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Beloved husband of Moira (Macdonald), father of Simone (Hope), Richard (Regina), brother of Cynthia (Michael), and son to Ernest and Simmie (Eckstein), died peacefully on January 14, 2022, at Northumberland Hills Hospital. He was 82.
Michael led a full and adventurous life. Born in London, England, he emigrated to Canada at 17 and later joined the RCAF. He spent five years in the military and was stationed at CFB Borden and CFB Comox, where he was a member of 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron. He would later work for Crossley Carpets, travel extensively, become a wonderful husband to Moira and beloved father to Simone and Richard, and indulge in his lifelong passions—British cars, sailing, hiking, and photography. Michael owned, repaired, and rebuilt many award-winning MGs, and was an active member of British car clubs in Calgary, where he and Moira moved in 1990, as well as later, in Grafton, when the couple returned to Ontario. An avid sailor, Michael was a member of the Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club for many years where he competitively sailed his boat, the Cutty Shark. While in Calgary, he enjoyed the mountains, both exploring on foot and in his MGs. While living out west, he developed a passion for landscape and bird photography which led to photography trips to Moab, UT and Costa Rica. Always in pursuit of new knowledge, Michael mastered Photoshop late in life, as well. A jazz music aficionado, a wonderful storyteller, a volunteer teacher at Grafton Public School, a great friend and a true gentleman, Michael will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
There will be no memorial gathering at this time due to Covid-19. Details of future plans will be released at a later date. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.maccoubrey.com
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
Dear Simone and family, I met your dad through the incredible artwork you made of him and with him and the stories you told the years. He was unique, as I can tell by knowing you. Take comfort in your memories and time with him in its difficult time. With love, Colette
Aunt Moira, Simone, Richard and family, we are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Mike. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. Uncle Mike was always quick with a joke or a story. I'll always remember going over to your house at Christmas and playing charades with everyone. May he rest in peace. All our love, Trevor, Alyssa, Colin and Gavin.
Auntie Moira, Simone, Richard and family - I am so saddened to hear about the sudden passing of my uncle Mike. I will always remember him as a master storyteller (notably about Gurkha soldiers, sailing, and of course restoring his MGs). I remember fondly the story of how a "pile of junk" was dumped on your driveway … which he later restored into a magnificent beautiful MG. I remember him driving to our home (then in Unionville) and driving me around in it. I also remember how wonderful it was meeting you and uncle Mike in Calgary for an afternoon when I was there for school in the 90s. May he now rest in peace. All of our condolences to you. Let us know if you need anything.
Dearest Simone and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I’m happy I met your Dad on a few occasions and can see your twinkling eyes in his lovely smiling face. My thoughts with you all. With love and hugs, Laura
MOIRA.. I was so shocked when I heard about Michael...I was just in doing your Temps the day before he passed and he was always to happy to see me and such a pleasure to chat with.. I will never for get his smile.. it warmed my heart every single time. Rest in peace dear sir
I’m so sorry to hear of Michaels passing he was a wonderful man who will be missed by many I know I will miss our visits at the barbershop and our joking with each other again I’m so sorry to hear.
I enjoyed spending time with you at the camera club in Brighton. What a kind, warm friend with a wonderful eye. Glad to have known you in some small way.
Hi Simone and Family - I only met your dad twice - both times at a Simone gallery show. I hope to see the final piece he was in - it sounds incredible and technical and beautiful. Take Care Keith
Moira Duane and I are sad to hear of Mike’s passing. Mike would often pop over and talk to Duane while you guys lived on Munson. If Duane was out he would come and sit in the garage and reminisce. Mike was a wonderful soul and will be missed.
Having known Mike as a neighbour here in Cobourg, we enjoyed having conversations with him on a number of interesting subjects. Our sincere condolences.
I will miss you old friend. All the trips to the Camera Club. The lunches we had with other friends. Than the many outings to the coffee shop & the shared stories about our vintiage cars. Most important our times photographing together. You were & still are a great man. Stuart
Dear Moira My deepest condolences, love and prayers to you and your family. Diane - Palisade Gardens
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
I was so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I'm thankful that he is in a place free from the pain that plagued him so much of his later years.He was a wonderful neighbour full of life, knowledge and curiosity. My thoughts are with you Moira. Please keep in touch. Lots of love. Linda
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
Moira and family. Our deepest sympathies to you all. Michael’s passing ends a difficult struggle. May you find peace in the thought that he is at rest. We will remember Michael for his passions, photography, his last TRW, and his easy smile. And of course for his presence at those infamous dances with The Royals.
Michael was one of the loveliest gentlemen we’ve ever known. As Grafton neighbours we shared many many wonderful times together. From Michael photographing our Grafton shore wedding, to a backyard bonfire the New Years Eve we moved from 1999 to 2000, to care & support of our dogs & my beloved British car loving Grandfather. We are grateful he is now out of the pain that tortured his body & I pray his body is now resting & in peace. Our deepest sympathies to Moira & Simone. Moira please connect again. We miss you xo
I only knew Mike since June when he and Moira moved to Palicade. He was a very kind and became a friend. We shared the last name even though we where not related. He will be missed not only by me but all those who had the chance to meet him. Moira kept very good care of him in final days. Anne
I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s death. He was a delightful addition to the Grafton school community. His positive outlook and wonderful sense of humour were thoroughly enjoyed by all he met.