Peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, January 28, 2025, of natural causes.
Michael and his beloved siblings, John (Jean), Celia, Bernadine (“Bunny”) (Edmund), Theresa (Pat), Paul (Linda), Bernard (Ines) and Sylvester were raised in Niagara Falls. He met his beautiful wife, Huguette Dagenais, after she asked him to a high school dance – he accepted after asking friends if she was a “looker” (they assured him she was). Michael went to medical school at the University of Toronto, and started his career as a general practitioner in Niagara Falls. With Huguette, and the first four of what would soon be eight children, he moved to Toronto where he obtained a degree in psychiatry. He had a long and esteemed career as a psychiatrist, including his own independent clinical practice, as well as a term as Head of Psychiatry at Etobicoke General Hospital/William Osler Heath Care Centre.
Michael was an accomplished pianist, and it seems fitting that his 88 years mirrors the 88 keys of the instrument he loved so much. He and Huguette hosted many parties at their home in Mississauga, always involving a boisterous sing-along around the piano. Michael was the life of the party, and was beloved for his humour and generosity.
A cherished husband, father, and grandfather, he is predeceased by Huguette (d. 2020), his loving wife of 60 years, his beloved son, Brendan (d. 1978), and grandson Peter (d. 2021). He leaves behind his children Kevin (Carol), Theresa (Keith), Monique (Jym), Michael (Annette), James (Jenny), Rebecca (Matt) and Cecilia (Michael), brother-in-law André (Janet), as well as 21 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Michael will be greatly missed and remembered as a man of faith who loved music, movies, wine, parties – and above all, his family. Anyone who was fortunate enough to spend time with Mike would agree there will never be another like him.
The visitation will be held on February 3rd from 6-9 p.m. at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 4th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 1701 Bloor St. W., Toronto. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association (ontario.cmha.ca).