We are sad to announce the passing of Michael on August 2, 2022 at the age of 82. He was predeceased by his parents John (Jack), Margaret and stepmother, the late Isobel. Michael was the much-loved husband and best friend of Lynda Pilkington, loving father of Karen Lavallee (Chris), John (Melissa) and Andrew (Tina) and dear grandfather of Jordan, Aaryn, Ethan and Elise. Michael will be lovingly remembered by his sister Kay Lush (Christopher), niece Caroline Mudd (Jonny), nephew Alexander and cousins in the UK. He is survived by Marion Payne (Alan), his first wife and mother of his children.
Michael was educated at the Creighton School, Carlisle, UK and the University of Liverpool, UK., (B.Sc. with Distinction, 1961; Honours Chemistry, 1962, Ph.D, surface chemistry, 1965). In 1998 he was awarded the Honorary Degree of D.Sc. for his contributions to science. Michael had a distinguished 36 year career at the National Research Council of Canada, starting as a Post-Doctoral Fellow and retiring in 2005 as a Researcher Emeritus. He was the recipient of a number of international awards for his research and was a Fellow of NACE International (US) and the Institute of Corrosion (UK). He was also a proud recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal.
A keen sportsman, Michael was a past captain of Cathedral Cricket Club in Ottawa and a long time member of Outaouais (Rockland) Golf Club. Michael had many friends around the world and kept in touch over the years. He enjoyed his years of golf with his pals, especially Bryan Andrews and the late Jim Shaw and John Ferriss. He also very much appreciated and enjoyed his bridge, playing with his buddies, Ron Robin, Ian Webb, Greg Hart, and Alex Bissett. They played together for over 40 years.