One Year ago today. Sadly missed Young Man!!

I was saddened to hear of Mike's passing when i was in Toronto visiting family back in July. I took the train & ran into a  co-worker who mentioned his passing. The news came as a shock. I would chat with Mike whenever he was at Guildwood GO Station where i worked as a Plant Service Person. 
He came across as a decent fellow, easy to talk to & i always loved the banter & his sense of humour.
Rest Easy...

So sorry to hear about this and my deepest condolences. Mike is an old friend of mine and I know how much of a great guy he is. To say that he will be missed is an absolute understatement. I’m going to miss you, buddy.

I have fond memories of working with Mike at GO and I can echo the sentimets of my co-workers condolence messages about Mike's one of a kind sense of humour and compassion for others.  May the Skals family find comfort and peace in knowing how many loved Mike as a friend.  Rest easy 84.

Barb

Joanne, Pete, Patrick, Teegan, and Family,
There simply are no words to express sufficient comfort for your immeasurable loss. 

The Skals family always throws the doors of its heart wide open, sharing stories, laughs, struggles, and grand adventures. You make us part of your joy, and now we are a part of your pain.  

We can only hope to find some small way to carry you through it.  

Wishing you peace and strength. Sending you love.

Colette, Bill & Mathieu

Pete, Joanne,
My heart is broken for you both,  I wish for you to find peace and happiness. I'm so sorry from the bottom of my heart for your loss. You are both such wonderful people, please know that there is a large number of us that are here praying for you and your family.  It's hard to offer words at this time.

Andrew Fenyes 

Joanne, Pete, Teegan and Patrick, 
our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
We know that words mean so little after a loss like this, but take comfort in knowing that Mike was admired and loved by all.
It was an honour styling Mike up with some new suits and Pat will miss all the talks and laughs shared with him.  It was always a good time.
Gone too soon, but now Mike is free of all his struggles. Heaven has just gained another angel.
May his soul rest in Eternal Peace. 
Our love and warmest hugs go out to all of you.

My deepest condolences to Mike's family.  I wish there were words that could be said that would make a difference for you.
I first met Mike when he sat across from me at his job interview.  He was so young and nervous.  As the interview went along, he relaxed and his kind and caring nature and sense of humour began to show.  
(Thank you Brenda for posting the picture when Mike's group finished their training and got sworn in)
He was highly thought of and respected by his co-workers, and I can say that it was a privilege to work with Mike.  It was with pride I saw Mike grow as an officer.  A guy I would have been proud to have had as a partner.
Sadly, due to the weather I am not able to attend today's service.  Rest in peace my friend.

My deepest condolences to the Skals family. I was saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I worked various shifts with Mike prior to my retirement. A great officer,enthusiastic and so loved to banter with us coworkers. Off duty I had the pleasure to share the occasional drink and  laughs  with him and other officers. Recall him calling me at home and saying , " hey bro...are you All In?  Let's meet down at the CNE and play some poker" ,to which I did. Always fun hanging out with Mike,on and off duty.  Rest in Peace Mike. 

Joanne, Pete, Patrick and Teagan,
My heart goes out to your family during this tragic time. My prayers go out to you all for comfort, peace and healing.   May Michael rest in perfect peace.  Sending love and hugs 

Dearest Joanne, Pete, Patrick, Teegan, and all of your family. My deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Michael. My memories of him were of a skinny, gangly little boy who grew up into a very tall, strapping young man with an essence of kindness and joy in his heart. I remember when he would come onto our clinic I would think how proud I would be if my boy Ryan would grow up to be a young man just like Michael. Unfortunately I have a family event that will keep me away from the service tomorrow, but please know that my love and prayers are with all of you during this unimaginably difficult time. 
With love,
Derek Shin 

Joanne, Pete , Patrick Teegan and family .
We can not express the sadness this has brought us .. The Skals family epitomizes strength , love and unity.  Such a loving family ..
The stories Joanne shares about the kids growing up made us feel we are part of your family too .
Our prayers and love to you all during this difficult time .

Adventures in South America, thanks for the memories Dude, you kept me on my toes bro....  ( Searching and finding Manchu Picchu )

Adventures in South America, thanks for the memories Dude, you kept me on my toes bro.... ( Searching and finding Manchu Picchu )

Adventures in South America, thanks for the memories Dude, you kept me on my toes bro....  ( Peruvan Festival )

Mike, who was most often referred to ask just ‘Skals’ was a household name.

A close and dear friend of my eldest brother Chris and in more recent years closely bonding with my younger brother Andrew as well.

I have happy memories of Mike at various life stages but most centred around high school when brother Chris would be entertaining at our family home. Skals was always there.

Mike treated me with kindness and care in a way that only a sister with brothers would understand. He made me feel safe and he made me feel seen. I laughed a lot with Mike. His humour was his own! 

Skals, thank you for being a part of my life. You are missed, forever loved and fondly remembered.

