At nearly 1am, on March 6th 2024, Mike’s body gave out and he passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his partner in crime and heartbroken wife, Cynthia Haddad. She was blessed to be able to whisper him to the other side, and while he couldn’t say he loved her one last time, a single tear rolled down his cheek and we know he knew she was there to see him off. Mike would never have left her if he had any say in the matter.
Mike-Mike was a character and love him or hate him, he was good people. Born August 5th, 1953, he was always a strong personality who undoubtedly tested his Mother’s patience more than once, and was absolutely familiar with her wooden spoon or a slipper. He grew up in the North End of Winnipeg, with sister Colleen and brother Kenny. They spent time at the Oasis campground swimming, relaxing, meeting new friends, and getting into mischief. He and his siblings walked the Redwood bridge to Grandma Connie’s and were occasionally found raising some hell. He had once attempted to jump a fence, but didn’t clear it and ended up with a significantly sized barb puncturing his rear end. While he didn’t find it funny, the laughter at his expense being unable to sit for a week was worth his inconvenience.
It’s no secret that it took a couple tries to get the right fit for a life partner, but with his 2nd try, came Ryan, his son. Being a Dad looked good on Mike. He liked having a little guy to adventure with and fond memories were made as Ryan grew. He was a hockey Dad and while every father/son relationship is hard, Mike loved Ryan with all his being. As an adult, Ryan also brought Mike into Grandpa-hood when he met his partner Tami, and babies Koral and Colby arrived. We know that Mike would have never have to chosen to miss Korals June graduation and can only hope that Ryan, Tami and the Grandkids know that he loved them immensely.
As Ryan was getting older, Mike’s next love was a smart and spunky chocolate lab named Mia. Mike and Mia were inseparable and his life revolved around her for many years. She joined him on car rides and napped next to him while he watched his big screen TV. She never really minded his grumpy moods and was his faithful sidekick. She was with him through some pretty significant health challenges including cancer treatments and kidney stones. We hope that wherever he is, she is with him now.
Mike was a jack of all trades- gathering a lot of skills and knowledge from his time at Sutherland Supply, Beaver Lumber, Revy and Rona; which is where he finally retired from in 2019. He made good friends, and likely some enemies in his time at each stop. It was Rona on Sargent that he met Cynthia. An easy friendship, followed by an unexpected relationship has seen them on so many adventures. Cuba, Mexico, the purchase of a house, marriage, a motorhome and a new furry friend, Luna. Mike and Cynthia were meant to be and the laughs shared, fabulous nicknames, board games, work outs, cigars and drinks on the beach will all live on as Cynthia is left to keep the memories alive. We know that leaving her was not Mike’s choice as he was a strong foundation that kept her grounded and was a support she never knew she needed. Learning to trust and lean on him was hard, but he made sure she knew that he loved her. Cynthia would thank him every morning for everything he had done for her and she is missing the opportunity to start his days with those affirming words. They had future plans and nothing will ever be right without him by her side.
With Cynthia, came Atlas- a “step kid” who he cared for and “showed up for” consistently There was no question that Mike-Mike held a special place in his heart for them, which showed in a variety of ways. Atlas would walk with him and Mia down “doggy heaven” and they would laugh the whole way. He loved to torment them with teasing. Their special bond was solidified by eating a bag of chips in front of them after their wisdom teeth came out.
Mike was a bad weed. He defiantly beat every illness that was thrown his way, and finished treatments with a “fuck you” and double middle finger each time anyone eluded that he might not make it. Everyone assumed he would live forever since he had beat odds with some aggressive cancers. We were confident that when he went to Urgent care on Monday night, he had full intention of being home for breakfast the following day. He has left an immeasurable hole behind.
Mike didn’t ever want a fuss and didn’t believe in pomp and circumstance. He was casual and relaxed and could absolutely create an entire sentence out of profanity. He was famous for his middle fingers and never paid much mind to whether or not people liked him.
Mike was predeceased by many, most notably his Mom “Do” in 2018. We have to assume they are somewhere enjoying happy hour and playing Chinese checkers or Yahtzee.
Left to remember him, give people the finger and show off our ability to swear is Cynthia & Atlas, Ryan, his partner Tami and the grandkids, Koral and Colby. Sister Colleen and husband Dave, brother Ken and Wife Beverly. Nieces Leanne, Erin, Beth and Krystle and nephew Jason along with their spouses and children. Paul, Mickey, Andrew and Ewelina, Brayden, Dyllen, Alivia, Roman, Sam, Isabella, Benjamin and Alexander. Luna the dog will continue to wonder where he is as well as they spent a lot of time side by side.
The family is especially thankful to the MICU staff at HSC who cared so diligently for Mike and so compassionately for Cynthia in Mikes final moments. Caitlin, Meg, Michelle, Darcy, Max, Greg, Jas and Cheryl.
Mike has been cremated since he would NEVER have spent money on a fancy casket or burial. He wouldn’t have wanted a funeral, but to honour him, there will be coffee and dessert at Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald St, Winnipeg, on March 26 from 7-8:30. Please drop by, say hello and wish his family well.
At a later date, Mike will make his final journey in a plane to a warm ocean, where he and Cynthia loved to spend time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be forwarded to Cancer Care Manitoba or Manitoba Underdogs.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Mike’s memorial page using the comment field below.
