Michael Power

The family announces with sorrow his death at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Thursday January 19, 2012 at the age of 70 years. Beloved husband of Marylin (Valley). Michael was born in Montreal, Quebec on January 1, 1942. He moved to Ottawa to attend Carleton University graduating with a teaching degree and taught in Ottawa for many years. Michael was very adventurous and decided in 1969 to try the north for 6 months. The north won his heart and gave him a wonderful life. He taught a the Geraldton Composite High School through which he won the OSSTF Golden Jubilee Award and the Canadian Hilroy Fellowship for innovative teaching. He was mayor of Geraldton and then Greenstone for 30 years. He realized to make things happen you could not remain insular but must be connected with other forms of government. His political accomplishments included presidencies of Thunder Bay Municipal League, NOMA (North Western Ontario Municipal Association), Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Vice-Chair of the Northern Heritage Committee, Chair of the Living Legacy Trust Fund and a member of Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement Pension Fund (OMERS). While doing all this his social commitment was very strong. He was president of the Association for Community Living, and the North of Superior Mental Health Board; Chair of Finance of the Geraldton District Hospital Board; Chair of the Family Health Clinic and a member of the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons. Michael always said his membership in Kin taught him life. He served the local club in every capacity including Deputy Governor, and received its highest honor, Life Membership in Kin. Marylin and he had a bucket list of things to do and places to visit. Together they traveled to almost every continent, making memories that brought them much laughter. Michael was predeceased by his parents, grandparents and father-in-law. He will be sadly missed by his huge family and many friends, but most of all by his friend and wife Marylin. Friends will be received at the Municipality of Greenstone Council Chambers on Monday, January 23rd from 2:00pm to 5:30pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Theresa's Church (Geraldton) at 11:00am on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. Donations to the Municipality of Greenstone for the future Geraldton Museum would be appreciated.On-line condolences may be expressed at www.rfffh.com"