Obituary of Michael Charles Cole

Michael Charles Cole (1971-2023)

With sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Michael Charles Cole on Saturday, April 8^th, 2023 at Sunnybrook Hospital.  Precious son of Patricia and the late Charles, his beloved sister Sharon, brother-in-law William and nephew Giovanni.

Michael was born in Newmarket, Ontario in 1971 and lived for many years in Unionville and eventually Stouffville.  Michael worked for Loblaws at McCowan and Bullock Drive for over 24 years as a Front-End Service Clerk – he worked rain, shine and in the most extreme winters without complaint.  He was very proud to work and took his job very seriously as it was a great source of independence for him.

Michael was a dedicated volunteer for York Regional Police and very much enjoyed participating in their programs including the Halloween and Christmas festivities.  He enjoyed going to Stouffville Pentecostal church, bike riding adventures, and was an avid pin collector.  He was always sporting a pin or three on his lapel or lanyard.

Some of the other activities Michael enjoyed were movies (Cobra Kai), TV programs (Highway to Heaven) and music.  He especially loved listening to his Uncle in England on Skyline Gold Radio every Monday and Tuesday.

Michael loved to take selfies and enhance them with ToonArt and laugh at his creations.  He joined a Karate club and was extremely proud of his black belt status and we are thankful for the kindness of the gym owners.  Michael read the Toronto Star daily from cover to cover, sometimes multiple times and enjoyed keeping up with the news and weather reports.  Michael would often reminisce about vacations and always talk about moving to those locations one day.  He loved trains and would often ride the York-Durham railway.  Michael loved food, especially his brother-in-law’s cooking and Annina’s bakeshop in Goodwood after visiting the thrift shop in Uxbridge.

As a final gesture of selflessness, Michael’s organs were donated and we are grateful that he was able to save five separate lives – this is the true definition of a hero.  He will be missed forever by all that he met and all those that loved him.

Rest in peace Michael/Mike/Mikey…

If you wish to make a donation in Michael’s memory, please consider giving to Sunnybrook Hospital.

Visitation – Thursday, April 13^th 7:00 – 9:00pm – Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main St. N, Markham, Ontario

Funeral Service – Friday, April 14^th 11:00am - Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main St. N, Markham, Ontario

Reception to follow on the lower level.