OBITUARY
Michael George Welsman
December 22, 1961 – November 13, 2018
Michael Welsman
Michael George Welsman died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at home.
Mike was born in Toronto in 1961, a son of the late George and Margo Welsman. He leaves his wife, Helen Flisar, and her children, Andria, Erika and Michela, his brothers, John (Cherie) and Paul (Sandra), his sister, Carol (Pat), as well as his nephews, James and Andrew, and his nieces, Amy (Alex) and Sophie (Mack).
They will all miss him beyond words and remember him always for his steadfast loyalty to family and friends, his music, his humour and his soulfulness.
Mike was a gifted mimic, who applied no limits to his array of subjects. He would target family, friends, politicians, members of his community, dogs and, recently, the relentless sounds of hospital equipment. He was so good that, if you closed your eyes, you could visualize right there in the room a particular person, the Prime Minister, David Suzuki, the handyman, Lucy the Yorkshire Terrier. He loved to make people laugh.
Mike loved to paint, and he also applied no limits to his canvases. He painted driftwood, rocks, paddles and pictures, usually drawing inspiration from his favourite landscape, Muskoka.
Most of all, Mike loved to play music. With his musical friends, his band of brothers, and his sister, he gave joy to so many. Music was his fuel. He had a remarkable ear and could perform almost any song, sometimes in the perfectly cadenced voice of the original artist.
Mike’s devotion to family was expressed in many ways, but perhaps most touchingly in the care he gave to his mother, Margo, and his regular visits, sometimes with his guitar in hand, to the Dunfield retirement residence where she lived. He was a devout man and full of kindness.
Mike had many, many lifelong friendships, forged around campfires and out fishing. He loved the natural world and was passionate about its preservation. He made new friends everywhere, from residents of the Dunfield to staff at North York General and the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Three months ago, Michael and his beloved Helen were married, affirming their love and devotion of 13 years together. There was music and laughter — the things they treasured most. The family is comforted by the memories of him on that joyful day.
Mike would want us to thank Dr. Silverman and all the wonderful nurses and staff at both North York General Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital.
A visitation will be held at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, on Friday, November 16th between 6 and 9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m., at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, 65 Bond St., Toronto. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation directed to the Myeloma Research Fund would be greatly appreciated.
Private interment at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, 250 Old Main St. N., Newmarket, ON
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael George Welsman 2018..
Death notice for the town of: aurora, Province: Ontario
My deepest sympathy to the Welsman Family. With a wonderful smile and spirit, Mike would reach out to others with a friendly hello. I am deeply saddened by the news of Michael’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
My deepest sympathies to Helen, her girls and the whole Welsman family.
Thinking of you Paul, Sandy and family during this difficult time. We are so sorry for the loss of Mike. Such an amazing, talented individual.
Hugs and prayers,
Sandy and Rod
I am so very saddened to hear of Mike’s passing.
What a lovely obituary- so perfectly descriptive-my deep sympathy to all the Welsman family and his Helen. We had communicated this year after I saw the post of him with The former premier-and I truly thought he looked well and was going to kick this cancer….
I am thankful to have known Mike and to have experienced all his talents – first hand- so very gifted and kind…in deed….rest in peace with your parents sweet Michael-I’m sure they were playing music at the gates….
Our family knew Mike for a very short period of his life and were lucky to have experienced his wonderful musical talents and his charming, out-going personality. It is sad to have lost this young man so soon in his life. Our deepest sympathy to his wife all the Welsman family.