Mike Maher
1952-2020
Mike Maher, Firefighter
(Retired)
With profound sadness, we announce that Mike Maher died
suddenly from complications of kidney failure on Saturday August
1st, he was 68. Mike was born in Toronto and
grew up in Rexdale. His childhood was challenging, causing him to grow
up more quickly than children should, but in his fashion, he turned
adversity into a strength of character to which he led his life. Mike
was a proud and dutiful firefighter at Toronto Airport, and in 1979,
responded to the call for the Mississauga train derailment triggering
the largest evacuation in Canadian history. It was a defining moment
in his life. He was mechanically inclined and throughout his life had
a passion for cars. In his younger days it was his Bug-eyed Sprite,
Austin Mini, and Mazda RX-7. A month before his death, he was doing
body work and painting Charlotte, his MR-2 Spyder. He was a loyal
friend you could always count on, discuss philosophy, or argue
politics. After surviving a near-critical illness in 2011, Mike made
substantial lifestyle changes for himself and for his family; he had a
new lease on life and made sure it was not squandered. These were the
best years of his life. His heart was full for Hunter and Stella, his
grandchildren. He spoiled them with Lego, love, and laughter and their
importance in his life cannot be overstated. He was a father that
exemplified honour and doing the right thing, even when not
convenient. He touched so many lives and will be dearly missed by his
son, Eric, and daughter-in-law, Alida. Please celebrate his memory by
doing things for others, and consider how he lived his life, as he
said, “When others fear the night, be the
light.”
Due to COVID-19, please understand the memorial visitation
will be by invitation only, physical distancing rules apply, and masks
are required. If you are unwell or have been in contact with a
positive case, for the sake of the community, do not attend. The
memorial visitation by invitation only is on Saturday, August 15, 2020
at GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre
& Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street,
Guelph. Mike did not stand on cermeony, so
please do not send flowers, but if you want to honour him, please
consider a contribution in his name to the Firefighters Benevolent
Fund. We invite you to leave your memories and donations online
at: www.gilchristchapel.com
which will be forwarded to the family.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mike Maher 19522020..
Death notice for the town of: Guelph, Province: Ontario