WELCH, Michael Gordon (aka Superman) - Peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at the Dorothy Ley Hospice on March 2, 2020 in his 99th year.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Doreen, precious father of Christopher (the late Christina), Dawn (the late Geoff), Sandra (Rick) and Julie (Brad).
Adored Poppa to Richard (Julie), Robert (Jessica), the late Jennifer, Michael (Amanda), Andrew (Crystal), Britney (Denis) and three Great Grandchildren Cosette, Darcy & Evelyn.
Devoted brother to the late Basil, Leonard (Rosemary) and Anne, brother-in-law to the late David. Wonderful Uncle to Jennifer, Robert, Maureen (Pablo), Elisa, Steffy and Vicky.
His sharp brain and kind, loving nature will never be forgotten.
Michael was born and raised on the Pampas of Argentina some 98 years ago. His parents were English. His father was the General Manager of an estancia of 130 square miles, engaged in Agriculture and with about 30,000 head of cattle. Life on the ranch represented a most wonderful childhood for a curious and adventurous young boy, something he always cherished.
At 9 years of age Michael was sent to a British boarding school in Argentina. World War II started while he was still at school. His intentions were to follow in his father’s footsteps, however at 19 he volunteered to go to England and the war, joining the Royal Air Force, and becoming a fighter pilot. After five years of war he was repatriated to Argentina which was under the dictatorship of Peron. He married the love of his life Doreen, and they decided to emigrate to Canada to raise a family.
Family was extremely important to Michael and he was incredibly proud of the family he and Doreen had created. He often boasted “what started out as just the two of us has grown into a loving family of almost twenty."
Michael enjoyed a very successful career with Allstate Insurance Company of Canada spanning many decades, eventually retiring in 1986 as their Tax Manager.
Michael possessed a lifelong desire to learn. His incredibly inquisitive mind seemingly knew something about everything. After the war Michael passed up the opportunity to attend Cambridge thinking he would be too old; later he developed the attitude “you’re never too old to go back to school”. As it were, Michael earned a Business Degree from the University of Toronto during a time when he was raising a family and working full time. Even into his 90’s, he was still attending class, the Later Life Learning courses offered at U of T.
Michael was passionate about many topics but was particularly interested in Nature and Astronomy. Family camping helped nurture these loves which extended into bird watching, observing wildlife, and stargazing; he loved to take his growing children on hikes which he referred to as ‘exploring’.
Michael led an active and adventurous life; horseback riding in his youth, flying Spitfires in his 20’s, motorcycling the Argentine countryside as a young adult, climbing a mountain on his honeymoon, and annual five week long family camping trips exploring the beauty of Canada and North America. Always up to the challenge, at 91 years of age he did the CN Tower EdgeWalk.
A “Long” Life Well Lived!
We would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and PSW’s who have lovingly cared for Michael in his final years, particularly his Walden Circle Retirement Community “Family” and the wonderful staff at Dorothy Ley Hospice.
If desired, donations to the Dorothy Ley Hospice or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
A Celebration of Michael’s life will take place on Sunday, March 8th, drop in from 1 - 4pm. Speeches will start at 2:30. *For more details please email
(Arrangements entrusted with Skinner & Middlebrook funeral home)
{fastsocialshare