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Tribute Service
Celebration of Life
Obituary of Michael Shay
SHAY, Michael Garfield “Mike”
(Retired teacher – O.C.S.B.: St Paul’s; St Pius X HS)
With heavy hearts, the family announces that Michael passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home in Ottawa while surrounded by loved ones in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 23, 2024. Mike was 78.
Cherished father to Braden Shay (Brydie Brown) and Emma Shay; he will be loved forever by their mother Jane Wharton.
Beloved father to Cameron Shay (Veronica Rossos) and Heather Shay (Miles Steininger); and remembered fondly by their mother Catherine Merritt.
Dear brother of Donna, Patricia (William), Marcia (Robert-deceased), Holly (Richard - deceased; Mark- deceased (Angie); Paul (Leslie) and Mary (Ben). Adored Grandpa of Felix, Hugo and Nolan.
Mike will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.
A special heartfelt thank you for the dedicated and loving support throughout from the other two Amigos: Marcello Bottiglia and Michael Nugent. (Botts, Nuge and Shay were inseparable friends.).
Mike will be remembered as a calm and patient teacher by his past students from St. Pius X and St. Paul's, with whom he shared his passion for English, woodworking, autoshop, co-op experience, theatre, and Ski Club.
Reliable, understanding, and compassionate, Mike always had time to lend an ear to a friend and chat over a beer.
He was a devoted and loving father, proud grandfather, and a diehard Toronto Maple Leafs fan from a young age! Gentle, kind, and humble, Mike truly touched the hearts of all who knew him.
He will be dearly missed and never forgotten by ‘Botts’, ‘Nuge’, Steve Watson, Rod Hammill, the “Model A Monday” car group, and his many close friends from over the years.
Thanks are extended to the care teams at the Ottawa General Hospital including Dr. Loreé Boyle, and the Home Care Palliative team including Dr. Claire Dyason and nurse Stephanie.
Family and friends were invited to join in honouring Mike’s life during a Tribute Service held at
Hulse, Playfair and McGarry at 315 McLeod St, Ottawa
on Sunday, July 21 at 11 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at Fratelli Kanata, 499 Terry Fox Dr., Kanata from 1 to 3 PM
where we raised a glass to Michael and shared stories and memories.
The service was webcast live for those unable to attend.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank or Ronald McDonald House.
“And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.”
Khalil Gibran
In the care of the Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., Arnprior
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