It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Michael Gifford Edmonds of Edmonton, Alberta. Michael passed on Monday, October 24, 2022 at the age of 65 years following a long and courageous battle with cancer. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by family and the prayers of the Church.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 37 years, Tracy; daughters: Margaret (David) and Haley (André); granddaughters: Theresa, Madeline, and Bridget; sister: Linda (Paul); brother: David; in-laws: Thomas and Joyce Dillon; sister-in-law: Linda (Paul); brother-in-law: Thomas (Jennifer); nieces: Bryanna, Kelsey (Matt), and Alyssa; nephew: Harrison; great-niece: Claire; and great-nephew: Edward. Michael was predeceased by his parents: Gifford and Emma.
Michael was a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He was proud to be born and raised in Edmonton where he attended the University of Alberta Faculty of Business and afterward attained his professional Chartered Accountant designation. He began his career in public practice and went on to become the President of Import Tool Corporation, an oilfield service company with operations in Western and Eastern Canada, where he demonstrated compassionate leadership and had a flourishing career. He appreciated that his involvement in the oilpatch allowed him to travel widely in Canada and to Texas. At every stage of his life, Michael participated fully in both his home and business communities. This included being President of a Community League, serving as Chair of the Petroleum Services Association of Canada, Gala Chair for the STARS Air Ambulance in Calgary, and a Governor of the Canadian Energy Executive Association.
Michael was foremost a family man with a deep love for his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed travelling and seeing the world with them and always participated in all of their activities, such as piano recitals, dance competitions, and weekends at the lake. During his retirement, he spent a great deal of time in Canmore and enjoyed golfing and hiking with family and friends. Michael liked to visit his farm at Tomahawk, Alberta and had a strong love for the beautiful land of our province. He doted on his granddaughters and they loved their Poppa dearly. To those who knew Michael, his reassuring presence as a gentle and patient man brightened their lives. He was a man of deep faith and raised his children to know and love God.
Michael was a follower of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. He was a Vincentian with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and visited many people in need. He helped bring refugees from Syria to Canada, served as President of the Parish Finance Council at St. Thomas More, assisted with running the RCIA program, and could be counted on to contribute where needed in the Archdiocese of Edmonton. Michael’s deep faith led to his becoming involved with the Families of Nazareth Movement. He and Tracy made pilgrimages to the Holy Land, the Eternal City of Rome, and Poland. These pilgrimages culminated in Michael consecrating his life to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Gate of Dawn in Vilnius, Lithuania. He took this consecration very seriously and lived in the arms of Our Blessed Mother even as he endured intense suffering. Michael’s family wishes to thank all of the beautiful souls who prayed so diligently for him.
A gentle light has passed from this world.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 210 Haddow Close, Edmonton, AB.
Memorial Donations may be made in Michael’s name to the Sisters of Life – Canada (172 Leslie Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4M 3C7) or Pro Terra Sancta (91001 St. Saviour Monastery, 1 St. Francis Street, POB 186, Jerusalem).
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Gifford Edmonds CPA CA 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta