Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Ontario for funeral details
Michael Reid Perry
March 18, 1957 – August 8, 2023
Michael’s most significant accomplishments resulted from his two greatest
abilities: transcendent musical gifts and loving Gloria. The first ability led him to
the career of his dreams making an important contribution to the classical music
scene in Toronto. The second, equally important allowed him to love and be loved.
Michael’s musical career began as a toddler ceaselessly banging on pots and pans.
His piano and music theory lessons evolved into a passion for the drums; with his
first drum set acquired while still in public school. His first band, Us Three, was
formed in grade six allowed to play at school assemblies. At Northmount Junior
High School, Michael learned to play the cello, continued to play drums, timpani
and percussion in the school bands and orchestra. Performing with Newtonbrook
High School bands and orchestra allowed a natural progression into music as a
profession. In Grade 13, he was asked to audition for the University of Toronto
Jazz Ensemble. He won the position and played drums with the U of T Jazz
Ensemble for the next 5 years, under the tutelage of Phil Nimmons. Michael also
won his place with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in 1976 and 1977;
valuable orchestral training tutored by the great Alexander Lepak. Michael
auditioned for and entered the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, earning an
Honour’s Bachelor of Performance Degree.
Michael attended the Banff Centre Jazz Program in 1979, winning first place at the
Canadian Stage Band Festival with the U of T Jazz Ensemble.
His musical career spanned 40 years as the Principal Timpanist for the National
Ballet of Canada Orchestra, 25 years as the Principal Timpanist for the Canadian
Opera Company Orchestra and 25 years as the Principal Percussionist with the
Hannaford Street Silver Band. Michael’s career has also included numerous CBC
radio broadcasts and CD recordings with the Hannaford Street Silver Band and the
Canadian Opera Company. He also played a variety of gigs with rock and roll,
jazz, and other musical ensembles.
Michael was an independent thinker who marched to his own beat while still being
loving, kind and gentle. He had an unending appetite for horror movies, serial
killer sagas and diet coke. A connoisseur of all thing’s chocolate, particularly
world class ice cream; food was a passion.
No coincidence that his much-loved cottage was called Harmony where his love of
nature deeply resonated. He travelled, most memorably revelling in the soft
breezes, magical bird songs, starry nights and warm Caribbean oceans.
Capturing the spirit of this tenacious, limitlessly curious, stubborn, present,
independent, funny being is impossible in just a few words. Michael’s storytelling,
quirky sense of humour, big laugh, mischievous grin, playfulness will be sorely
missed.
Michael loved Gloria in a manner uncommon. His heart beat. Tenaciously.
Intelligently. Ardently. Supportively. Together, they created a safe haven that
allowed them to bloom and thrive.
He embraced life, lived life well, did not fear death so went gently into the night on
his own terms.
Michael and his loved ones are deeply grateful for the care received from the staff
of Princess Margaret Hospital, in particular Dr Benjamin Lok and Dr Penelope
Bradbury and the palliative care team. Also, for the staff of both Home and
Community Care, Toronto East and SE Health, in particular Farooq, Alison,
Charmain and Chrystal. Finally for Dr. Damian’s gentle, kind care. After a
prolonged cancel journey, Michael Perry passed away on Tuesday, August 8 at
home with the assistance of MAID; holding his beloved Gloria.
A private gathering is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to
Maidhouse through their website www.maidhouse.ca
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2023
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Death notice for the town of: Toronto, Province: Ontario
death notice Michael Reid Perry 2023
obituaries notice Michael Reid Perry 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Reid Perry 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.