Michael Morissette

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Michael Morissette (known to most as Mike), who left us peacefully on Saturday December 7th, 2024, with his loving wife by his side, and the love of his family surrounding him. Mike was a man of immense humor and personality, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. Married to his loving and caring wife Carol for over 51 years, and a wonderful dad to his children Paula, Andrea(Long), and Adam(Katie). A very proud and devoted Grandpa to his grandchildren Elissa, Colin, Luke, Malcolm, Warren, Miles, and Eden. Mike also had many family members who he cared about including brothers Alan(Georgia) and their children, and Rick(Sue) and nephew Ryan(Sophie). He will be fondly remembered by his Aunt Mary and Uncle George Rathwell and all the cousins. He also had a very large circle of friends spanning from his very youngest days to new ones he met before his passing.

Mike grew up in lowertown Ottawa, born to Alan and Lucille Morissette. He was a proud graduate of St. Pius X, and was known for his fun loving nature and athleticism. He played both basketball and football, having many successful seasons, and was known as the “The Bear”. He cherished many of the lasting friendships he created there. While at Carleton University he proudly played football for the Ottawa Sooners.

He had a successful career working, for over 35 years, for the federal public service as a financial analyst, in numerous departments.

In the community he spent many countless hours volunteering his time being involved with his son’s sports teams including the Orleans Hockey Association and Orleans Little League. He was a foster parent with the Ottawa Children’s Aid Society, welcoming newborns into his home to give them a family. He continued contributing back to the community by volunteering at the Shepherds of Good Hope, the Good Companions Centre, United Way campaigns, canvassing for Cancer, and the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard. When Mike was diagnosed with early on-set dementia he even continued to volunteer with the Alzheimer's Society by sharing his story and journey, along with his wife, to end the stigma around the disease, increase awareness and compassion, and offer hope to others.

Mike enjoyed watching and attending sporting events and was an avid hockey (Sens fan), basketball (Raptors fan), baseball (Expos, Toronto, Dodgers), and football fan (from Ottawa Rough Riders to Red Blacks). He liked doing word searches, chatting with people with a genuine interest in how they were doing, and above all joking around and making others laugh. But out of all those things what he enjoyed the most was being with his family, savouring his wife’s delicious cooking, supporting his kids and making sure they had what they needed, proudly watching his own grandkids sporting events, concerts, and graduations cheering them on and being their biggest fan, petting his granddogs, spending time on the rock and beach at his cottage, eating a coffee crisp bar, and making people around him feel happy. 

His personality and spirit was one of kindness, generosity, keeping a positive outlook on things, and sharing the “Joie de vive” with those around him. 

We will miss you more than words can say, and you will be forever in our hearts. 

A special thank you to Dr. Robert at the Perley Health Centre, Dr. Frank, and Dr. Pearce for your care, and the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, for your support.

Family and friends are invited to Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) on Friday, February 28th, 2025 for a Celebration of Life at 10 a.m. followed by a reception.

If you would like to make a donation in Mike’s memory please consider donating to the The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Carefor, or a charity of your choice to help someone else in need.