December 25, 1941 - August 25, 2023
Michael Thomas McDonnell passed away peacefully at Stratford General Hospital surrounded by family on August 25, 2023. Born on December 25, 1941 in North Bay to Tim and Kathleen (Kelly), he grew up in Ellice Township. Mike married the love of his life Rosie (Thibodeau) in 1962. They were married for 55 years when Rosie passed away in 2018. Proud dad of Tim (Brenda, née Monger), Kelli (Matthew Crowley), Sean (Amy Robern), and Dan (Tamara Kucheran). Loving grandpa of Meagen, Quintin (Sara), Cullen (Allison), Lance (Tatum), Cornelius, Monica (Alexander), Steven, Fynneas, and Amelia. Great grandpa of Caileigh, Owen, Julia, Remco, Marcas, and Eva. Survived by his siblings Jerry (Carol), Len (Anne) and Agnes Croxford, and his in-laws Judith Thibodeau, Murray Thibodeau, Jim and Christine Thibodeau, Mike and Judy Thibodeau, Kathy and Dan Greener, Mary Ann and Fred Kranitzi, and Karen Thibodeau, along with many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, Mike was predeceased by his brother Walter, and in-laws Ken Croxford, Charles Thibodeau, Bill and Claudia Thibodeau, Crystal Thibodeau, Gary Thibodeau, and Wanda Thibodeau.
Mike was a passionate student and teacher of Judo. His accomplishments included earning his second dan black belt and winning All Ontario in his weight division. Sensei Mike taught Judo or “the gentle way” for 25 years to hundreds of students. Mike’s enthusiasm for both his work and leisure was inspirational and infectious. His love for his family was boundless. He always led by example and with a smile. Mike was an outdoor enthusiast and took his family camping, fishing, boating, and snowmobiling. He was a kind soul who never turned down a lady that wanted to dance. Mike grew up farming and he was highly respected in each career opportunity that followed, including form setting, carpentry, crane operator, truck driver, and heavy equipment operator. In retirement, Mike continued to stay active working in his shop on various projects always learning a more efficient way to get things finished.
A private family burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Kinkora. Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 1-4 pm at W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St. Stratford. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Stratford-Perth Hospice, House of Blessing, or Heart and Stroke Foundation.
