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Michele posted a condolence
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Friends and family –on behalf of my brother and I, we would like to express our deepest gratitude. Thank you all for taking time to attend our father’s service, for joining us in bidding farewell to our dad one last time, to celebrate his life and to grieve with us.
We cannot believe that he is gone and we are absolutely devastated with shock and grief that we do not get to see his face again. But for right now, i ask that we take a collective breath together and celebrate the truly incredible man that our dad was.
Our dad, Michael Thomas McWhaw born April 8 1957, passed away suddenly on October 16th at St.Michael’s hospital with my brother at his side.At the young age of 67 He died One day less than a month from his diagnosis.
Unfortunately cancer won this battle, but he put up a good fight.
When talking about my dad the phrase I keep using to describe him is “he fiercely loved “. The way he was already at my door with the proper tool in hand and somehow had already run to the hardware store before I’d even finished explaining the issue I was having with the sink.
The way he brought over not one but 6 boxes of your favorite cookies from the superstore. The way he gave generously just because he wanted to. He always welcomed and accepted everyone with open arms. Me and Lee’s friends became his family, and even their families too. Everyone who needed a spot,had one at our table. All his friends would tell you that he would give you the shirt off his back even if it was his last one . He loved to love. He loved to help. You could see it in the way that he called just to check in and update you on his day.
A lot of times the calls were to tell you an extremely
Inappropriate joke or the worst joke you have ever heard, but he could never get through it without laughing, so funny or not you were both laughing hysterically by the end of it. He wanted to know what his grandkids had for breakfast, to ask if you’d tried the newest recipe he sent you or to make sure you finished the banana bread he made. Lunch was always put on my brother Lee’s car before he left for work, even the days he didn’t.
Sometimes the calls were short, and if he really liked you, they started with a what’s up dopey! but they always ended with an, OK, love you bye!
But those conversations happened because he genuinely cared. To share everything. If he was excited about something he wanted to tell you about it, and he wanted you to be excited about it too.
The most beautiful thing about those conversations is, our dad was a man who never held back. He was shamelessly authentic. A man full of integrity. And you could see that in everything he did. From the way he ran his businesses , to the goofy way he got fancy feet and danced like a lunitic in the kitchen.
It’s impossible to summarize the life of a man who was so abundantly full of life; someone who had his hands in so many things. Other than enjoying a
Glass of red wine, or cooking the perfect steak dinner accompanied by a salad with the best dressing you’ve ever had my dad loved sports. He loved golfing, baseball, curling, football, coaching my brother ,playing and watching hockey, you name it – as you all know, he was a very active guy. And never liked to slow down.
But no matter how all-in he was on whatever work project or hobby, nothing compared to his passion and deep, deep love for people- especially his family.
Our grief is intense because we were all SO close, and we were so blessed to have spent SO much time together – he wasn’t just our dad, father-in-law, pop pop, or brother – he was our cheerleader, caretaker, protector, and best friend. He was everything.
Being fiercely loved by him was such a gift to experience.He was a great friend, brother and he built an irreplaceable bond with my husband- his favourite son in law as he liked to call him., But my brother and I were his treasures. He showed it to us in so many ways, so many I love kiddo, so many laughs, so many tight hugs and kisses on the forehead, and so much generosity. His famous saying to us was I love you a million plus 8 plus 1. He truly loved us unconditionally. The one thing he loved more than us was being a Poppop and he was so good at it.He lit up when Jonathan, Camrynn or Joey entered the room. He was always the first one to call them on their birthdays always giving them their gifts a day early so he’d be first one, and calling to see how their day was especially if they had a special event. He sure loved them, but they loved him more.
There is so much more we’d like to tell you about our dad as this is just a tiny glimpse of who he was, but there is one thing you cannot miss. Our dad was an incredible, joyful, loving man.
As we wrestle with the suddenness of our dad’s passing, and question the timing of it all, there is one thing that my brother and I are clinging on to, he went in peace and he is at peace.
It is physically painful to imagine what the days ahead will hold, but I know with confidence that my dad would want us to find joy and smile through the pain
We know that this is just the beginning of our grief, and that it’s going to be really, really hard to live life without him. Though his presence is gone, he lives on in all of us.
As we enter these days ahead, please don’t stop reaching out. Keep telling us stories about him, help us find joy amidst our devastating grief by celebrating the legacy he leaves behind.
Sleep well Padre,
We love you so so much.
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Larry Grossman lit a candle
Saturday, October 26, 2024
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Larry Grossman posted a condolence
Saturday, October 26, 2024
So many Wonderful Memories Michael.
Thanks for Always visiting Me at the Hospital!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!
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Larry Grossman posted a condolence
Saturday, October 26, 2024
I had the pleasure to know Michael, to work with Michael, to play Hockey with Michael and to be very good Friend's with Michael for many years!! I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time and holidays with Mike & Deb, Michele and Lee!
I remember Michael saying something quite funny to me. One holyday Mike said "Lar, you Jew's treat your hired help pretty well!" ON New Years, you guys BLOW your Chauffeur's... lol. I still laugh every time I picture Mike saying this to me!!! G-D Bless You Mike.
I will see you again, before too long!!
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Karen Running posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Our families were connected by our dads! So many fond memories growing up over the years…Phillips Cables, baseball games, cottages and sharing in special moments. We will never forget you Mike…so kind, and always so much fun. Rest easy and know that your spirit and memory will live on in your beautiful children and grandchildren. Sincere condolences from the Runnings xo
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Maxine posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Wishing you peace and comfort during this challenging time. Lee, please accept our deepest sympathies. Maxine and Rose
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Nathalia lit a candle
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
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My sincere condolences are with your family during this time.
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Catharina Fontes lit a candle
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
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To Mr. Michael's family.
May God welcome Mr. Michael by His side and comforts Lee and the whole family.
My deepest feelings,
Catharina and family
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Surashni Hambre lit a candle
Monday, October 21, 2024
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Deepest sympathies to you Lee and your family. May god rest his soul.
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Peter & Roxanda lit a candle
Monday, October 21, 2024
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Our deepest condolences to all your family. Michael will be greatly missed.
Peter & Roxanda
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Brian Merriman posted a condolence
Monday, October 21, 2024
Wow memories of our trips to watch the Provincials in so many cities. Curling together, our daily singles matches, shuffleboard games,
Bonspiels, watching the Briers in the curling lounge and so many parties.
Mike was a generous giving person, funny, always up beat and easy going. He loves his family always telling me about how they were doing.
Even though we lost touch over time I will always have the memories of my friend.
Sleep well my friend.
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Pat McGoey uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 20, 2024
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Pat McGoey uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 20, 2024
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Don McIntyre uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 20, 2024
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The family of Michael Thomas McWhaw uploaded a photo
Sunday, October 20, 2024
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Linda Spanton posted a condolence
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Condolences Debra, Michele & Lee, and families. The video tribute was beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it ❤️
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Nathan, Lisa & Staff of eco posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, October 19, 2024
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May this memorial web page designed in tribute to Michael bring smiles and comfort as you begin to share stories, photos and memories of him here.
Warmly,
Nathan, Lisa & Staff of eco
