GAREAU, C. Michael
Sgt (Retired) - RCMP
CSIS (Retired)
Thursday June 6, 2019, at the age of 71, Michael passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of quiet generosity and endless acts of kindness for all who knew him.
Beloved husband of Martha, loving father of Tisha (John) and cherished stepfather to Leah (David), Lucas (Laura) Rebecca (Jeff), Claudine (Peter), Christine (late Nick), Angeline (Steve) and Caroline (Jay). Proud grandfather to Nolan and Jeremy, Benjamin and Rebecca, Jack, Elizabeth and Cameron.
Dear brother to Liz Oliver. Predeceased by his parents Rene Gareau and Fran (nee Sexton), as well as his brother Bill. Will be dearly remembered by Claudette, his in-laws, and many nieces and nephews.
Michael grew up in Montreal and took many of its delights along as his professional career brought him to Ottawa and around the world.
Michael always enjoyed a good dinner out and a fine bottle of wine; he could always be relied upon to spot a promising restaurant. He loved music and shared that love with his friends and family, introducing them to up and coming artists, as well as new and old jazz masters.
Always a science fiction fan, Michael was a connoisseur of science-fiction films - the more intellectual the better. He also had an enduring passion for Indigenous artwork.
Michael fondly remembered spending childhood vacations at the cottage in the Laurentians with his parents and siblings. Later, many wonderful family visits took place at the cottage, his home away from home. He deeply appreciated Canada’s many natural wonders.
Finally, C. Michael Gareau was a heroic animal-lover, keenly taking on the care of so many beloved family pets, including Micah, Mia, Elle, Maggie, Ebony, Elric, and often adding to the team, taking in other pets of friends and family in need of a stay, and some love. His generosity of spirit extended to everyone he knew, always going above and beyond – Michael wrote the definition of random acts of kindness.
Friends are invited to gather and celebrate Michael’s Life on Friday June 21, 2019 at the Hall of Colours of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. from 1 to 3 p.m. Interment to follow at the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery. In Memoriam donations to Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue (www.sitwithme.ca) or the Ottawa Humane Society (www.ottawahumane.ca) are appreciated.
It was my pleasure to have known you, Mike. All good things must come to an end.
Cheers, my friend.