GAREAU, C. Michael
Sgt (Retired) - RCMP
CSIS (Retired)
Thursday June 6, 2019, at the age of 71, Michael passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of quiet generosity and endless acts of kindness for all who knew him.
Beloved husband of Martha, loving father of Tisha (John) and cherished stepfather to Leah (David), Lucas (Laura) Rebecca (Jeff), Claudine (Peter), Christine (late Nick), Angeline (Steve) and Caroline (Jay). Proud grandfather to Nolan and Jeremy, Benjamin and Rebecca, Jack, Elizabeth and Cameron.
Dear brother to Liz Oliver. Predeceased by his parents Rene Gareau and Fran (nee Sexton), as well as his brother Bill. Will be dearly remembered by Claudette, his in-laws, and many nieces and nephews.
Michael grew up in Montreal and took many of its delights along as his professional career brought him to Ottawa and around the world.
Michael always enjoyed a good dinner out and a fine bottle of wine; he could always be relied upon to spot a promising restaurant. He loved music and shared that love with his friends and family, introducing them to up and coming artists, as well as new and old jazz masters.
Always a science fiction fan, Michael was a connoisseur of science-fiction films - the more intellectual the better. He also had an enduring passion for Indigenous artwork.
Michael fondly remembered spending childhood vacations at the cottage in the Laurentians with his parents and siblings. Later, many wonderful family visits took place at the cottage, his home away from home. He deeply appreciated Canada’s many natural wonders.
Finally, C. Michael Gareau was a heroic animal-lover, keenly taking on the care of so many beloved family pets, including Micah, Mia, Elle, Maggie, Ebony, Elric, and often adding to the team, taking in other pets of friends and family in need of a stay, and some love. His generosity of spirit extended to everyone he knew, always going above and beyond – Michael wrote the definition of random acts of kindness.
Friends are invited to gather and celebrate Michael’s Life on Friday June 21, 2019 at the Hall of Colours of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. from 1 to 3 p.m. Interment to follow at the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery. In Memoriam donations to Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue (www.sitwithme.ca) or the Ottawa Humane Society (www.ottawahumane.ca) are appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Claudette Gareau
Lee & Moe Davies
Mike was a great colleague and a great guy. I will always remember his commitment to the work and his sense of humour and the pleasure it was to work with him. Our prayers and sympathies are with you Martha and all the family.
Gary Coulter
I was shocked to hear this sad news. He was too young! I knew Mike through our work at CSIS and he was a very capable guy. My favourite story about Mike was his operational visit to our allied agencies abroad. We wanted him to go to India and back and I suggested he contact Central Travel and get the most economical route. He reported a few days later that the cheapest fare was to travel around the world rather than Ottawa/New Delhi return. He was able to visit several of our contacts abroad. I will not be able to attend services, but will make a donation. My most sincere condolences to his family.
Katie Tolan
I was so sorry to hear this sad news. Michael was such a warm and kind person. It is very appropriate that he is described as writing the definition of random acts of kindness. My deepest condolences to Martha and all the family.
My sincere condolences to…
My sincere condolences to Michael’s family and friends. He was extraordinary kind man, I worked for him for many years in Ottawa. May he Rest In Peace.
Christine Picotte Hartl
My sincere condolences to Mike’s family and friends. I am very shocked and saddened by this news. I was Mike’s admin assistant for many years in Ottawa, a very kind man. Many memories I will cherish. Rest In Peace
Benita Baker
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to Martha and all the family.
Richard Shaddick
Absolutely a privilege to have worked with Mike. A fine connoisseur of food and wine. We shared many discussions regarding the Force and our travels. A fine friend - will be missed. I give thanks to have known him and called him a friend.
Daniel Mclauchlan 25724
My troop mate. Engaged on the same date and travelled together via CP Rail to Regina.
RIP Michel
Catherine Guay
It always seemed to me that Michael was a great force of nature. I cherish the time spent in his company in my childhood, mostly at the cottage with my cousins (his step-daughters Claudine, Christine, Caroline and Angie) and will remember him always as laughing with a great big laugh at some joke or situation.
My deepest condolences to Martha, Trish and all of his family.
Thank you Michael for being part of my life. Thank you Michael for the love and support always, through the good and the bad. Thank you Michael for being so devoted to my girls when they were growing up. Thank you Michael for the love, the patience, the laughter ,the good memories that will last their lifetime. Our lives took different direction, we were meant to be in other people's lives . Thank you Michael for remaining a friend until the end of your life. Thank you Michael for being YOU. You will be missed. Love always. RIP.