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BORN
1941
DIED
2022
MIKE FILEY Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for MIKE FILEY
35 Entries
George Akula
January 8, 2025
Sad to finally learn Mike has gone into eternity, hopefully heaven! I collected his "Way we Were" columns from 1972 until the 1980s. I lived in Toronto from 1955 to 1985 and once rode with mother on the Bloor Danforth streetcar line plus the subway's opening on Feb. 26th, 1966. Mike loved transit history even like his pioneering predecessor James Victor Salmon, who took many photos of Toronto and, I believe, in whose footsteps Mike followed. James only lived from 1911 to 1958. God Bless Mike's widow!
Deborah Olanick nee Debbie Frolick
August 31, 2024
It is just now August 31 2024 I looked up Mike Filey to discover the sad news of his passing. Are Mike's books on our schools' reading lists? They should be. Born in Toronto in the 1950's I believed Toronto was stupifyingly boring. Know I realize that is unlike the States we have no hit songs about Toronto nor any movies or mystery books set in our city. Several years ago I happened upon Mike's books in Brentwood library and learned how utterly fascinating our history is! In addition I enjoyed his joke of the day in the 70's on the radio. I, as a young woman was working in the Works Dept of the CNE as secretary to the Electric Dept. when Mike joined our office as a writer - of course. I was thrilled and found he was a modest man and I hope I didn't bother him too much when I dropped by his desk to "shoot the breeze". Queen Elizabeth was to visit the CNE and the higher ups were jockeying to sit beside Her Majesty. I was indignant Mike wasn't chosen when it was clear he would be the ideal dinner companion full of anecdotes as I told him. Poor Queen, she missed out. I am wondering if he would have even wanted to! The dept. was in a horrendous mess when I was hired with old blueprints and various plan of the CNE literally piled to the ceiling. It took me 2 months to sort it all out. I discovered old high quality photos from the turn of the century and realized they were of archive worth. An archive Dept was formed with Mr. Swaby presiding. So I like to think my efforts were put to good use. I still remember Mike fondly, he contributed so much. A lovely man.
Barbara (Purkis) Mann
February 17, 2024
Yarmila, I was so sorry to belatedly hear this news. I have no idea if you will ever see this note, and you probably won't remember me, but you worked for several years with my father Charles (Chuck) Purkis at Sunlife. I clearly remember how fond he was of you, and how much he enjoyed your abilities and personality. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mike, but know well what a wonderful contribution he made to Toronto history.
Sincerely, Barbara (Purkis) Mann
Ron Rickman
October 30, 2023
October 2023
I was searching some things and found Mike's obit by accident.
Sad to hear of his passing. I knew Mike and his family when they lived on Elvina Gardens in North Toronto. My parents knew Mike's parents.
I regularly read his books and listened to him on the radio. I last saw Mike when we went on one of his tours of Mt. Pleasant Cemetary. I will go there some day. We renewed acquaintances that day. Mike remembered my dad & mom. It was a very good time.
RIP, Mike.
Ron
Richard Spiegelman
August 28, 2022
I always look forward each week to meet Mike at on of the cruises. He would be there with his blue and white Pontiac Laurentian hardtop. He was always ready to talk history about cars or Toronto. I missed seeing for the past few years because Covid shut down the cruises for two plus years. I extend my condolences to his wife and family.
Jeremy Hopkin
August 27, 2022
As a kid I would regularly get out the scissors and clip out pieces of Sun newspapers that my Dad subscribed to throughout the 1980s and `90s. There were even a few times that he would still be reading the paper and I'd be hovering nearby with the scissors in hand waiting for him to finish!
I made sure that the best parts of the newspaper were always saved, mostly the Calvin & Hobbes comics throughout the week, but Mike Filey´s history column every Sunday was my favourite.
Back then Toronto wasn´t really considered a destination by any means. American media flooded our popular culture long ago, even our schools unintentionally taught us that our spot wasn´t as important as other places on the globe.
Mike Filey´s articles were one of the beacons that made me feel the GTA was indeed a special place that has a history worth celebrating and preserving. Interesting local historical buildings, people and events came to life through his articles, they were a prime motivator to experience our colourful local heritage for myself. It was also important to me that he also featured the stories of working class people and the places that were special to them, not just the famous.
Mike´s love of Toronto and its rich heritage also shone through many of the preservation efforts he supported throughout the years.
