Michael (Mike) Nemeth
April 15, 1941 – March 20, 2023
Our beloved husband, Daddy and Poppa died peacefully on March 20, 2023 just shy of 82 years old.
Born on April 15th, 1941 in the former Yugoslavia – Mike made the journey to Canada in 1954 with his mother Magdalena and his two older brothers Joe and Frank. After spending a few years in Alberta, they settled in Toronto.
The Toronto Donauschwaben Club played a very significant role in Mike’s life. He met his wife there, he met his lifelong friends there, and he taught many dance groups there over the decades. Mike was a valued employee of Canada Stamp for more than 45 years and spent almost 20 years of Saturdays DJing weddings to support his family.
Mike was an uncomplicated man who loved a good time. He loved beer, music, polka dancing, camping and Wood Lake, playing golf (badly), playing cards and backgammon, watching sports and, in his later years, striking up a conversation with anyone who would listen. He beamed with pride talking about his girls and his grandchildren.
Mike was loyal to his core and his family and friends were the only things that mattered to him. Always offering to help, always sacrificing so someone else could have more, always cheerleading from behind the scenes. He lived an honourable, hardworking, meaningful, love-filled life.
Mike leaves Gail, his wife of 57 years; his daughters Christina (Rob) and Michelle (Dan); his grandchildren Zachary (Kelsey), Elise, Evan, Maddy and bonus granddaughter Sarah; and his special
great-granddaughter Amelia. Predeceased by his mother Magdalena, eldest brother Joe and his sister- in-law Mary; Mike will be sadly missed by his brother Frank; his in-laws Gloria, Bruce, Howie and Helga; his nieces and nephews Michael, Monika, Peter, Lisa, Craig and Erin along with many lifelong friends who truly were his family.
The family would like to say a special thank you to our village that has carried us during the last few complicated years. Most especially neighbours and friends Ian, Tim and Lori; Pastor Dan, Joe and Barb; Clara, Sue and Christina and Michelle’s friends and colleagues who have held us up with their love.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND FLOWERS. If you would like to honour Mike, do so with a random act of kindness in his name and a shot of slivovitz. Alternatively, if you would like to make a donation in his memory, consider a donation to the Holland Bloorview Kid’s Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation or the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Visitation will be held at Highway Gospel Church, 530 Midland Ave, Scarborough on Thursday March 23rd from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the same location on Friday March 24th at 11am followed by refreshments.
“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with their heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.” – Rumi
Shirley Lipp
Mike was a beautiful soul and leaves a trail of beautiful memories. Gail, Christina, and Michelle your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God turn your time of darkness into light again and may He guide you through this difficult time. Shirley and John.
Carol, Bill and Ciara Murphy
So sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. He was a lovely man! We will miss his cheerful conversations as he passed by on his way down the street.
Robin Nason
Thinking of you all, you are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Karl and Linda Weiss
Both Karl and I were saddened to hear of Mikes passing …. We both have fond memories of him …
Sending our sincere condolences to Gail, his daughters and family,
May he Rest in Peace
Janet and bill nancekivell
Dearest Gail, Christine, Michelle we will always have wonderful memories of him at the lake bragging about his girls watching his grandkids and great conversations. He will be missed. We send you our love, our prayers, hugs and kisses to all xxxxxx
Linda Mugford
There are special people we meet in our journey in life, Mike and his lovely family were
a few of them. I always think of the beautiful music he loved, when I think of him, and the hockey
games. He was a wonderful friend, husband, father and grandfather, for whom I have so much respect
for, and he’ll be so missed by all who new him and loved him. Soar high Mike, you’ve gone on now to be united
with your mom and siblings, Blessings to my beautiful friend Gail, Chris, Michelle . Kelsey, Zak , Amelia, Maddy, Evan, Dan, Gloria, Bruce.
Erin, Craig Sarah and all family members . How sweet the choir of angels in Heaven must have sang, as hey carried you home to Glory to our Heavenly father.
Alric and Sheila Marson
Dan and Michelle we are sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept our condolences.
Gina Halencak
Dear Michelle , Please accept my condolences to you and your family during this sad time.
Aimé Kalombo
Chère Michelle,
En ce moment de tristesse, ma famille et moi-même nous joignons à votre grande famille pour vous présenter nos sincères condoléances.
Francis and Marianne Lipp
Dear Michelle, we are deeply saddened to hear about your father, and want you to know, we are here for you. May you find peace, during this difficult time. Condolences, to you and the family. I was blessed to have been introduced, to Mike, and he was a loving and caring soul, and an honour to have known him.
May you carry, all the good memories, you shared with him.
Love Francis and Marianne Lipp❤️❤️
Catherine Banos
Dear Michelle, deepest sympathies to you and your family. May he rest in Peace.
Barbara Ferrill
So sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I offer my thoughts and prayers to you at this most difficult time.
Amanda Yuill
Dear Michelle, I pray for comfort and peace for you and your family in this time of loss.
Dee Kennedy
Gail and Family, my prayers are with you in this time of sadness. We know that Mike has gone to see our Heavenly Father and we will meet again one day.
May God give you all peace and comfort. Praying for you.
Monika Turi
Our deepest condolences. What a bright light he was in the world. He was the best dance teacher and a creative choreographer. May he smile from the Next Place when his dances are ever performed in the future. Sending gratitude and strength to the whole family. Love, Monika Turi and family
Jane Bailie
Gail & family, sending you my most sincere and heartfelt condolences on this profound loss. Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers, Jane
K & E Wendland
Our sincerest and heartfelt Condolence’s to the entire Family and true Friends on Mike’s passing, RIP alter Freund 🙏
Pauline Reid
To Gail and family my deepest condolences. May the love of God comfort you in these difficult time.
2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4 “ The God of all comfort…”
John Schwemlein
I will always remember Mike for helping a shy little guy at the time (me) feel more welcome when Dancing in the Youth Group. Was and will always be remembered as my favorite Dance teacher. Rest in Peace Mike and my Sincerest Condolensces to the Whole family.
Gloria Cook
It is with great sadness that I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Omi (Gail) and all of her wonderful family. I apologize profusely for not being able to attend the visitation or Celebration of life. Please know that my thoughts are with all of you. May Poppa (Mike) rest in peace.
Annie & Jerome
To Gail and family
Deepest condolences to you and family at this difficult time. So sorry we weren’t able to attend. Letting you know our thoughts and prayers are with you and family ❤️
Love Jerome Annie & Angie
Barbara Laidlaw
Christina, Gail and Michelle – My most sincere condolences to you all. Mike was such a wonderful man, and did a great job putting up with Chris’ and my antics as teenagers! His DJing meant that Chris and I always had a choice of music to listen to at your house, and many albums I discovered there I still listen to today! It has been a year and half since we lost my dad and I know how difficult this is for you all. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.
Sending much love,
Barbara
Marie-Therese Neault {Theresa}
Bien chers Michelle et Danny et les enfants.
Je suis vraiment navree d’apprendre cette triste nouvelle de la disparition de ton pere Michelle , mais tu auras toujours les souvenirs, les memoires qui ne disparaitront jamais et qui sont ancrees dans ton coeur pour toujours . Je te presente mes plus sinceres condoleances , et je suis certaine qu’il est dans un meilleur monde , la ou la souffrance n’existe pas, et qu’il gardera un oeil sur vous tous. Mes plus chaleureuses pensees a toute la famille , et qu’il repose en paix. Bisous . Tatty Therese.:)