Michael Lavery

September 7, 2018

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Michael Lavery on Friday, September 7, 2018 at London Health Sciences Centre – University Hospital, at the age of 88, after a brief illness. Loving and devoted husband of Barbara (nee Hynds) for 66 years. Treasured father of Jennifer Vincent (Keith), Lorraine Lavery (Rick Walsworth) and Jeff Lavery (Judy). Much loved Papa of 5 grandchildren: Krista Rivest (Paul), Andrea Vincent (Jon Atkinson), Jonathan Vincent, Brittany Lavery and Stephen Lavery. Great grandfather to Caden and Lauren Rivest, Payton, Reagan and Quinten Atkinson and Hunter Vincent. Dear brother of Joe, Joyce, Richard, Samuel and June. Predeceased by his brother Tom. Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Michael was born in Devonport, England on January 3rd, 1930, to Samuel and Susanne Lavery. His family returned to Lisburn, Northern Ireland when he was a young boy. Michael worked as a draftsman in the Belfast shipyards where he later met Barbara Hynds. They married on July 5th, 1952, and immigrated to Canada in 1954. He continued his work as a draftsman in Owen Sound until 1968, at which point he moved his family to Kitchener, where he taught Mechanical Engineering at Conestoga College until his retirement in 1993. He was a former member of Highland Baptist Church and Stanley Park Baptist Church in Kitchener, where he was involved as a deacon and led the Boy’s Brigade. He worked extensively with Barbara in welcoming Vietnamese immigrants into their home, and assisting them to settle in the KW region in the late 1970’s. After moving to Ilderton in the fall of 2000, Michael was a member of the Westview Baptist Church, and later First Baptist Church in London, Ontario. Michael’s favourite hobbies included woodworking, photography, reading Christian doctrine, listening to classical music, and watching motorcycle races. He was passionate about fixing and riding British motorcycles (Triumph and BSA), and rode a motorbike well into his 70’s. Michael enjoyed time spent with all of his grandchildren: he loved to play with them, as well as attend their school plays, soccer matches and piano recitals. Michael’s family will receive relatives and friends from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 14, 2018 at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. A private family memorial service will be held in the chapel of Westmount Gardens Long Term Care home. Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated by the family.

Leave a tribute for Michael Lavery

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I am deeply sorry for your loss. I worked with Mike years ago at Conestoga and enjoyed every minute of it. we had a great crew back then and one of the reasons for that was Mike. Always a jovial guy, approachable and just an all round good person to have around. God bless you Mike. Steve

~ Steve Lubka

Jennifer, Keith and the Lavery/Vincent family: I am deeply saddened by the loss of Michael (Papa Lavery) almost a week ago. He was a wonderful man who had a passion for stories and face that lit up when he smiled. I will fondly remember his love of his family and of his motorcycles. I truly enjoyed the moments I got to spend with him. He will be sorely missed. Blessings and prayers to you all in this time of loss. Brad Cotton

~ Brad Cotton

Sorry to hear of Uncle Michael's passing. Will be thinking of you all tomorrow

~ Millicent and Arnold Wilson

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of your father. It appears that he was a man strong in his faith, giving to his church community and very much loved by his family and grand children. We send you our love and embrace you tomorrow as you say your final good bye. Our prayers are with you and your family.

~ Bernd and Nicole Wittke

Uncle Michael was the heart of his family And will be greatly missed. May God give strength at this time of sorrow.

~ Catherine Joyce Lavery De Oliveira and Rogerio Oliveira

Mike was always the perfect gentle-man. I worked with Mike at Conestoga, sharing an office with him not long after I started teaching there in 1985. Mike was my mentor - I always looked up to him for his wisdom in dealing with students, and his strong knowledge of the subject matter. He had a sunny disposition, and a great sense of humour - both very helpful attributes in the job. Long after Mike retired from the College, my thoughts often returned to him - "Is this how Mike would have done it?". My sincere condolences go out to Barbara and family. Sincerely Mitch Wawzonek (Retired - Chair of Engineering and Information Technology, Conestoga)

~ Mitch Wawzonek

I am dreadfully sorry to hear of Mike's passing and that I was not able to be with you at this sad time, sincere condolences from all the family here in n.ireland, go to Barbara,Jennifer,Lorraine,Jeff and their families .Marie and I will always cherish the memories of our visits with Mike and Barbara, our prayers are with you all.

~ richard aughey lavery

From the staff at Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Research at Parkwood Institute St. Joseph's Health Care we send our sincere condolences to the family of Michael Lavery. Jennifer you were a wonderful caregiver to your father.. God Bless this family.

~ Kathy