Robert "Mike" Michael Onions

Mike was the beloved husband of Susan Elaine (née Fetherston) Onions for 56 wonderful years of marriage. Loving father of Amanda Tomkinson, Robert James (Karolina) Onions, and Gregory (Jacquelyn) Onions. Proud grandfather of Caleigh, Alicia, Emma, and Spencer Tomkinson, and Ava and Bennett Onions, and great-grandfather of Levi Miles Tomkinson. Cherished brother of Wendy (Don) Hughes, Terry Onions, and Chris Onions. Proud uncle and in-law to many. Mike was predeceased by his parents, the late Robert Patrick and the late Dorothy Marie (née Marshall) Onions. He will be deeply missed by his extended family and many friends.

Born in Toronto, on August 13, 1949, Mike was raised in North Bay, Ontario, where his lifelong passion for sports and the outdoors began. He was an accomplished athlete throughout his youth, excelling in baseball, football, hockey, and wrestling before studying civil engineering at Ryerson Polytechnic. He and Susan settled in Guelph to start their family, and he enjoyed a career spanning more than 30 years with the City's Public Works and Engineering departments.

Athleticism and adventure were simply part of who Mike was. Whether racing down fresh corduroy on his skis, tackling rocky mountain bike trails, cycling long distances with friends, playing hockey, or setting out on canoe and kayak excursions, he was happiest when active and outdoors. His remarkable fitness, natural ability, and boundless energy were recognized and admired by people of all ages. Without ever setting out to do so, Mike inspired those around him to challenge themselves, stay active, and share in his enthusiasm for life. Even in his later years, while facing the challenges of Parkinson's disease and heart disease, his passion for the activities he loved remained undiminished.

Mike's love of adventure was surpassed only by his devotion to family. He shared his passion for outdoor sports with his children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories on the slopes and trails, and passing along a love of sports across generations. Time spent together at the family cottage on Lake Nipissing was equally treasured, where his love of the outdoors and talents as a carpenter, woodworker, and renovator were always on display. Whatever the occasion, Mike was a dependable and reassuring presence, generous with his time, quick to lend a hand, and always there for the people he loved.

In retirement, Mike found his dream part-time job at Paramount Sports. He took genuine pleasure in helping customers, contributing to projects around the business, and being part of a team that shared his interests.

Above all, Mike will be remembered for his strength, kindness, dependability, sense of adventure, and endless generosity with his time and encouragement. His quiet integrity, warm humour, and unmistakable talent for a well-timed dad joke brought smiles to those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and cherished memories, and an example that will continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario. Visitation will take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. and a reception from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Those we love don't go away

They walk beside us every day

Unseen, unheard, but always near

Still loved, still missed, and very dear