Michel died peacefully on April 9, 2026, after a period of declining health. He is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Michelle, sons Paul (Chantal), Richard (Jennifer) and Bill (Alex), and his granddaughter Millie.
Mike grew up in Ottawa’s New Edinburgh neighbourhood with his ten brothers and sisters. He joined the Governor General’s Foot Guards in 1963 and served as an infantryman before transferring to the military police in 1976. Over his distinguished 35-year career in the Canadian Forces, Mike helped provide security in many and varied situations at local and international events, both with non-military partners and with his colleagues at the 28 (Ottawa) Service Battalion. He also participated in several multi-day training exercises and even brought the kids along once or twice. Upon retiring in 2000 Mike had risen to the rank of Captain and was Officer in Charge of Major E.J.G. Holland VC Armoury.
Mike was also a draftsman and aeronautical cartographer in the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources (later Natural Resources Canada), and then worked 14 years with the Commissionaires as an investigator among other roles.
In his retirement Mike enjoyed traveling in his camper trailer with Sue and Callie, the family dog. He enjoyed spending time with family, sharing stories from his military career, and keeping you off his lawn. In these last years his granddaughter Millie was the highlight of his days.
The family is grateful for the tireless support of the staff at the Riverside Hospital’s dialysis unit, the Ottawa Hospital Supportive and Palliative Care Program, Orleans Palliative Care, Ontario Health at Home and the nurses from Carefor who helped with home care, and Maison de l’Est.
The family will receive condolences from 11 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa. The inurnment in the National Military Cemetery will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Hospice Care Ottawa.