Mike, you are physically absent from our lives, and memories of all you added to my life remain alive. Thanksgiving creeps in rapidly, and you can be assured Chris and I will recall all our amazing family gatherings, and I will definitely cook your favourite oxtail. Sweet sleep my dearest - till we meet. Nancy

Mikey, it’s two years since you left to be with the Lord. Memories of you have been most vivid over the past couple of months. I wonder how you are doing?  Most of all, I really miss you. I located a YouTube video of you playing “Body & Soul” and have been playing it for my students to soothe them- it works - most of all it helps to ground me (our secret). Well my dearest, I loved you in life and it continues to date/ maybe it even got deeper. I remember you often - Chris and I have frequent conversations about you - he misses you. Rest in Peace- till we meet. Your aunt, Nancy

Michael Arthurs is a great man most importantly a great uncle to me and I really do miss him every time I listen to music he is a great man and his legacy needs to be living on because he was one of the greatest jazz player in Canadian history

Happy Birthday Michael. You would be thrilled to know that I have completed my EdD degree. I also dedicated the degree to you as you were one of many who fueled the topic. It is fitting that I did my examination on September 12, 2024, your birth date.  Sleep well my dearest nephew - sleep well. Your aunt, Nancy

We will never forget this little place where Micheal played some of the most amazing improvisation we ever heard.  We still listen to the recordings in awe and remember him well as our freind.  On behalf of the group, we love you Mike.

I was so sad to hear of Michael's passing.  I have fond memories of his friendship and musicianship . Condolences to his family and friends.

My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Michael.  May he rest in peace.

Mike was very well liked at Humber too, seen here in their Viewbook.

I knew Michael in his late teens and early twenties when he attended Humber College. I was teaching there at the time and had the great and good fortune to have him in classes and as a member of the saxophone section in one quite memorable student band there - possibly 1981-1983. He played alto saxophone and flute and was a terrific musician even at that early a time in his musical life. On the personal side of things, he possessed a fine sense of humour and approached his musical development with determination. This clearly stood him in great stead throughout his life. 

One clear memory I have is that he approached me one day because he had a question about the phrasing he was hearing in a recording he was studying. Many students were curious about and focused on what notes were being played. His additionalo interest in how things were performed - taking a detailed look at articulations and phrase structure set his questions outside the everyday sort of questions I encountered at that time.

I heard today, on JAZZ.FM about the admiration and love  for Dr. Michael Arthurs expressed by members of the JAZZ.FM Youth band which he directed. I will be sorely missed and I am very sad to learn of his passing.

MIchael was a wonderful graduate student at the University of Louisville School of Music. Loved by the students and faculty, he showed his musical genius. I was Associate Dean of the School, but shared a special bond with Michael as we both attended Northern Secondary School! What a terrible loss....I will remember him fondly.

Dr. Naomi J. Oliphant
Associate Dean Emeritus
University of Louisville School of Music

We were just boys when I first met Michael. We played football together, studied together, played music together, served at church together, toured Europe and did just about everything that two brothers would do together. We talked and laughed for hours about anything, everything and sometimes nothing at all. Because, that’s what good friends do! Eden Ahbez’s lyrics in Nature Boy describe Mike to a tee. Someone very wise once told me that; ‘you were lucky if you had one or two great friends in a lifetime,’ and I was. I was very blessed to know him; Michael will be sadly missed! Goodbye Michael

Some fond memories of our cookouts, and great barbecues together.

European tours of Germany and England, our student exchange trips.

Jazz Band with Mike playing a little Alto Sax, as he often liked to say.

In high school, Michael was a gifted athlete and musician. Despite his exceptional talents, he was also modest and humble. He had a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh that was filled with joy. We are fortunate that Michael spent his life sharing his talent and love of music with others. He will be sorely missed.

My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Michael. I last shared laughs with him at a virtual high school reunion a few years ago. We met in Mr. O'Neill's class in junior high school and I have only fond memories of hanging out and later playing football. It was so wonderful to see his musical talents blossom in high school and beyond.

We are so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was a talented saxophonist and as a graduate student at the University of Louisville for his master's degree, there were many opportunities to hear him play, to hear his creative arrangements, and to play casual gigs with him. His creative voice will be greatly missed. Prayers and condolences to his loved ones.

Jerry & Karen Tolson
Louisville, KY

Performing at Reeds Jazz and Supper Club 2007.

Michael the New 5-recording session in 2008.

Michael was a wonderful person, an amazing saxophonist and and a great friend. We were at UT together and shared an office. We also shared the stage on many occasions. I miss our talks about life and music. My deepest condolences to his family. This photo is of Michael with the rest of the New 5 during our recording session in 2008.

From Northern Secondary Yearbooks- 1978 and 1979
Junior Band, Concert Band + Orchestra 
(Grade 10 and 11)

Dear Family, Friends, Youth Big Band Members + Students of Mike Arthurs,
As promised to Mike's brother Andrew I'm posting some photos from the 1978 + 1979 (Grade 10 and 11) Northern Secondary Yearbooks.
We were fortunate to have a solid Music Program at NSS.
Photos of Mike in the Jr. Band, Concert Band + Orchestra.
(No, I don't know why Mike is holding a French Horn in one of the photos. Guessing that it was an inside joke?)
Mike was a "Triple Threat" in High School.
Athletics, Academics + Music.
However, even as a teen he made 2 Things clear:
1. That his Life's focus would be Music.
2. That his Mom was (still is) Awesome.
Todd Martin and Mike Upshall might also recall at least 2 teen group treks to the Ontario Place Forum to see Chuck Mangione (still touring in his 80's).
Thank you Mike for introducing many of us to:
  "Rufusized" - Rufus and (G.O.A.T.) Chaka Khan.