As I grew, I bought his books to replace the now-yellowing newspaper articles I'd clipped, and happily attended many of his presentations.
Like any local history nerd would do, I asked him to sign the copies of his books for me. Mike was often surprised to see this kid bring him a book to sign that he had published 20 years previous, but I had hunted them down at used book stores.
I´ll miss knowing that "Our Man Filey" is out there fighting the good fight to keep our heritage in the minds and hearts of the public in this ever-changing Toronto. However, I know for a fact that he inspired so many new local historians to take up the mantle, and that makes me smile.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you Mike.
Rest In Peace.
Marianne Sandvall
August 19, 2022
I just heard from another former employee of Canada's Wonderland that Mike had passed. What a wonderful person. My deepest sympathies to Mike' family. Remember the early days of CW -- wonderful times.
Steve Collie
August 16, 2022
Thanks Mike for encouraging me to do tours for the people of Toronto/GTA. I share your passion.
Andrew Stewart
August 15, 2022
A great writer and public historian -- Mike was generous in sharing his knowledge, research and enthusiasm for the City's history with all of us who live in Toronto. Here he is at Fort York National Historic Site, next David O'Hara, Fort York's manager, at Battle of Vimy Day, April 2017.
Wendy Carveth
August 12, 2022
My late husband Bill was a devoted fan and avid reader of Mike's books and articles. Perhaps he and Mike are swapping stories now.
Cal and Penny Millar
August 10, 2022
Condolences to Yarmila and family members who are surrounding you at this very sad time. Mike was an amazing individual who did so much to bring the history of Toronto alive through his books and newspapers columns. I knew Mike at the Telegram and also at the Sun and through the years enjoyed his humor and insight. He will be greatly missed by so many.
June Rath
August 9, 2022
Bob...I am sorry to hear about your brother.
Raymond Kennedy
August 8, 2022
I knew Mike for many years as we shared an interest in local railway history. Enjoyed his many books that I have kept. Also enjoyed, his regular newspaper columns.
Fellow published author.
Sally D Kelly
August 8, 2022
Such very sad news. I am so sorry for your loss. A lovely man, a huge loss.
Andre Tellier,Morin Heights,Que
August 8, 2022
My condolences to Mikes Family...I knew Mike from our involvement with the CNE.Always a quick wit who wore The City of Toronto on his sleeve with great passion...Mike R.I.P
Thomas (Tom) Shepherd
August 8, 2022
A truly great guy. I met him several times during career on the TTC. It was always a pleasure to speak to him and I enjoyed our conversations. I with many others will miss him. God Bless and he Rest In Peace
Barbara Brassar
August 8, 2022
My condolences to his family. I, like many, grew up reading his columns and purchasing his books. His knowledge of old Toronto led to many fascinating conversations in our home as my father, as we often would say, was like a walking history book. He was born in Cabbagetown in the early 1900's. We would read or quiz him about Toronto and we could never stump him. We also got an added addendum to our query usually from first hand knowledge or experience. It was magical. Even seeing his name, address, phone number AND OCCUPATION in Toronto phone book at the Police Museum.
My father and Mike would be able to talk at length about historical Toronto and its evolution over a beer if they had met. My dad inspired us to learn and love this city of Toronto and Canada.They didn't meet on earth but I hope there is place in heaven to rehash old memories between two who "had stories to tell". Thank you for your gift of story telling . Rest in peace.
Andy Trklja
August 8, 2022
I had the pleasure & privelege of knowing and working with Mike during our association with the Canadian International Air Show. Always a quick wit, kind word and a guiding hand. Rest easy my friend.
Karen M
August 8, 2022
I was saddened to hear of Mike Filey's passing.
He has been a constant and wealth of knowledge many of us have benefited from and enjoyed. We had every book of Mike's at home plus all the newspaper clippings of "The Way We Were".
Sincere condolences to the family and to all who knew him.
Gary McMahon
August 7, 2022
Wonderful memories of 50 years of friendship... and great jokes.
The Canadian National Exhibition Association
August 7, 2022
Mike will be missed by all his friends at the Canadian National Exhibition. The CNE network was saddened to hear of his death. He was the go-to on the history of the CNE (and Toronto) and his column was read and referenced by CNE staff, the Board and his former colleagues. Condolences to Yarmila and Mike's extended family. He will be remembered for many things including his love of the CNE and his sense of humour.
