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Dufresne, Michael
Surrounded by his loved ones, Michael passed away peacefully on August 15, 2023.
Michael loved big and chose to live a happy life despite the many health challenges that plagued him since childhood.
He asked his wife Kathryn to marry him not long after they started dating, reassuring her that Dufresne men marry quickly and remain married forever. He promised her he would love her all the rest of his days. And so he did. Michael’s life became complete one afternoon in Nanchang, China when he held his daughter Sophie in his arms for the first time. He created a wonderful life for his wife and daughter, full of laughter and song.
Michael was a gentle soul. He loved animals, especially his cat Bella, whom he sometimes referred to as a “lion princess” and who remained steadfastly by his side during his final months. He also loved the family dog Marley except when Marley was bothering the cat. Bella came first.
Michael was an intellectual who loved history, archives and books. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with his daughter, enthusiastically recommending readings to her from the vast collection of books he acquired during his life. Sometimes his enthusiasm was greater than her capacity. She once asked him what ubiquitous means and he explained, unhelpfully, that it means pervasive. Aged six at the time, she didn’t know what pervasive meant either.
Michael loved music and played his guitar and sang for his family often. He also sang loudly and joyfully during family road trips, to all kinds of music and especially the Tragically Hip.
Michael was a man of faith. He attended church with his mother as a child and chose to get baptized at Ottawa’s Parkdale United Church as an adult.
Predeceased by his parents, Marlene and Maurice, Michael is survived by his wife Kathryn, his daughter Sophie and his mother-in-law Claudette. He will also be remembered by his brother- and sister-in-law Norman and Kim and his nieces Naomi, Elsa and Harriet. He also leaves behind beloved extended family from his hometown of North Bay.
His family will honour his legacy by living and loving to the fullest.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice. Michael believed in community and social justice.
Tuesday August 15th 2023
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario
death notice Michael Maurice Dufresne Tuesday August 15th 2023
obituaries notice Michael Maurice Dufresne Tuesday August 15th 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Maurice Dufresne Tuesday August 15th 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.