Michael was adored by his family and friends. In the weeks his life was drawing to a close, he was surrounded in a cocoon of love by his mom - Lee, wife - Nareumon (Ae), daughters - Bijou and Parinda (Pet), sisters - Shannon, Kerry, Josephine and Laurie, twin brother - Kevin, stepmom Dianne, uncle Pat, aunties – Roseanne, Ellen and Yvonne, niece – Chelly, Bijou’s mom - Natalie Marcoux, brother-in-law - Jim Bergh, Dr. Amarjit (Ammy) Rihal, Tracey (Trixxe) LeClair and Bobby Thacker.
Michael was predeceased by his father, Lew Monk, on December 20, 2020, two weeks prior to Michael’s terminal diagnosis of lung cancer.
Michael and Kevin Monk were born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba on a cold December night to Lew Monk and Lee Gaylene. He and Kevin were children numbers five and six, after their four sisters. All were close in age and the siblings remained tight until the end. He and Kev were each other’s half. As their Mama would say “A matched set”. Their sisters would vacillate between cherubs or hellions. (It’s still a toss up…)
The family’s roots are Celtic on his father’s side, Jewish and Mi’kmaq, on his mother’s side. Michael’s father, Lew, who hailed from Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, was in the Canadian Military. The postings, by the time Michael was born, took the family across the country. From Portage, the family moved to Ottawa and then to Winnipeg, where the family finally settled. Michael’s mom has family roots in Winnipeg, specifically on Osborne Street in the Village.
Summers were spent travelling across Canada to and from various postings and trips to the family ancestral home on Monk’s Road in East Ship Harbour, Nova Scotia. There, time was spent with Nanny and Pup Monk, the aunties, uncles and myriad cousins. Michael identified with his Celtic roots. His band Nanny was a Murphy would play and when the sisters were in town, or at family reunions, the sibling harmony took us all back to this special place ‘down the shore’. In fact, the cellar stone of the original homestead holds a place of honour at the Toad. In his 30s, Mic wrote a song about those golden days.
Here are a few lines from his song Home:
Down by the boathouse Lew used to skip stones
Run up the hill when we smelled fryin’ dough
Wake in the morning a chill in the air
Woodstove burns hot, Uncle Paddy is there
Home…. Here I come again, Mother Nature’s parlour
Home… The sun sets again down ol’ Ship Harbour
The Monk family spent many happy times camping along Lake Superior and breakfasting on pancakes and bacon cooked over a Coleman along the shores of Pancake Bay, Ontario on the way to and from Winnipeg and Nova Scotia. These camping trips nurtured a life-long passion for the outdoors and family and friends continue to love to camp and travel together.
Being an Air Force brat fostered a wanderlust in Michael and his travels took him around the world. Every time his father said goodbye, he’d gather Michael in close, kiss him on the lips and tell him to “cover your tracks”.
In the early 1990s Michael moved to Stockport, England where his mom was living, and worked in pubs throughout the north of England. This work financed his travels through Europe as well as provided him with a wealth of experience in the business of running a pub.
On his return to Canada, Michael did the ubiquitous stint in working the bar scene on the west coast. Michael was an entity unto himself. Protesting the outrageous rental prices in Vancouver in the 1990s, he slept under a bridge in his van named Rusty and went to Kev’s place to shower.
Eventually, Winnipeggers come home and he ultimately purchased the Toad in the Hole Pub in Osborne Village in 2004, shortly after his daughter, Bijou Amalie Monk Marcoux, was born. From the very beginning Michael was an attentive Papa. Wherever Michael went, Bijou was perched on his shoulders or cradled in his arms. (That is, when Bijou wasn’t travelling to exotic locales with maman Natalie). Michael and Natalie co-parented beautifully and as a result, Bijou grew up into a confident, self-possessed young woman.
Not long after Michael purchased the Toad, the boys created The Cavern, a local venue for musical artists. Continuing to travel the world, Michael and Kevin developed a passion for whiskies from around the globe and in 2010, they built the Whisky Bar. In 2020, the Toad moved across the street to its current location at 155 Osborne.
During Michael’s international travels, he met his beautiful bride, Nareumon and in 2010, they were married in her native Thailand. Michael adopted daughter Parinda, as his own. In addition to Bijou and Parinda, Nareumon’s mom Jao, step-father Thai, sisters Kanita Chantuluesaen and Nuengruethai Chantaluesaen, and the entire village of Nongwausaw, Udonthani, attended the wedding. Representing the groom’s side were Michael’s mom, all five siblings and respective spouses, best man Bobby Thacker and his wife Peerapan, and honourary sister Alison (Gator) Mitchell from London, England.
Michael also loved to travel to Texas to visit his dad and step-mother, Dianne. For his dad’s 70th birthday, Michael and the sibs travelled to Harlingen to surprise him. Texas and tequila… ‘nuff said! Family BBQs were held at Lew and Di’s place in Gimli where everyone would gather to eat, drink, sing and play croquet or bocce ball. When Michael got sick, he would often drive to Gimli to lay down on Disie’s chesterfield for an hour or so, just to relax and let the essence of Lew, who had recently died, wash over him. This brought both of them peace and comfort.
