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MICHAEL LAIDLAW Obituary

ROBERT MICHAEL LAIDLAW, P.Eng Born October 1, 1957, our beloved Mike was taken from us on June 19, 2012 in a tragic accident while cycling in Italy. He is deeply mourned by Sue, his loving wife and best friend for 30 years and their cherished children Katherine, Caroline, Sarah and Christian. He was predeceased by his parents Cam and Helen Laidlaw, and was the son-in-law of Tessie and the late Des Smith of Fort Erie. He will be sadly missed by his brothers Jim (Debbie), Al (Karen) and Rick (Marianne) and brothers-in-law Peter (Eva) and Steve (Daphne). Fondly remembered by Jane Laidlaw and her daughter Michelle, fourteen nieces and nephews, the Weise family, many good friends and extended family members. Mike spent his early career at Dominion Bridge before moving to the City of Toronto, where he was a Senior Project Engineer. He was a loving husband and father, a well-liked and respected colleague and a great friend and neighbour. He was a true man of action and a gifted athlete who loved to ski, skate, cycle, waterski, golf and hike. He played hockey all his life and was a dedicated volunteer coach. The signs of his hard work and talent are visible throughout the city and in his many home renovation projects. Mike was an example to us all of how to live every day fully and with integrity. He was loved, admired and respected by all who knew him. Friends may call on Sunday, July 1st from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m and on Monday, July 2nd from 6-9 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home (6150 Yonge Street, at Goulding, south of Steeles). A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church (24 Cheritan Avenue). Interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences www.rskane.ca

Published by Toronto Star from Jun. 29 to Jun. 30, 2012.

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Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL LAIDLAW

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46 Entries

Dear Laidlaw family,

I worked with Mike at the City of Toronto on a variety of heritage bridge projects. I only learned of his death on Friday and am deeply saddened. My best wishes to you at this difficult time.

Warm regards,
Mary MacDonald

July 23, 2012

To the Laidlaw Family,

It is with great sadness that we hear of Mike's passing. When we bought your previous home almost 15 years ago we were taken by the kindness and generosity that Sue and Mike showed us. As the years went by we would see Mike in the neighborhood and he always had a smile on his face sharing a kind word.

To this day, the results of Mike's handy work can be seen around our home, used and enjoyed by our family. In fact, what many view as one of the more adversarial transactions in life, buying a home, remains one of the most positive experiences that we have had. That is directly a result of Sue and Mike and the people they are.

Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Wendy and Derek Shama

July 15, 2012

Dear Sue and Family,
As one of Mike's UofT classmates, I am deeply saddened by his passing. We didn't spend much time together but I recall always feeling good when we spoke. He had that way about him. What impressed me most was his maturity, even though he was a great prankster. It wouldn't have been cool to admit it back in the late '70s, but I'll say now that I looked up to him - a true man's man.
I saw Mike more recently at an alumni reunion dinner and at a couple of the Loose Moose lunches organized by classmate Hank. Same Mike as 30 years ago - the real deal. I'm sure we'll say more about him over beers to come.
Funny, it's only after reading the obit that I realized Mike and I share a birthday, born on the same day in 1957.
When I celebrate my 55th this October 1st, I'll be sure to raise a glass in his memory.

Gino Salvo

July 9, 2012

Dear Susan
I am so very sorry to hear of your husband's tragic passing. There aren't words to adequately convey my sympathy to you and your children. I hold you in my thoughts and prayers, and wish you peace. Sincerely, Katharine Weinmann

Katharine Weinmann

July 8, 2012

Dear Sue
I was so sad to hear of Mike's too soon passing from this world.
Thinking of you and your family.
Best wishes, Ann Nicol

Ann Nicol

July 6, 2012

Sue and family: I never met Mike but he sounds like a wonderful person. Profoundly sorry for your loss.

Greg Whiting

July 4, 2012

To the Laidlaws and Family,

Please accept our condolences. My brother Marshall and I played with Mike and his brothers back in the 1960s. Our parents were best of friends. It's hard to believe Mike is gone.

Gordon Lee and Family

Gordon Lee

July 3, 2012

To the Laidlaw Family
It is a great sadness when you loose a friend and a good family person. We went to high school together, played football, rugby & worked part time together. Although we were in different parts of the country we had a chance to catch up whether a high school reunion or a grey cup visit. Even when I was a new reruit with the RCMP in 1980, Mike & John Weise made a road trip to Penticton BC. John can share a story about about a late night swim on the beaches of Penticton!!

I will miss you my friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are you and your family.

