Stoneham, Michael William Russell
Michael William Russell STONEHAM passed away peacefully in his home, overlooking Georgian Bay, in the arms of his family on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 – his 75th birthday.
Mike will be dearly missed by Anne Marie, his wife of 50 years and his “darling” of 60 years, his daughter Stacey (Stan Bleha), and his son Kenneth (Aarani). He was a proud Papa (“Big Bird”) to his grandchildren, Stanley and Liam (Bleha), and Julianna, Michael and Lincoln (Stoneham), and will forever be adored by them. He was a loving and beloved brother-in-law and uncle, and was a devoted nephew to his aunt, Jean Orr.
Mike’s greatest happiness in life was his family. He was devoted to and proud of his family and taught us to hold each other close. He will be deeply missed and lovingly held in our hearts.
As a young man, Mike (“Stoney”) graduated from Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute and headed off to St. Francis Xavier University (BBA ’69) and Queen’s University (MBA ’71). He played varsity football throughout his post-secondary education and was a proud member of the 1966 St. F.X. X-Men Vanier Cup championship team. Following his school years, with Anne Marie, Ken and Stacey by his side, Mike was an avid golfer (Mad River Golf Club) and skier (Alpine Ski Club). He made many dear and life-long friends on the gridiron, the golf course and the slopes.
Mike started his career in 1971 with Coopers & Lybrand ‘C&L’, he received his Chartered Accountant designation with the firm in 1974 and was admitted to the partnership in 1977. Mike was instrumental in the development of the Consulting Group for C&L (later Pricewaterhouse Coopers ‘PwC’) and was instrumental in the purchase of the PwC Consulting Group by IBM in 2002. He retired as Managing Partner, Consulting Canada in 2005. He was a pioneer in the development of technology and management consulting professional services. He was also a deeply respected leader who advanced the innovation and strategy agenda at C&L and PwC for many years. Mike was passionate about his career and left an indelible mark. He will be fondly remembered by many for his mentorship, friendship, coaching and guidance, for his willingness to lend a hand or engage in spirited debate, or take part in some friendly competition.
Mike fought a brave battle with cancer during this pandemic, but his battle was not a lonely one. Our family is profoundly grateful for those special people who ensured that Mike always had a friend to walk, cycle or debate with. Our family also wishes to extend our deep appreciation to Dr. Jesse Guscott, Scott Clock and Cindy Dillon (Victorian Order of Nurses), and his teams at Royal Victoria Hospital and Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, all of whom helped to ensure his battle was a dignified one.
Mike achieved great success in his life and did it with modesty, humility and care – giving many a hand up or a pat on the back for encouragement and support when they most needed it. He was no shrinking violet. He always had an adventurous and mischievous twinkle in his eye that conveyed his zest for life and a fire in his belly to fight for what he believed in and go to the wall for those he cared about.
A celebration of life will be held in the future.
The family invites those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to Special Olympics Canada in Michael’s name through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Celebration of Mike’s Life at a later date.
Donations: Special Olympics Canada
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Stoneham Michael William Russell 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Meaford, Province: Ontario