Derryl, Sean, Daniel and Noah
August 7, 2022
Yarmila, We will remember Mike for his incredible wit, generosity of knowledge and large stock of tools. He was one of a kind and we will miss him and think of him always.
Much love
XOXOXO
Jason Kucherawy - President of the Tourist Guide Association of Toronto
August 7, 2022
I, along with all the other members of the Tourist Guide Association of Toronto and my guide team at Tour Guys owe Mike a debt of gratitude for his writing and making Toronto history more accessible to the masses. Every professional Toronto tour guide is familiar with his work and style of storytelling, and he has been immensely influential in our industry.
I never had the chance to meet him in person, but feel like I knew him well through the many books of his I have in my collection.
To Mike´s family, I want to extend sincere condolences for your loss and sincere thanks for sharing Mike with us all.
June Sym
August 7, 2022
My sincerest condolences to you you and your family. Mike will be missed for many things but mostly for his knowledge and love of this City. RIP Mike.
Scott Kennedy
August 7, 2022
I am heartbroken to hear of Mike's passing. Our shelves are full of his books; treasured possessions all. He was more than helpful to me, nine years ago, when I was a sixty-year-old rookie, publishing my first book on local history. Though we only met a few times, he was often kind enough to forward a photo or some info that he thought might be of interest to me, and we would always take a moment to talk about his beloved 1955 Pontiac. Rest in peace Mike. You have given a city its history.
Delma Blazina Williamson
August 7, 2022
Yarmila my sincere condolences.
Good memories of you and Mike from Sun Life years
Dianne Connolly
August 7, 2022
My condolences to all of Mike's family. It is a rare person who takes the time to stop and talk to you about his Titanic knowledge. To call and exchange his knowledge about the Toronto Islands while also learning more from talking to my Mom on the phone. I will always be thankful.
Judy Lalonde
August 7, 2022
As a neighbour of Mike´s mom, Elva, for 25 years I came to know Mike and Yarmila and was the recipient of many of Mike´s books gifted to me by Elva. I later gifted these to the North Toronto Historical Society.
I was always excited to see Mike do a sentimental drive down our street in his vintage car. I knew right away who it was!
Mike was one proud Torontonian and we learned so much about our city from him.
Judy. [email protected]
Joh Howard
August 7, 2022
Condolences to Yarmila and Mike´s family. I will forever remember the interesting stories and conversations with Mike during cruises on P.S. Trillium and events on Toronto Island. May he Rest In Peace.
Regina Silva Robinson
August 7, 2022
I never knew Mr. Filey but, I read his column in the Toronto Sun and went on his historical walks of Toronto, back in the 1980s. I also knew of his love of classic cars. He was an amazing gentleman and made us proud to be Torontonians.
I was saddened to learn of his death and wish to convey my condolences to Yarmila and his family.
May he rest in peace.
Dean Renwick
August 6, 2022
I'm sure there were many more smiles in heaven soon after Mike's arrival with him ready, willing and able to share his incredible humour. It was amazing to see the look on Mike's face when I drove the '55 Pontiac I acquired as a gift from Yarmila for his 55th Birthday into his driveway in the midst of his party in 1996. When I handed him the keys it was the only time I've seen Mike at a loss for words.
Dean Renwick
Kim Garrick Telford
August 6, 2022
Mike was a dear friend to our family. He had an incredible sense of humour and was a very caring,compassionate person. His knowledge of history, esp about Toronto, was vast. He will be remembered by those who loved him. May you rest in peace Mike - love to his dear wife Yarmila.
Edith George
August 6, 2022
Mike took the time out of his busy schedule to help me with some research regarding the heritage red oak. The city/public purchased the property where the tree is located on December 1, 2021.
Rest In Peace.
Howard Fitzpatrick
August 6, 2022
To Yarmilla, my family and I are deeply sorry for your loss. Mike was such a good friend and I will remember all the good times at Tim´s and Staples and our long talks about Toronto. You were both such a pleasure to be with. Will be in touch soon.
Steve Macey
August 6, 2022
I did not know Mike personally, but his weekly column, "The Way We Were" in the Sunday Sun was a must read and gave me years of happiness. Thank you for helping me learn more about the city where I live.
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