Mark Price

July 3, 2012

Sue and Family,
I played hockey with Mike for numerous years on Sunday nights and I always tried to sit near him so I could enjoy hearing about the events that happened in your family.I will always feel touched to have met such a great man who truly talked endlessly about his wife and kids. It was truly an honour to meet him. Since finding out about the accident I have awoken every morning knowing this day and every day is truly special to be around good friends and family. I am a better man having met your husband and great dad. Time never truly heals it but truly great memories of trips together will be their to help you know that he wanted to always be with you.Think of him often for I truly believe he is thinking of all of you right now....
Regards,

Tom Hebbes

Tom Hebbes

July 3, 2012

Dear Laidlaw Family,

Our deepest condolences go out to all of you. Seeing all of you yesterday made us both realize how storng each and every one of you are while dealing with this tough situation. As friends of Christians, we hope for the best for all of you, and are here if you ever need us.

Melissa Buttarazzi and Maria Collbran-Di Ciero

July 3, 2012

Sue,
The hundreds of visitors paying their respects are a testimony to what we all think of Mike and your family. As difficult as it is to imagine the Laidlaw family without Mike, we pray that the strong foundation you and he have built together will be a source of strength that you can always rely on.

Phil and Maureen Roe and family

July 3, 2012

I lost touch with Mike over the years but will always remember him as someone you could count on; a colleague with the utmost integrity and respect for others.

My deepest condolences,

Romualdo D'Ippolito

July 3, 2012

The news of Mike's tragic accident came as a shock as we remember such a vibrant and active person. Having moved from the neighbourhood, we have lost touch in the past few years, but we remember Mike as a generous neighbour, always ready to lend a hand.

Our thoughts will be with all of you in the days ahead.

Candy and David Hill

July 2, 2012

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Mikes tragic passing. I had the pleasure of playing hockey with Mike for a number of years and he was a gentleman both on and off he ice. His quiet humor and positive attitude made him a pleasure to be around and he will be truly missed. I pray that you and your family will experience the peace that only God can give during this extremely difficult time.

Gord Kreick

July 2, 2012

To the entire Laidlaw Family,

Our families have known each other for almost 50 years and we have celebrated much happiness and grieved much sorrow together over these years. I was very shocked and sad to hear about Mike. Our prayers and blessings to everyone during this very difficult time. May God bless.

Marshall Lee

July 2, 2012

Dear Sue, I just read about your husband's death today and I send you all my prayers for you and your children. May you find strength and solace in your faith and in your family. Sincerely, Ginny and Brian O'Sullivan

July 2, 2012

Sue, there are no right words of comfort when something tragic like this happens except to say that you and your family will be in my thoughts and daily prayers.

Hugs.......Joyce MacDonald, Toronto

Joyce MacDonald

July 2, 2012

Dear Sue

I am so sorry that you have suffered such a profound loss.

The news has reminded me of the years we shared at the University of Toronto and because of that I know you are well supported by great friends. I know Joan and many others will take good care of you during these difficlut times.

Kelley deSouza, Calgary, Alberta

Kelley deSouza

July 1, 2012

Much love and understanding sympathy to my best friend, Sue, and her beautiful family. My heart and prayers are with you, especially during the difficult times of Sunday and Tuesday. Mike was truly an outstanding example of a fine human being. The world needs more men like Mike Laidlaw.

Daphne Cameron

July 1, 2012

To the Laidlaw family,
Thinking of all of you during this beyond difficult time. May you find strength in those that are surrounding you everyday.
To Sarah Laidlaw, my dearest friend. Your dad was so proud of you for all of your accomplishments in life and knew you would always reach for the stars. Continue to make him smile down on you. I love you and you are always in my heart.
So much love from across the world.

Madolyn Linka

July 1, 2012

Dear Sue and Family, It is with heavy hearts that Ed and I send our deepest condolences. Mike was a true gentle man and a gentleman. Ed has many a wonderful memory of university days, right up to their last golf match played together several weeks ago.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and throughout the days ahead.

Love, Kathy & Ed Jetten

June 30, 2012

My heart and thoughts are with you .... I am so sad for your loss. Tragic. If you need anything the Kinlin s are here..

Meg Kinlin

June 30, 2012

Dear Sue and your lovely daughters.
Brian and I are so sorry to hear of Mikes passing and in such a tragic way.We have such good memories of all the Laidlaws when we all lived on Medaca St. Brian never minded lending Mike his tools. He knew they would always be put to good use and returned in good condition. We are thinking of you . You are in our prayers. Love Brian and Gail Derdall

Brian & Gail Derdall

June 30, 2012

Dear Sue and family:

I first met Mike in 1999 when we were on the ice together coaching our sons in the St. Margaret's Learn to Skate program. Over the ensuing years we coached both with and against each other and later would often run into each other at hockey rinks or the occasional work function (I work for the Ministry of Transportation). My respect for him grew immensely each time I saw him. We would laugh a lot over our shared hockey experiences and more than once he gave me sage advice regarding a home improvement project I was struggling with! We also always talked about what our families were up to at the time. His pride in his family was obvious.

I greatly admired his low key, down to earth personality, his sense of humour, his practical skills and his love of his family. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Jamie Hanson

June 30, 2012

Mike, your departure leaves an immediate void for many people, most deeply for the family that you loved and were so proud of. However, the memories of the fun times, adventures, and your smile, will stay in our hearts forever.

