Keigher, Michael John (1950 – 2023)
Keigher, Michael John (1950 – 2023)
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Michael on 23 September at Brantford General
Hospital; beloved father of daughters Melissa (Eric) and Jennifer (Trevor) with first wife Margo
Elaine (Tait) Sluman (Garry), and beloved stepchildren Peter Urbanellis (Holly) and Blanca (Todd) with
ex-wife, the late Krystyna Urbanellis (1954-2020).
We also celebrate his life. Born in Bolton, Lancashire, England, Michael was the second child
and first son of John J. “Jack” Keigher of Tulsk, Co. Roscommon, Ireland (1922-2008) and first
wife, Margaret “Peggy” Maher, of Bolton (1927-1950).
At the age of three, Michael and elder sister Ann emigrated to Canada aboard the S. S. Sydney
on 28 August 1953 to start a new life with their recently widowed father, paternal grandmother
Kate (Tiernan) Keigher, Aunts Tess, Nora, Ann “Nancy”, Uncle Gerry, and Cousin Robert P.
“Bob” Oldman.
He spent his childhood years in the upper Beaches area of Toronto with close cousins,
the Oldman’s whom he cherished like siblings. He later graduated from the Ontario College of
Art, continuing his passion for art through ink drawing, sculpture and printmaking while
employed as an ink technician; colour-matching for a large decal company.
Retiring in 2019, Michael focused more on family & friends, his love of carpentry, and his
concurrent love/frustration for the Toronto Maple Leafs. A recent family trip to Mexico was a
source of joy – his first-time swimming in the ocean.
Michael was predeceased by both parents, his stepmother Rita (Tenpenny) Keigher, and sisters
Margaret “Ann” (Keigher) Jackson (Dave) & Sheila M. He is survived by his first wife, children,
and grandchildren: Izabella & Charlotte (Blanca & Todd), Olivia, Quentin, Zachary Michael
(Peter & Holly), and Ruthie, Marcy & Aiden (Trevor); also, by much loved siblings Gerard B.
“Gerry” (Carol), James “Jim” (Diane), Moira “Mo” (Trish) Eileen, Eugene “Gene” (Beverley), and
Con, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Of all things, our Dad was loved.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday June 9th, 2024 at Knights of Columbus, at 12pm – Address: 12 Catherine Ave, Brantford, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.
With gratitude, the family thanks the exceptional nursing & medical care at the Brantford
General Hospital – C5 & Palliative Care Unit.
Hello, Melissa,Jennifer and Margo you may not remember me because it has been many year’s since I have seen Mike we worked together for many years he and John in the lab and i ran the production floor at basf technologies and ink, Mike was one of the great guy’s and he will be missed,I know how close you all were he would always talk about you young ladies when he picked me up for work in the morning.he was a really special person.
Be Good.
Byron Hall.
Byron I totally remember you. Thank you so much for reaching out. Mike and I separated in ’79 and we both remarried. I’m Margo Sluman now, married a wonderful man, Garry but sadly I lost him on Jan. 17/24. How are you doing?
Dear Jennifer and Melissa,
Please know the passing of my dear cousin Michael, your dad has brought a great sadness to my heart, and this feeling of heart break is felt by all of my 5 brothers too. Mike was so loved by us, I hear the same sentiment from my brothers ” Mike was a true gentlemen… always”. This was so unexpected and I wish that I could have had another visit with him before he past. Whenever I met up with Mike, after so much time in between, we could always pick up where we left off in conversation and catching up. Mike will be missed by the Oldman family. I know the grief that you, Melissa and Jennifer must be living with. He was rightfully so proud of you. Very clearly he has left many who loved him and miss him with a heavy heart. An incredible loss. Love and prayers, cousin Rosemary Oldman – Finn
He’s resting in peace without pain or regret knowing his son has grown into a strong, capable ans accomplished man. And seeing his grandchildren happy and healthy.
God bless,
Leconte Family