Play on, Mike....

To all the family of beloved Michael,  my children & I  are deeply sorry for your loss.  We share your grief.  We know how very much you must miss his bright Light,  his wit, his humor, wisdom & creativity.

Time really comes at us fast  and 'in a little while our lips are dumb'. 

So while we're sorry for your loss,  we also celebrate  with you the amazing and incredible legacy that is Michael!

With Love, 

Yvonne, Kathy, Dave, Terry & Kojo

Michael, such a beautiful sparkle of light that now keeps on shining bright… even brighter… Rest In Peace beautiful Soul… Love Never Fails or Wonders Why…

Michael and his wonderful mother, Kay.  Love you both!

I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Arthur family. I've known Michael for several years from the time he was with Archie Alleynes  youth Jazz mentoring program. Michael always engaged the people he met with a cordial greeting. A really nice talented guy that will be missed by many.
Gilbert Carty

To the family of Michael, the Barrow family (Candice and Rene-Mark) send our deepest condolences. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael in a few of the family celebrations and he was always a pleasure. To Nancy, Christopher and his family, I pray for God’s peace that surpasses all understanding during this difficult time. Surrounding you all with love 💕. 

The Barrows

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Michael Arthurs. Both my Mom, Claire and myself, Michele Dickson, remember Michael as an avid musician with a passion for music and a deep appreciation for it. You will be sadly missed. 

With kindness, 
Claire and Michele Dickson

Michael and I shared many years teaching together,  making music and helping others realize their potential.  Always kind, gentle and passionate,  Michael would share his love,  expertise and gift of music with so many. Always excited and eager to take on new projects, especially helping youth. Teaching all to play, write and perform music, giving his all even when there was no money in it!
He would commit over and over again!
My heart is broken that I can't be there for my dear friend.   I am out performing,  thinking of him every measure, and in every song and note I play!!
Rest my friend  until we meet again.
Love

Although we have known Dr. Arthurs for a relatively short time, since he started bringing the JazzFM Youth Big Band together, he has had a big impact on our family. His kind, calm, cool and extremely friendly way of being has made a big impression and has made us love him dearly. Through his love of music and the drive to give back he managed to assemble these young people around him, gave them courage and self-confidence, made them sound perfect as a band and made us feel that he was a musical father to all and each one of them. Thank you, Dr. Arthurs! You will be missed!

Deepest condolences to the family!
Cristina, Gabriel, Sebastian and Catalina

Michael looking on at a retirement gathering- August 2022

Spring 2023: Michael hanging out with cousins, Chris & Alarene!

My condolences for the loss of this beautiful soul. Him and his music will be missed by many. 

Aileen Edwards

In front of our house, my brother in the back ground

We will all miss you very much. Thank you, Michael, for everything you have done for our family.

Dominique, Thierry, Joran, Nathan, and Logan

Michael you will be greatly missed. Your warmth, kindness and gently sprit will always live on forever. Never to be forgotten!! 

With deepest sympathy, 

Peggy & Nicholas

With great sadness I've learned of Mike's passing. Only a few days ago I thought I'd find out where his next "gig" was and take in an evening of great music and his saxophone.  

I will share some of my memories of Mike, which include his good natured taunts at track meets where he ran for a rival high school, or watching him dodge and weave through tacklers during football season. My fondest memories though, have to be from Northern Secondary's West and East Germany band exchange in the summer of 1980, where both of us joined up as students from different schools to help fill the rosters.  The band was so talented  with many going on to professional music careers. We played festivals throughout West Germany, and even performed in Berlin one afternoon, if I recall correctly. Mike and the 
saxophone section were exceptional, wowing the adoring Germans with jazz classics and dazzling solos. I loved hearing Michael's distinct  airy tone and the magnificent runs he'd take his "horn" through,  just to blow our minds! 

Rest in peace, Michael.

My deepest condolences to the family of Michael. Kay, Andrew, Nancy, Tony, Chris, daughter and Anthony. Gone but not forgotten. RIEP

I met Michael a little over a year ago. Since then, we have had an extremely rewarding experience building this new iteration of the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band. Michael poured so much love and care into each young musician that he interacted with and it was a treat to watch as the band came together and developed individually and as a unit to become a professional level band that we are all proud of.

This was taken at the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Bands performance for the Kensington Market Jazz Fest on Oct 1, 2023. Michael led this group of stellar young musicians for the past year and has impacted each one of them and myself immensely beyond the music.

Your talent was boundless! You will be missed!

We are truly sorry for your loss. Michael will be missed, and he will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace.

He often had a look that says, “I know something you don’t…” My darling nephew - I love you in life and death. Till we meet again! 
Nancy

See that look… tells a story … the man and his sax! Please rest my dearest - we will meet again! Nancy

How dashing!  My beautiful child - heaven will enfold you as the angels add another musician to the choir- when the roll is called yonder - you will be there. Sleep well.

A memory… Michael was the most beautiful baby in the world. He spent early days in Jamaica. His grandmother and Aunt Clare spoilt him rotten - he had his own care taker, Hyacinth - who simply swoon over him. . I remember as a young child having to wash my hands before I could hold him… lol. Memories don’t leave like people do.., Nancy

My dearest Michael, sleep well.
Aunt Nancy

Dr Arthurs has given a great bunch of kids some wonderful memories of their experience with him in the JazzFM youth band. Something they are sure to cherish forever. We will all miss him very much.

OBITUARY

Michael Gregory Arthurs

12 September, 1963 – 5 October, 2023

Giffen-Mack Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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