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
Commander Gary Friedrich
Cdr Jay McLay
Marika and family, I was so very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a great friend and shipmate. Please accept our most sincere condolences and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugo Laplante
Marika and family, my deepest condolences. Mike was a fantastic guy with an exceptional sense of humour that made sometimes difficult tasks much lighter. It was a true pleasure to sail and work with him. My thoughts are with you.
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.
Simon and Catherine Hughes
We send our deepest condolences. Mike was a dear person with a real zest for life. We will miss his zeal, his smile, his passion for life and his genuine smile and easy laugh. Gone but never forgotten.
Bill England
Absolutely stunned to hear of Mac's passing. My deepest condolences to the family. RIP sailor, we will remember.
Maureen McEntee-Biggs
So many hearts,are sharing in
the sorrow that we're all baring
and praying we'll be comforted
by God's eternal care.
Rest in peace, Michael
With heavy, heavy hearts
Maureen and family xxx
CPO1 (Retd) Mario Gagnon
One of our most professional and respected Naval Officer, may you rest in peace. Sinceres condolences to his wife and family.
Liam Dunne
Great memories of all your trips visiting us in Brampton, rest in peace Uncle Mike.
Liam
David Halfkenny
Although our relationship was a professional one, I know that Mac's impact on the naval brotherhood was indelibly stamped. To have met him, was to know him and as so many have recounted here, it clearly was the "first" date enroute to loving him. Most saddened that for those who had yet to meet him will not interrupt what they are doing to ask, "Who is that guy with the slicked back hair, broad smile and sparkle in those Irish eyes, who is simply lighting up this room ?"
To Mac's family, know that your husband/father was revered by his bosses, peers and those who worked for him. I know how absolutely proud he was to be Erin and Michael Jr's dad. My last correspondence him was a text with a photo of Michael in his Habs gear attached and Mac's pride simply need no words. Marika, I have never had the pleasure, but I am aware from so many that you gave Mac your all through thick and thin and his friends are most grateful that he has had you in his corner.
To Mac, (I have liberally borrowed from George Santayana's "You, a Part of Me"):
" ...... yet we treasure in our memory
Your gift of charity, and young hearts ease,
And the dear honour of your amity;
For these once ours, our lives were made richer with these.
And we scarce know which part may greater be
What we keep of you, or your passing has robbed from we.”
My deepest condolences to the entire family in this very difficult time
Mac, Fellow Above Water Warfare Warrior. You set the tone early and often in your Naval career, and you kept charging all the time. You continued to fight hard to bring the best to your shipmates, friends and family. Marika, Mikey, and Erin, to honour Mike is his proud Irish heritage, I humbly offer an old Irish blessing,
"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face and the rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand."