It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the death of Michael “Mike” Derek Johnson, a son, brother, uncle, nephew, godfather and friend. Mike passed away due to natural causes on March 28, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario at the age of 42.
Mike came into the world on February 28, 1984 – in the middle of a major snow storm in Toronto. A blustery entrance fitting for someone with his personality. Mike was an incredible human, whom all of us were privileged to have in our lives. He had an amazing ability for remembering names, greeted people with a cheerful hello, had a smile that lit up a room, and his hugs were legendary. Mike would not let go; you had to let go first!
In his youth, Mike’s energetic nature made him an adept athlete and outdoorsman. He loved ice hockey and played net. When he wasn’t on frozen water, he was floating on top of it in his Laser sailboat, racing in regattas like CORK in Kingston. He could also be found camping and fishing. As long as he was near water, he was happy.
He loved his nieces and nephews with all his heart. In recent years, he enjoyed taking them places, including fishing. He lovingly shared his equipment, knowledge and time with all of them. On a recent summer weekend with our family, Uncle Mike delighted the kids by adding a small packet to the campfire. Mike ‘magically’ made the flames change colour and dance with delight. The kids will never forget that.
Mike was very inquisitive. He liked dismantling things – purposefully or accidentally – just to learn how to put things back together. He was a compassionate person who was always willing to help people in need. You could find him babysitting animals and kids, or offering to help neighbours with odd jobs. He also assisted people financially, often putting the needs of others before his own. Mike was an aquarist and enjoyed keeping several varieties of fish and amphibians. He loved animals in general and was particularly fond of Lulu and Bear. Mike also had quite a green thumb. He enjoyed tending to his air plants, orchids and other tropical plants, referring to his collection as his oasis.
Mike was bilingual, able to speak both English and French with ease. He attended École St. Jean de Lalonde in Scarborough from kindergarten through grade 8. He then attended and graduated from École secondaire catholique Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel in Toronto. He moved east, living in Hudson and Montreal, where he attended UQAM. While there, he taught sailing lessons at the Hudson Yacht Club, bartended at Château du Lac, and trained as a Fire Fighter, all before settling in Ottawa to begin his career as a Red Seal Electrician. Most recently, Mike loved being part of his community in Hintonburg.
Mike began his career as an apprentice electrician under the tutelage of Glenn, his late brother-in-law Chris, Mick and others at Wirework. He completed his formal electrical training at Algonquin College. Later, Mike joined Nexus Electric working under Eric, André and Dominic. Mike was a well-respected electrician who was known for his integrity, knowledge of and adherence to the electrical code and passing inspections with ease. He was a gifted trouble shooter and problem solver, earning the nickname “Mr. Fix It” from his customers. As his career progressed, Mike enjoyed the technical challenges that came with larger commercial and industrial jobs.
Details regarding a celebration of life will be shared in the future. For now, we invite you to celebrate Mike, and all his amazing gifts, in a way that reflects the incredible, loving, kind and funny man that he was. Hug your loved ones and tell them you love them, just as he did.
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