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Michael LAVELLE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael LAVELLE
18 Entries
P.B.
November 20, 2021
Mr. Lavelle was a great teacher and mentor. I would have never completed my degree without his encouragement and support. My condolences to his family.
Wayne Greenway
July 21, 2019
Mike was the Director of Residences at Erindale College when I was in first year university, I was living in a house with fellow students who were great people but spent more time smoking pot than studying. I could not get any school work or sleep in that house. Yet, I did not want get my friends in trouble. I went to see Mike. I told him that my allergies were really bothering me in that house and I needed a different place to live. He smiled and said your allergies eh? Ok I will see what I can do. Two or three days later, I was transferred into this incredibly great old house across the road from Glenn Ivor Bird Sanctuary. It was the best part of my experience at U of T!
It was 20 years later that I found out that he knew the other guys were pot heads! He smiled when he told me. I had arranged the meeting to thank him for helping me get through that year in school as it allowed me to have an incredible career. In the conversation. he asked me what I was doing now, I mentioned that I was just starting to build a campaign to create a camp for children and their families living with a life threatening illness. I think I needed to vent as we had no budget and very few wealthy and influential donors and a multi- million dollar campaign to launch with no office in the Toronto Area where we needed to be.
Mike listened quietly to my situation. When I finished, he said, we are going to fix that. You are coming to work out of my office. I have space. Mike ended up getting in some trouble for letting me share his space but it allowed us to reach out to many new businesses and new donors who we never would have brought on board otherwise. His gift was invisible to everyone else but touches every child and family now served by that camp. I will be forever grateful to him on their behalf. That was the kind of man he was. His passion, commitment and courage, brought the spirit of greatness to everything he touched.
Roy Malcolm
December 21, 2018
Of all the professors I've ever studied with Mike was the greatest in his passion and love. He inspires me still and I deeply mourn his loss but the joy he brought obliterates this as I feel the strength of his spirit living on.
With love and appreciation
A friend and student
Roy Alexander Malcolm
Craig Telfer
October 11, 2018
Great coach, Great human being! Craig and Bonnie Telfer, Earl Haig High School
John Futa
October 10, 2018
A good teacher and coach, but a better person. Rest In Peace and God bless, Mike.
Michael Cartan
October 9, 2018
I had only met Mike a dozen or so times over the years,just in athletic or social contexts, but on each occasion the nickname "Big Mike" seemed most appropriate. Mike always filled the room with his larger -than-life presence-- jovial good humour and genuine interest in all those with whom he came into contact.
He will be sorely missed by so many.
Bill McNeill
October 9, 2018
Mike was a teacher, gym instructor and coach in my years at St Mike's in the 60s. He had great values and always pushed us hard and supported our efforts.
He had great character and personality which he maintained and always had time to chat and reminisce and be interested in the few later times that we crossed paths.
I will never forget Saturday morning football practices when Fran and kids would be wandering around on the field while Mike took us through our paces getting ready for the Sunday games.
Thank you, Mike - you were one of the best! I'm sorry I can't be there today to join with others in celebrating your wonderful life.
john christie
October 9, 2018
During the 60's I was a Toronto basketball official and I was often assigned to referee games at St. Mike's where Mike held forth as the senior coach. I do not for a second believe that I never missed a call and plenty of high school coaches would let you know!! Not Mike, you always got a hearty handshake and a big smile when the game was over. Never any negative assessment of the quality of the job you had just done. Maybe it helped that he had St. Mike's playing champioship basketball no matter what the refs did!! I don't believe that though, he was a wonderful positive role model for his players and it was an honour to have known him.
Andrea Quadrini
October 9, 2018
Mike was the one person who taught me the importance of family and of work life balance. He helped me reach my own personal career goals, something I will be forever grateful for. He was such a bright light, always offering the best advise and taking the time just to ask how you were personally. It is with a heavy heart to hear of Mike's passing but I will always keep his words of wisdom close to my heart. Thank you for all you did for me over the years. I am forever grateful for having met someone like you in my life. May your legacy continue to live on. God Bless you and your family.
October 8, 2018
So much of who I am I owe to this man. One of the greatest men I have ever known. I will miss you more than words can say. Sue Prior.
Cindy & Glen Hammond
October 8, 2018
We share your grief on a loss that is so difficult to bear. Mike has been such a large influence for both my husband and I as a teacher, mentor and friend over the past 25 years. We will miss our lunches, his big and ready laughter and his dancing eyes and we will cherish the wonderful memories. God Bless Mike.
Terry Green
October 8, 2018
Want to let his family know... My grade 11 geometry teacher, St. Mike's, 1961-62. My favorite... Bumped into him 10 years later at U of T and chatted. I became a teacher too, and he was always in my mind as the Best Example. He had it all in the front of the classroom. I'm grateful we crossed paths.
Philip Kenny
October 8, 2018
He taught me geometry in grade 12. One of the best teachers I ever had. I respected, admired and like him. A good guy.
David and Linda McCabe
October 7, 2018
Big Mike was a pillar of strength to his family and all who knew him. We will miss watching him beat everyone (especially David) swimming around the point at the Smith cottage. He will be missed✝
David and Linda McCabe
October 7, 2018
Big Mike! A pillar of strength to his family and all who knew him. We will miss watching David trying to keep up to Mike on their morning swims at the Smith cottage❤
Joe Bagnato
October 7, 2018
Mike was my gymn teacher in my 3rd year at St. Mikes. A great no-nonsense teacher.
Enjoyed our time together! RIP
Joe Bagnato
Henry Schoenmakers
October 6, 2018
Mike you were a good friend,I'll miss our hot dog lunches at the Price Club (Costco).
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results