To the Skals Family, Pete, Joanne, Pat and Teegan, to his crew of brothers ‘the boys’, colleagues and anyone who called him ‘friend’ my deepest condolences.

Mike was a great guy, a great officer, and definitely someone you didn't mind working a 12 hour shift with. Some of the best cases I was ever a part of were working with Mike. His knowledge of the law far exceeded my own, and I was lucky to have him as a partner on many files when we worked in the Investigations Unit together. I'll definitely miss our spirited Raptors debates and all the laughs he always seemed to generate. A really good guy, gone way too soon. RIP brother. 

I first met Mike in 2017 when I first got hired at Metrolinx, I remember during my coach officer training Mike took me on the trains and together I made my first arrest, I still remember the investigative tips he has given that I use today. 

Pictured was when Mike was awarded a Metrolinx lifesaver award, I remember he sprang into action and began giving chest compressions to someone with no vitals, that individual survived that day because of Mike’s quick thinking and actions that shift.

He was and is a hero in my books.

Rest easy Mike

 

It's been said already but Mike had an amazing sense of humor. He worked more in the east & I worked in the west but  when I'd see him, mostly at training sessions or town halls, I knew it would be entertaining & fun. I can almost still hear him tell the story about getting bit by a woman after breaking up a domestic on a train.

A few of us hung out once downtown at some bar he called 'cats.' Mike knew the city well & knew how to have a good time in it.

He was a strong Officer who always said what needed to be said  without hesitation. If you gave him attitude, he'd give it right back but he also showed compassion & empathy to people because he cared.  

None of us can truly know what Mike experienced or was going through except Mike.

I'm sure, like most people refreshing these comments & thinking about Mike, I really wish I had the chance to listen to him explain it all to me, if he wanted to anyways.

 Regardless; no matter what Mike was going through or where he was in life, I'd work with him again today, tomorrow, any day, without hesitation...

Adventures in South America, thanks for the memories Dude, you kept me on my toes bro.... ( Uyuni Salt Flats - Bolivia )

Adventures in South America, thanks for the memories Dude, you kept meow my toes bro....( Embedded on a Peruvian farm )

South American adventures, thanks for the memories dude. You kept me on my toes...... ( World's most dangerous Rd. Bolivia)

Joanne, Pete, Pat and Teigan,

Sending to you my deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved son and brother, Michael.  May he rest eternally in the arms  of Our Lord.


I am so saddened by the news of Mike's passing. 
Mike was a childhood friend (my very first love at 6 years old) that over the years we kept in touch here and there. Any time we connected it was like no time had passed. His warm, caring and comedic nature had a way of making you feel instantly at ease.  Mike was truly a genuine and wonderful person and will be greatly missed.

Sending love and condolences to the Skals family as you navigate this incredible loss. 

A former colleague from years past. I'm shocked and saddened by this terrible news. Michael was one of the nicest guys on the team. He had a huge smile and an incredible sense of humour. My condolences to his family and to his very good friends at GO.  Rest in peace Michael.

I was very shocked to hear the passing of Mike. He was one of a kind
always keeping you laughing. I will miss him very much. My condolences to the entire Skals family. 

May the powerful resonant grace of love; embrace, comfort, and heal the broken hearted.

Whenever I had the opportunity,over the years, to run into Michael at work; I witnessed a warm vibrant soul of a man with the ability to reach others with genuine interest and a gentleness of heart.   Michael had the gift to transmute and lighten a room with his mischievous humor, at times, that never failed to make others laugh with him.  Thank you Michael!  Many blessings  brother.   I pray that you may rest peacefully and heal the pains of your soul. 

I shall lift my eyes to the radiant night sky and know in my heart you reside amongst the stars....quietly  and lovingly shinning down upon us all.

Condolences and prayerful blessings to Michael's family and loved ones.   May you support and hold each other during these very difficult times.   Blessings on high.
Rest easy now ...Michael.  🙏

Joanne, Pete and family i am so sorry and my condolences are with your whole family . If you guys need anything at all please reach our 



My condolences to Joanne, Pete  and family. This is so very sad, and my heart goes out to you.  
Warm hugs, Marg Flynn

Joanne, Pete, Pat and Teegan, we are so sorry to hear about your loss and our hearts are breaking for you. Pete and Joanne you raised an amazing young man and I am know his loss will be felt by many for a long time. May he rest peacefully and may his memory be a blessing.


my condolences to his family, I known Mike for quite a few years, he was a kind and caring person, he always offer to walk the female attendants to their car, chat with us about his vacations and adventures.
It is heartbreaking to hear of his passing!
REST IN PEACE MIKE!

I am so sorry Joanne and Pete. I walk this sad long  road with you.  My heart breaks for you and your family. I am here anytime for you.  A big loving hug to you all. 