Thanks for the memories Mike.

Roger Roney

June 29, 2012

Dear Sue and the Laidlaw family.
I have just learnt about your tragic loss.
I knew Mike in highschool and will allways remember his kind enthusasitc words while skiing. He truly was one of a kind.
My deepest condolences
Stephanie Orr
North Vancouver, B.C.

June 29, 2012

Our sincerely condolences to the family. My memories are long ago, growing up with Mike and his brothers...great memories. So sorry for your loss.
Scots Graham & LInda

Scots Graham

June 29, 2012

Dear Sue and family:

Please receive our most sincere condolences in the loss of your beloved husband and father. We are so sorry to hear of his tragic accident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Patty and Darrell Corkal and family

Saskatoon

Patty Corkal

June 29, 2012

Mike was an admirable coworker at Dominion Bridge and a true friend and cousin. I had the highest respect for Mike and the life he lead.
Our deepest condolences from,
Ted,Alex,Charlotte and Jack

Ted Moryto

June 29, 2012

Mike and I regularly worked out at the Metro Hall Gym, and what amazed me the most about Mike was he always literally sweated buckets of water! That was what Mike represented a fitness Guru to the hilt. Mike is already being missed at the Gym and I haven't seen anyone else get onto his bike since then! Miss you Mike!

Addy Sadry

June 29, 2012

Sue and family,

I have been so very sad since hearing of Mike's passing. As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens...

Death leaves a heartache
No one can heal;
Love leaves a memory
No one can steal.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. R.I.P Cousin Mike.

Christine Raczek

June 29, 2012

I'm deeply saddened by this and don't really have words to express my feelings. All I can say is that Mike was always a consummate gentleman, always smiling and always spoke highly of his loving family. He certainly has left a very positive memory in the lives of the many people that knew him. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Pat Scanga

June 29, 2012

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing, he was truly an amazing person. He will be missed by all at the City of Toronto. My prayers are with Sue and the family, may the memories bring you comfort.

Anissa Voisin

June 29, 2012

Dear Sue, Katherine, Caroline, Sarah and Christian,

I am thinking of you at this difficult time. Mike will be remembered fondly by all his friends in Pembroke, especially the Weise and Mulvihill families.

Please accept my deepest condolences.

Thomas Mulvihill

June 29, 2012

I can't believe he is gone! When I read the many emails that were circulating for the days after the accident I could find no words to express my sense of loss. Although I didn't see Mike often, when I did I noticed that he was still the gentleman I remembered from University. We truly have lost a great man. Jan and I send our deepest sympathies to Sue and family.

Jan and Tim Stanley

June 29, 2012

We are so sad to hear about Mike and our hearts go out to Sue, Katherine, Caroline, Sarah and Christian for this loss. He really was a great guy and we will all miss him.

Daub Family

June 29, 2012

No words can express the loss of a husband, a son, a father or friend. Our deepest thoughts are with the family at this time. Along with his brothers, we grew up together in a small knit community full of the fondest memories of our early childhood. Our deepest thoughts of Mike leave chuckles and smiles which will last a lifetime. He was a great guy and will be sadly missed.

Sue & Chris Lomoro (Caplan/Muzzin)

June 29, 2012

Nothing was more devestating than hearing the news of this tragedy. We former Metro colleagues feel deeply saddened that it had to happen to such a wonderful human being. Our hearts are with all of you.

Maria Bucci

June 29, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends. Haven't seen Mike much since graduating from university, but Mike was a great guy.

Jim Thompson

June 29, 2012

Extremely sad to see a wonderful person and a much respected colleague leave from our midst so suddenly under tragic circumstances. My condolences to his family.

Samuel Jebakumar

June 29, 2012

My deepest condolences to the family. Mike was a great person. He will be missed.

Philip Wu

June 29, 2012

Mike will be missed. In my early years with Metro, Mike was always helpful, personalble, a great person.... a true gentleman. My condolences to his family....he often spoke of his family.

Frank Bozzo

June 29, 2012

Mike was such a kind person, who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dimitar Dimitrov

June 29, 2012

Sue & Family: I have known Mike for most of my career and he was a great guy and always helpful. Outside of work he was a great skier and our talks included his hockey. He will be truly missed both professionally and personally.

Rob Burlie

June 29, 2012

Sue, our hearts go out to you and Katherine, Caroline, Sarah and Christian for the loss of such a wonderful husband, father and all-round nice guy. Words can't express the sadness you must feel for this sudden, senseless loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and we know that the beautiful and cherished memories of Mike will give you the peace and strength you need to endure this very difficult time.

Patti, Jeff, Jake and Nick

Patti Skrypek

June 29, 2012

We are so sorry to see this wonderful family face such a great loss. We are very sad to lose a good friend. Mike was an inspiration and a guide – a positive force in our community. We're grateful to have enjoyed his company for so many years. We will miss him.

Peter & Angie Heydon

June 29, 2012

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