Born in Montreal, very suddenly passed away on Sunday, May 27th in Ottawa. A brother to so many officers and members of the CAF and respected colleague to many in the defence industry. He was very proud of his Irish roots, but most of all, to have had the honor to wear the uniform of the Royal Canadian Navy. Always ready with a song, a quote from Churchill or JFK, or his self-deprecating humor, he was a man among men and a friend to so many, recognized by his broad smile, and the sparkle in his eye.
He leaves to mourn the love of his life, his wife and best friend, Marika (nee Versailles), his daughter Erin Patricia, his son Michael Darcy, his stepchildren Cody-Anna, James, and Holly Orlando. Also, his sisters Patricia McEntee-Dunne (Patrick), Maureen McEntee-Biggs (Alan) and Catherine (Danny). His nephews, Sean and Liam Dunne, Peter and Ewan Biggs. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Michael and Catherine (nee Rooney).
Friends and family are invited to visit Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Saturday, June 8th at 12:00PM, until time of a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM. Burial to follow at 3:00 PM in the National Military Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers a donation to a charity of your choice in Mike’s honor would be appreciated.
Mike, sweetheart, dad, the moment that you died, our hearts split in two. One side filled with memories, the other died with you. Remembering you will be easy, we will do it every day, but missing you is a heartache that will never go away. Rest easy my love, watch over us until we see you again in the Fields of Athenry.
Digital Guestbook
Patrick Dunne
Sheldon Gillis
So many fantastic memories and a lot of very hard laughs at sea and ashore. My deepest sympathies to the family, Mike was truly one of a kind and will be missed.
Mike Mangin
Marika and family, my heart is heavy with the news of Mike's passing. He was a great shipmate and a good friend. My prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Jackie & Rob Fewtrell
Dear Marika and family
Our hearts go out to all of you at this very sad time. Please accept our sympathy and know we are keeping you in our thought and prayers.
The Fewtrell’s
Scott Walton
From basic, to St Jean, Oriole, MARS Trg and into the fleet. Mike was the warrior poet and Irish songster and rally point for the "fight". Out ports, whisky and song. Never a dull moment and I was there for many of those nights that live on in song and story.
"Better pass boldly into that other world, in the full glory of some passion, than fade and wither dismally with age." Joyce but likely to be found in the Gonzo Journal Mike loved so well.
"Fair winds . . . my friend"
Cdr (ret'd) Russell & Sonja Stuart
Those who go down to the sea in ships,
Who do business on great waters,
They see the works of the LORD,
And His wonders in the deep.
For He commands and raises the stormy wind,
Which lifts up the waves of the sea.
They mount up to the heavens,
They go down again to the depths;
Their soul melts because of trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man,
And are at their wits’ end.
Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still.
Then they are glad because they are quiet;
So He guides them to their desired haven.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
- Psalm 107:23-31
Mac, All the good times we had in ATHABASKAN. You are missed. Yours aye, Russell
Sean Dunne
I will always remember the fun times around the pool in our backyard as well as the stories you told around the bonfire. Rest In Peace Uncle Mike
Audrey and Scott Shortridge
Marika, Erin and Mike Jr, Our deepest condolences on the passing of Mike.
Audrey and I were so saddened to hear the news of the loss of such a wonderful man before his time. We will remember with fondness the many happy occasions we shared together over the years, and offer our thoughts and prayers to the entire family at this very difficult time.
Mac, from Navigation Passages that ended in a collision report, using post-it notes in your kitchen to learn how to be a SWC, finding an imaginative use of your T-shirt on a particular boarding; you made tough times at sea bearable. You have been a cabin mate, colleague and friend, my early years in the Navy were made fun and enjoyable from your friendship.
He will be missed.
Blair Haines
Mac no words can describe the loss and shock I feel with your passing. When I think back to all the times you brought a smile to the face of everyone around you, I well up. It reminds me of a fitting quote by Dr Suess: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." Fionna and I would like to offer our deepest condolences to Marika, Erin, Michael, and all extended family.
CAPT (RCN) Wade Carter
A broad smile and sparkle in your eye is precisely the image that springs to mind. Rest easy old friend and shipmate. My deepest sympathies to your loved ones. We are all diminished with your loss. None finer.
Remembering you fondly through our shared love of song and story.
"Then my first sunset came and it was unbelievable. The mountains were covered with pink snow , the clouds were distant and fully like ancient Buddhaland splendor, the wind worked incessantly, whish, whish, booming at times, rattling my ship." KEROUAC
May you rest in eternal peace, Paddy.