He was predeceased by his wife Helen in 1991; parents Frank and Maria; brother Peter (Leona), sisters Phyllis (Steve), (Bill, Rudy), Mary (Nick), Josie, nephew Larry, great granddaughter Angelic, and special friend Helen Arnould.
He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Geri, son-in-law Brian; grandchildren Marc, Kim (Claudio), Deb (Terry), Kelsey (Khalifa), Lindsay (Aaron); great grandchildren Samantha (Mike), Michael (Star), Tina (Jesse), Chris (Xuan), Crysta (Brittany); great great grandchildren Arianna, Donovan, Jessica and Emma; sisters Connie, Tootsie (Ernie), Angie (Ron), brother-in-law Bruce; sisters-in-law Evalin, Georgina, Lori; brother-in-law Harold (Ellen); niece Ruth (Glyn); and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
As the oldest of eight children, Michael worked hard from an early age to help his family. During World War II he was proud to serve overseas in Belgium and Holland. As many veterans, he never liked to talk about the war.
Returning home, he began his career at CNR, working until his retirement in 1981. He also joined Fort Rouge Legion, where he enjoyed playing pool, poker and cribbage for over 60 years.
After the war, he met and married Helen and had one daughter Geri. Together they enjoyed spending time with family, trips to Vancouver and Edmonton, and summers at Victoria Beach. Sadly, he lost Helen to cancer in 1991.
In the words of Frank Sinatra, he did it his way. Michael was known for his sense of humour, and never failed to keep us laughing. He loved to tease, but only the people he liked, and he liked everyone. He was kind, helpful and generous, never saying no to family, friends and even strangers. He was a man of his word, respected and admired by all. He loved golfing, even getting a hole in one, and played until he broke his hip at 82.
He spent some happy years at Seine River Retirement and moved to Deer Lodge almost 7 years ago. He was very well cared for and maintained his independence, engaging with residents, staff, volunteers and visitors.
His easygoing attitude and sense of humour allowed him to be happy regardless of his circumstances and serves as a great lesson to us.
The family would like to express our deep appreciation to all of the staff at Deer Lodge, from every department, who treated him with love and respect, and endured his teasing with grace.
A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Friday March 22nd at 2pm, at Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Ave, 2nd floor.
Flowers gratefully declined. Anyone wishing, may make a donation to Deer Lodge Centre Foundation.