One of Michael’s lifelong passions was designing, creating, and dressing up in costume. He had a tickle trunk full. Hallowe’en was his favourite holiday and he would spend months leading up to the big day planning, plotting and creating detailed, thoughtful, spectacular costumes. In the pub years, he would create costumes for Kev as well as staff members. If Michael dressed as Las Vegas Elvis, Ae was his showgirl. If Michael wasn’t dressing as Elvis (he had 5 Elvis costumes), he was Gene Simmons from Kiss with Ammy as Ace Frehley, King Arthur with his Court, or Wolverine, or, or, or… Bijou wore his custom made platform boots from his Kiss costume for a pre-COVID School of Rock performance and some of his favourite costumes are on permanent display at Bijou’s mom, Natalie Marcoux’s home.
Michael came from a large extended family and throughout the tapestry of his life, music and food were common threads. Michael was raised singing in harmony with his family. His musical tastes were eclectic and encompassed many styles and genres. Perhaps closest to his heart were the Beatles, Abba, Eagles, Kiss, Classic Rock, Metal, Irish and down-home maritime kitchen party music. He and Ammy shared a love of Led Zeppelin and Michael would often end his texts to friends and family with “Zoso” from the Led Zeppelin IV album. Mic always said Ammy was the Page to his Plant. Michael and Ammy met when they founded the band, Bullwhip Griffin, back in the mid-1990s. Later, Ammy, along with Downtown Dale Brown of the F-Holes became a part of the band, Nanny was a Murphy.
Nanny played the sounds of the Maritimes but with Michael’s own rockin’ spin. His riff on The Ghost of Bras d’or, one of his father’s signature songs, reflected his raw, pure talent and style.
There's a piper on the hillside at the closing of the day
You can hear his stirring music where the sunset fades away
You can see him through the maples as he marches to the shore
And he enters in that cabin, by the waters of Bras D'or.
His sisters would gig with the band whenever the sibs got together. Trixxe Le Clair, from her own bands Honeyeyes and Road Rockets was a band member and Monk sister-in-spirit, and lent her own serious vocal and harmonic chops. Michael’s niece Chelly, with whom he had a special bond, would sing and share music together. Chelly, too was a frequent guest Nanny member.
Michael brought that musical passion to the Toad and over the years held specialty shows, complete with multiple costume changes. One year he organized a 1970s Revival Show which starred family, friends and local musicians, another time, he and Ammy put together the Blues Brothers.
In addition to up and coming musicians, Winnipeg favourites also graced the stages at the Toad and Cavern. St. Paddy’s days at the Toad were lively and fun and the Nova Scotia nights with lobster flown in from Halifax were tremendously popular. The Toad collected a core group of regulars over the years who became dear friends. Every Christmas Eve, and Easter Sunday, Michael would close the Toad to all but his regulars and would cook a dinner with all of the trimmings. Sharing time with friends and family made him happy.
In the weeks before Michael died, he would have bursts of energy and would belt out Meat Loaf’s Paradise by the Dashboard Light with his sisters singing the other part of this duet, Judas Priest’s Diamonds and Rust and Night Ranger’s Sister Christian. Ambitious songs at the best of times, but to the end, this super star rocked it.
Perhaps his biggest fan was his mother, Lee, from whom half of his super star qualities come. Like Lee, Michael walked with confidence and would light up the room. They have shared a lifetime of love and laughter. Lee taught Michael to reach for the sky by showing her son that life is limitless. A sharply worded memo is on its way.
Michael and Nareumon had 11 wonderful years together and were devoted to one another. This blended family of four travelled extensively and had a close-knit home life filled with laughter, adventure, music, delicious food, hugs and kisses. One of the girls’ favourite activities was to cook and bake with Papa. He was so proud of Bijou following in his musical footsteps but maintaining her own individuality. He was in awe of Pet’s super intellect and capacity for food, which clearly were inherited from her beautiful mother. Some of his proudest moments were watching Bijou perform with School of Rock and the day Pet gave the valedictory address for her Grade VI graduation. Michael fiercely loved his girls and fought so hard to live and it broke his heart to leave them.
Michael’s twin and sisters had 51 glorious years with him. They packed in a lifetime of happy memories of shared experiences. Never a dull moment and always involving food and music, love and friendship. The dress code was often plaid but always sartorially splendid.
Michael fought like his favourite superhero, Wolverine, in his battle with lung cancer but was gone too soon.
The depth of sorrow at the loss of Michael by those who loved him is unfathomable. He was a fine man. Strong, kind, funny, humble, arrogant, bull-headed, passionate, pragmatic, independent, nurturing, generous, creative, artistic, a visionary and a dreamer.
“My strength is as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure” (Lew Monk)
“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make” (The Beatles)
Zoso (Led Zeppelin)
Family
Those who have passed before him are his paternal grandparents Stephen William and Ivah Josephine (Murphy) Monk and Aunties Della, Carol, Alice and Josephine and Uncle Stephen (Bud).
