuel. He had a remarkable ear and could perform almost any song, sometimes in the perfectly cadenced voice of the original artist.

Mike’s devotion to family was expressed in many ways, but perhaps most touchingly in the care he gave to his mother, Margo, and his regular visits, sometimes with his guitar in hand, to the Dunfield retirement residence where she lived. He was a devout man and full of kindness.

Mike had many, many lifelong friendships, forged around campfires and out fishing. He loved the natural world and was passionate about its preservation. He made new friends everywhere, from residents of the Dunfield to staff at North York General and the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Three months ago, Michael and his beloved Helen were married, affirming their love and devotion of 13 years together. There was music and laughter — the things they treasured most. The family is comforted by the memories of him on that joyful day.

Mike would want us to thank Dr. Silverman and all the wonderful nurses and staff at both North York General Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital.

A visitation will be held at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, on Friday, November 16th between 6 and 9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m., at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica, 65 Bond St., Toronto. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation directed to the Myeloma Research Fund would be greatly appreciated.

Private interment at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, 250 Old Main St. N., Newmarket, ON

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