Michael’s roots run deep in Ottawa. He was born on Nov 15, 1937, at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. He graduated high school from Lisgar Collegiate Institute in 1956 where “his chief asset was his curly hair – ask any girl”. He attended the University of Ottawa before joining the Canadian Armed Forces where he would work for 37 years. He married Diane McCormack (nee Fraser) also from Ottawa, and together they began a family while moving from Halifax to Toronto, Borden, and London Ontario, before returning to Ottawa. On several occasions Michael toured the battlefields of WWI where his father fought and was wounded. He certainly understood how the trauma of war can impact future generations. In later life, Michael enjoyed the community at St. Columba, Anglican Church, where he became a choir member and found great joy. Michael was predeceased by his mother and father (Alice and Purcell), his brother Peter, his wife Diane, and his grandson Sam. He is survived by his three daughters, Daphne (Richard), Judi (Randy) and Andrea (Todd), his seven grandchildren, Kris (Songie), Matthew, Tessa (Blaise), Evan, Rosalind, Charlotte and Bryce, and his two great grandchildren Malyk and Cormac. Michael passed away on August 9, 2024, at Saint Vincent Hospital in Ottawa. Friends are invited to pay respects and gather on Thursday September 26, 2024, at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre after 12 noon. Memorial service will be held at 1p.m. followed by interment at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces and a reception afterward. As Michael had a love of animals, please consider making donations to the Ottawa Humane Society.
Digital Guestbook
Patrick Kelly
Paul D. Mercier, Sr.
it is said that "Old Friends are the Best Friends". I would like to think so with our meeting at UOttawa, knowing your family and reciprocally meeting mine here in NH on holidays. Having kept in phone contact since has reinforced this relationship to our mutual benefit. Suffice to say that your Yank Frenchman's Rosaries follow you across the waters. REQUIESCAT IN PACE!
Byrona Tweedy
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Michael McCormack, or “Dr Death” as my dad and his good friend fondly called him. I remember how funny and caring he was whenever we visited, and hearing dad’s laughs wherever he shared phone calls with Michael, who he considered among his best friend. I hope he is up there mingling with all his old comrades in the next life.
Michael and I ran track at Lisgar Collegiate Institute . He was a good friend ,and KI shall miss him. Mike- Thanks for your Service to Canada . You have gone to thaty Big Track Meet in the Sky! Patrick Kelly, Ottawa