On his mother’s side, grandparents Bill and Jennie (Seaman) Keyes, Uncle Bill Keyes and aunt Miriam (Mim) Koven.
Michael had a large immediate and extended close-knit family. Left to celebrate Michael are:
Mother, Lee Gaylene Monk, Winnipeg
Wife, Nareumon Monk, Winnipeg
Daughters Bijou Monk Marcoux and Parinda Soboonma, Winnipeg
Step-Mother, Dianne Monk, Gimli, MB and Harlingen, Texas
Mother-in Law – Jao Chantuluesaen, Thailand
Father-in-Law, Thai Chantuluesaen
Siblings (in birth order):
Sisters: Shannon Monk, Kerry Monk – Musqudoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia, Josephine (Jim) Bergh, Edmonton, Alberta, Laurie Monk, Winnipeg
Twin Brother: Kevin (Joelle) Monk, Winnipeg
Sisters in Law – Kanita Chantaluesaen and Nuengruethai Chantaluesaen
Nieces – Keyomi (Ian) Glassey, Portugal, Chelsea (Chelly) Taylor, CFB Shearwater, NS, Brooke Taylor, CFB Greenwood, NS and Lacey Taylor, Musqudoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia
Nephews – Kevin (Sarah) Maloway, CFB Comox, BC, Shawn (Amber) Taylor, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Lewis (Tabea) Glassey, Winnipeg
Great Nieces – Kayden Taylor, Edith Maloway
Great Nephew – Jack Lewis Maloway
Aunts – Roseanne Keyes, Winnipeg, Joan Page, Ellen (Doug) Hickey, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Uncle – Pat (Yvonne) Monk, Enfield, Nova Scotia
Paternal Cousins – Lisa, Della, Stephen and Mary Jo Monk, Warren, Stephen, Shawn and Janet Grant, Peggy and Ernie Cousins, Tim, Ellen, Kelly and Brendan Crowley, Gordon and Lewis Page, Peter and Paul O’Hearn, Paddy and Tina Monk, Justin and Jennifer Hickey. All of Nova Scotia
Maternal Cousins – Brian, Joel and Carey Koven, California and Malca Koven Casiro, Victoria, BC, Bill Keyes III, Ottawa, Ontario
Michael Monk’s Great Irish Wake
Friends of Michael Monk and the Toad in the Hole Pub are invited to celebrate the life of Michael Monk.
Please register (using the links below) to join us for a "friends and family" celebration of Michael Monk.
Due to COVID, we will be hosting his wake in one hour blocks, in order to accommodate the many, many guests who have expressed an interest to attend.
Please make sure to register, as we can only host a certain number of people in the venue at one time and cannot allow entry to anyone who hasn't registered. (Please, only register for one timeslot.)
Links to registration page and choice of times available:
12noon-1pm
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-toad-michael-monks-great-irish-wake-12noon-1pm-tickets-254070831697
130-230pm
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-toad-michael-monks-great-irish-wake-130pm-230pm-tickets-254090330017
3pm-4pm
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-toad-michael-monks-great-irish-wake-300pm-400pm-tickets-254091734217
430-530pm
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-toad-michael-monks-great-irish-wake-430pm-530pm-tickets-254092687067
6-7pm
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-toad-michael-monks-great-irish-wake-600pm-700pm-tickets-254095876607
730-830pm
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-toad-michael-monks-great-irish-wake-730pm-830pm-tickets-254099748187
9-10pm
COVID protocols will be in effect. The "Last Call" Bell will signal when time is up. Toad Scarves will be on sale. Complimentary snacks.
GO FUND ME for the TOAD
Let’s Keep the Legacy of the Toad Alive!
Fundraiser by The Toad Support Team : Let's Keep the Legacy of The Toad Alive! (gofundme.com)
With Michael’s death, many, many friends, supporters, customers and business partners have asked, “What can I do?” This is it! We would like to give everyone the opportunity to help out the Toad, and Michael’s family, in the same way Michael so generously gave to others his entire life. In keeping with the barn-raising Prairie tradition of communities coming together to support one another, this is an opportunity to rally.
Let’s help keep Michael’s memory alive by helping the Toad succeed. Let’s ensure this iconic Winnipeg establishment can continue to serve Michael’s beloved customers, and offer his signature friendly, warm, and inviting welcome to regulars and new found friends alike. Together, let’s make his dream fly!
Fundraising Details
The roof and heating system are over 30 years old and have outlived their expected lifespan. The cost of these major repairs will be over $150,000. Our goal is to raise $100,000 for these repairs.
How Can I Help?
• Make a cash donation for these repairs – go to the GO FUND ME page click the link to donate or share the page
Fundraiser by The Toad Support Team : Let's Keep the Legacy of The Toad Alive! (gofundme.com)
• Support the Toad - Go to the Toad and have a meal or drinks
• Share the Toad – Tell others about the Toad and encourage them to go for a meal or drinks
• Buy a Toad Scarf! Michael’s signature scarves are on sale at the Toad. Get yours now before they sell out.
SHARE OBITUARY
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