In Celebration of

Michael John Rea

February 19, 1954 -  December 23, 2020

Passed very peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends at the Dorothy Ley Hospice.

Beloved son of the late Al and Norma Rea. Cherished brother of the late Bill Rea (Beth Early Rea). Devoted and selfless cousin, friend, mentor, co-worker, film editor, songwriter, bandmember, rower, bicyclist, philosopher, amateur astronomer, conspirator in many great adventures, and just an amazing person. Graduate of Humberside Collegiate and Western University.

Although hearts are heavy, the family welcomes all remembrances and looks forward to everyone gathering for a celebration of Michael’s amazing life when COVID restrictions permit, hopefully in 2021. Please reach out through pennyandkingo@gmail.com. If desired, donations to Dorothy Ley Hospice or a charity of your choice.

Diapsalmata (from Søren Kierkegaard)

Something wonderful has happened to me. I was carried up into the seventh heaven. There all the gods sat assembled. By special grace I was granted the favour of a wish ... Then I addressed myself to the gods as follows: "Most honourable contemporaries, I choose this one thing, that I may always have the laugh on my side." ....

Guestbook 

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Mary Lee and Bob Cwirenko (Southampton neighbour)

Entered January 11, 2021 from Toronto, ON

While we didn't get to know Michael very closely, he always brightened our day in the hallways or elevators of The Southampton, with cheery and witty comments. We will miss him. May he rest in peace.

Cailey Milito (Work colleague)

Entered January 13, 2021 from Toronto

I'm so sorry to learn of Michael's passing. We worked on several projects together when I first started working in the film industry. He was a kind mentor and always had a smile to share. I recall his quirky sense of humour fondly.

My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

John Smith (Friend Co-worker)

Entered January 13, 2021 from Dundas

So sad to hear this news. Michael was a friend who all the post film crews loved having around. He could solve problems and make us all laugh at ourselves at times. He coached our work hockey team, and had made special numbered towels for all the players to make it such great fun. He never missed a game, and all the players enjoyed what a great person he truly was. We worked together on several Film and TV projects and he taught me so much. I'll never forget. And I'll never forget his sense of humour. He always had a twinkle in his eye that made us all smile. I see the twinkle in the picture here. Rest in peace, my friend. I'll read the Robert Service book of poems you gave me and remember the fun times we enjoyed together.

Clive Turner 

Entered January 13, 2021 from Toronto

I'll remember Michaels humour and intelligence... he left us far too soon.

COLIN BRUNTON (Co-worker)

Entered January 13, 2021 from Toronto

I had the pleasure of working with Michael on my first film job: Alligator Shoes, in 1978. He was inspiring, and helped me understant that, "hey, this could be fun thing to do!" He was so quick-witted and warm and just plain funny.

About a dozen of us had to stay overnight in a house when we were on location. As everyone got finally ready to sleep, Michael marched through the main room, where there at least five us, wearing a long flowing gown complete with one of those old-fashioned caps they used to wear in, what? the nineteenth century? We all had a big belly laugh. And we found out later that he purchased the whole get-up for just that one moment.

He was one-of-a-kind.

Photos 

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