

Passed away peacefully at the family cottage in his 64th year, On Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Beloved husband of Shelley (Francoeur), Proud Dad to Angela (Kevin) Vander Kooi, Jonathan (Angie) Wren, and Jordan (Kim) Wren. Mike was a devoted and fun-loving grandfather to Noah, Jacob, Jason and Alana Shea. Affectionately known as “Grampion”—a name that perfectly captured his playful heart. Grampion was the one who made everyone laugh, turned ordinary moments into adventures, and believed that life was always better with a joke, a smile, a little mischief and time spent with family. His laughter was contagious, his humour unforgettable, and his love for his grandchildren immeasurable.
Michael shared a lifelong bond with his siblings, built on family roots, shared memories, and many moments of laughter. He is lovingly remembered by his siblings, Jeff (Barbara Lyn), Kevin (Shelley), Connie Baynham (the late Todd), Steven (Penny) and Lisa O’Grady. The connection they shared remained a constant throughout his life and will be cherished always.
Dearly missed by mother-in-law Connie Townsend (Stewart); sister-in-law Melanie (Francoeur) Roy Dick; and predeceased by late father-in-law Patrick Francoeur. As an uncle, Mike brought laughter, joy, earning his place as the favourite to all his nieces and nephews and will be deeply missed by all. Predeceased by his beloved parents James Greggory and Marie Sheedy (Code), who held a special place in his heart. He will be sadly missed by Rory his beloved Sheepadoodle, who`s heart is truly broken.
Mike will be remembered for his quick wit, easy laugh, and the humour he brought to everyday moments. He had a natural way of lightening any room with a well-timed comment that left people smiling long after the conversation ended. Beyond the laughter, Mike was a deeply caring family member, a fierce friend whose presence offered comfort, loyalty, and connection. He leaves behind cherished memories and will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Mike graduated in Funeral Service Education in 1986 from Humber College in Toronto. He was a longtime funeral director whose compassion, professionalism, and genuine care touched countless families throughout his career. He was known not only for his deep commitment to service, but also for his vision and leadership within the funeral profession.
A true innovator, Mike founded Fairview Funeral Home, Ottawa’s first low-cost funeral provider. Through this groundbreaking work, he helped transform funeral service in the region by offering high-end, professional care at a reasonable and fair cost. His approach made dignified services accessible to many Ottawa-area families, and the success of Fairview Funeral Home stood as a testament to his integrity and dedication.
After selling his business, Mike joined the SCI family, where his leadership abilities quickly became evident. He advanced from Location Manager to Market Manager, and ultimately to Market Director. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing operations across Ottawa, Gatineau, Cornwall, Northern Ontario, and Manitoba. Mike was also deeply involved in several professional funeral organizations, where he played an instrumental role in helping shape and strengthen the future of funeral service. He was proud to have served as the past president of CANA (Cremation Association of North America).
Beyond his professional life, Mike had a lifelong passion for football. As a young man, he played the sport and attended training camp with the CFL`s Toronto Argonauts, narrowly missing the opportunity to join the team due to injuries that forced his withdrawal. His love for the game never faded. He remained actively involved in junior football in the Ottawa area and was especially proud to serve as General Manager of the Ottawa Sooners Minor Football Team, which won the CJFL Championship in 1992.
Through both football and funeral service, Mike built many lifelong friendships. He was respected, admired, and deeply loved by those who knew him. His legacy of compassion, leadership, and community involvement will not be forgotten, and he will be very sadly missed by all.
The family will receive friends at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road (at Albion Road) in Ottawa on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. and on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at the Neville Funeral Home, 491 Isabella Street, Pembroke. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 284 Trafalgar Rd, Pembroke at 11:00 A.M..
In lieu of flowers, donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated, helping to keep support and care within our community.
Due to health sensitivities, the family respectfully asks that guests refrain from wearing perfumes or aftershaves and kindly use hand sanitizer upon arrival at the funeral home for visitation.
The funeral is available to be watched virtually either live or in replay at the following link: https://fweb.tv/236918
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