I struggle to find the words to really say how much Mike had impacted my life. I was new to Canada in 2020 and Mike was there to welcome me. Shoot, we were pretty much instant friends sharing the same interest in sports, nice single malts and jokes. If you knew Mike, you wouldn't leave a conversation without a laugh. Being from New York, I appreciated his raw and just- authentic self. That always clicked with me and was why we got along so well.  He was so humble and talented at the same time. I remember we went to the driving range once and he prefaced this trip by saying he wasn't very good. I mean, I was in legit awe watching this guy drive the ball straight 250 yards. When I said ahh hey you're pretty good he just said this has never happened before-ha. Just an all around good guy. You always had a fun time when you hung out with Mike, he just had that effect. In the 3 years I knew him, I have so many fond memories. This is incredibly tough and I pray for his family and loved ones during this time. May He rest in peace

Gerrard captured Mike’s spirit so well in his post. Mike was a gentle and sweet guy and, although I didn’t work with him often, he was truly a gentleman.  Words will never express the sorrow I feel for his family and close friends who have lost such a good soul.  Rest easy my friend. We will take it from here. 

As I pay tribute to Mike what comes to mind most is how personable & warm he was. What we remember most, is how someone makes us feel. Mike made all those around him feel like they were seen, feel like they mattered &  feel his kind intentions & actions. He was a very good man! Life comes with ups; life comes with downs… It’s not for us to ever judge the depths of despair that plagued Mike. He HAS a magnificent Soul that will live on & be remembered in our hearts. I recall & cherish the laughs & playful nature Mike infused in our 👮‍♂️ career. It is a vocation burdened by extreme stress & unspeakable visuals & trauma that inflects upon us all, varying degrees of PTSD. Coping is easy for some; not so easy for others. It hits those with the purists hearts, the most! I know Mike is at peace. I know Mike will never be forgotten. I know Mikes legacy will be that an open honest dialogue that helps others will be his ultimate contribution & outcome. Even in his passing, he will be helping others. Bless You Sir! 🙏🏼 
You are Loved! ❤️ 
We will ALL miss You Brother!! 😢 

The past 2+ decades I have had the honour and privilege of being a great friend of Michaels.  From travelling together to catching a raptors game, Michael was nothing short of an energy filled individual that brought constant laughter and endless enjoyment to any environment. This void left in me can never be filled but I am comforted knowing that you now are at peace.  I’m truly going miss you and all of the times we had together as friends. I have so many amazing memories & will always cherish them. Love ya Mike, till we meet again. 



May you rest well where you find PERFECT peace, good bye my friend, colleague and Special Constable Brother.





SPO2 - 86

Our deepest condolences to the Skals Family. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this difficult time. Our  heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. 
Words can’t describe how sorry we are at his loss. You’re in our prayers.

My Deepest Condolences to Michael's family & friends. 
I worked with Mike for many years and he was quite a character. 
He had a sharp, quick sense of humor and spoke his mind, which was very admirable. 
It's such a tragedy he went so young.  
God bless him and give his loved ones the strength to get through this Very difficult time . 
He'll be missed by many. 
.  


My memories are all about Murphy. The excitement that Mike and his siblings showed when I delivered him. And the excitement when I brought Murphy back to the Skals after taking him camping. Turns out the kids were afraid I may not  return him. 
And of course the Christmas parties....Murphy gave us a special connection.
Simply.....I'm heartbroken

My condolences to the Skals family for the passing of Mike . He was an amazing person who made a positive impact on anyone he met . He always knew how to make an entire room laugh with his sense of humour . His love for the Raptors and travel created an everlasting bond with me  . Mike you were one of a kind and you will greatly be missed . Thank you for all the laughs , great memories and conversations. 


I'm glad to have had the honour and privilege of meeting Mike in this life. 

You will surely be missed by everyone here on earth.

I hope you are no longer suffering and that you are finally at peace. 

My sincere condolences to the Skal family and all of those who were close to him.

Joanne, Pete, Pat and Teigan,

I can’t begin to imagine the pain you are going through with the loss of your beloved Mike,  my deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you all.

Mike was a charismatic and funny person who could tell great stories and make everyone laugh! He was confident and could light up a room with energy, and his presence. He was very special. 
I have so many memories that will be cherished forever. 
Deepest condolences to the entire Skals family and all those who loved Mike.

I was deeply saddened to hear the news this past week. Mike was a lifelong friend of mine and I will miss him.  I hope he will find peace in the next life. 

To Pete, Joanne, Teegan and Pat, and everyone else who knew him and loved him, I express my deepest condolences. 

My deepest condolences to the Skals Family. 
Mike was an amazing person and friend. He always knew how to light up the room with laughter. He will be deeply missed by EVERYONE

I am glad I got to make a lot of memories with mike over the years.

It was a  pleasure being your friend and I’ll think about you all the time buddy. till we meet again 


Our deepest condolences Joanne, Pete and the entire family we can not imagine your pain so our prayers are that your hearts be sooth with the loving memories you've share with Mike.  The Jordan's have you the Skals in our hearts and prayers.

OBITUARY

Michael John Skals

4 June, 1984 – 23 February, 2023

Thompson Funeral Home

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