It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Kirk Ormrod, aged 66, after an eight-year battle with prostate cancer. Mike was the doting partner and best friend of Melodie Tilson for more than 40 years. Devoted and proud father of three wonderful sons—Ryan (Mariah MacLeod), Cameron, and Braden (Sara)—and adoring grandpa to miracle baby Max. Mike was a hands-on dad—driver and cheerleader at countless hockey and basketball games, cub leader, calculus tutor to Ryan’s friends, and chief camper during boys’ weekends at the cottage and family vacations to PEI and NS. Mike’s love, generosity, sense of humour, and unwavering support enriched the lives of his family immeasurably.
Predeceased by his parents John and Margaret, Mike will be greatly missed by his siblings, Charles (Lore), Elizabeth Fox, Katharine Myers (Bruce Smith), and Heather Chick (Bill), and by his brother- and sister-in-law Brian and Angie Tilson. He will be fondly remembered by his seventeen nieces and nephews and their children.
Mike was born in Winnipeg but grew up in Deep River, Ontario, where he enjoyed an idyllic childhood exploring the woods, the Ottawa river, and the Quebec shoreline. After graduating from Mackenzie High School, Mike earned a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Engineering, both in Mechanical Engineering, from the University of Waterloo.
Mike was recruited by the Department of National Defence where he proudly served for 31 years as a Defence Scientist, specializing in operational research and analysis. Mike loved his work using research and modelling to provide senior decision-makers in the Canadian armed forces with evidence-based guidance on issues such as procurement, operational effectiveness, troop size and deployment, and logistics.
Mike was a talented builder and jack-of-all-trades. His two homes reflected his skill and craftmanship, with their built-in bookshelves, crown moulding, interlock walkways, and custom decks, to name a few of his many projects. The Ormrod family cottage in Bancroft was also a labour of love. Mike devoted countless hours to improving the road, building a waterfront deck, expanding the porch and the woodshed, and hand-digging a path around the cliff-face from the cottage to the dock. Mike used his skills and time, especially in retirement, to help many nieces, nephews, and friends with renovation projects and repairs, both big and small.
Mike and Melodie thoroughly enjoyed travelling together. Among their most treasured memories were their adventures in Bali and Italy and three winters in Spain, where they revelled in the food, wine, and culture, made new friends, and shared their love of Spain with their sons Ryan and Cameron and dear friends the Gleesons during their visits.
Mike loved playing cards, especially bridge, making people laugh, hosting people for dinner, a party, or just a drink and a swim, playing with babies, going for long walks with Melodie and their dog, Chester (Jasper), biking, canoeing, camping, and so much more.
He will be remembered for his sharp mind, his quick wit, his sense of fun, and his eagerness to share his time, knowledge, and love with everyone he cared about. Mike will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
A celebration of life will be held on April 25 at 1:30 p.m. at the Heritage Funeral Complex, 1250 Trim Rd, Orléans, ON K4A 3P7. In lieu of flowers, in-memoriam donations to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation or Diabetes Canada would be greatly appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Katherine Lipsett
Jacques et Danielle
Mike était et reste notre ami canadien, le mari de notre chère Mélodie, et un père aimant. Son départ est une perte pour nous mais il reste toujours vivant dans nos cœurs.
Paul Bender
Dear Melodie,
We were so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing.
Mike and I worked closely together for several years in maritime operational research, and later spent many long hours side by side writing up war game research reports — often in my unfinished basement, crowded around the computer. Those days were filled with his sharp insight, his great sense of humour, and that unforgettable, infectious laugh that made even the hardest work feel lighter.
Mike was a remarkable colleague and an even better friend. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing how much he meant to the people who had the privilege of working with him and knowing him.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Paul & Rosemary
Earla Smith
I’m sharing a fun segment of time. Michael carrying someone’s baby and entertaining those around him as well as the little cherub with his singing and “dance steps”. The Mum kept coming back to check but Michael let her know all was well with him and his little temporary charge. He made it fun for all.
Julie Wahab McNeely and Bill McNeely
Melodie and family, Bill and I are very sorrow to read this news. I loved our conversations on thr OC bus to and from downtown Ottawa. Mike always had great stories and so much fun to be around. Bill and o have many fond memories at arenas with the boys when they were young. If I bumped into Mike in parking lots or stores he always had time to chat and I would always leave with a big smile. The visited us at the lake one summer and we had a blast. Please accept our sincere and deepest condolences. Julie Wahab McNeely and Bill McNeely and Amber and Connor
Mike was a very special man and I was lucky to have had him in my life. He will be missed by his many friends. I deepest condolences to Melodie and his family.