Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Michael John McCleary, of Neustadt, passed away at SBGHC-Walkerton on Sunday, December 24, 2023. He was 69.
Born in Burlington to the late John and Lorna (nee Melmer) McCleary Michael was employed in the Parks and Rec Department for many years with the City of Burlington. After moving to Grey County, he settled down to enjoy family and friends... particularily golfing. He loved to take his therapy dog, Oliver, to the nursing homes to help spread joy and smiles to all those around him.
Survived by devoted wife Tanis (nee Baylor) of Neustadt. Loved father of Melanie (Rob) Simmons of Burlington. Special grandpa of Teagan and Sydney. Dear brother of Linda (Dan) Heidt of Campbelford and Craig (Laura) McCleary of Waterdown. Remembered by his sisters in law Val McMahon (Jeff Nihls) of Port Elgin, Danica (Paul) Fletcher of Kamloops, B.C, and brother in law Mark (Sarah) Baylor of Welland as well as nieces, nephews and their families. Michael will be missed by his fur companions, Oliver, Finnigan and JoJo.
A Memorial Come and Go will be held at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #130- Hanover on Sunday, January 21, 2024 from 1-4pm.Cremation has taken place.
Memorial donations to the Salvation Army or to the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Both Allan and myself would like to offer our deepest sympathy in the passing
of your husband Micheal
During this difficult time may you find peace and comfort with family friends
and those how knew him
Dear Tanis..Sending deepest condolences to you on the passing of Mike.I will always remember his shy grin and twinkling eyes..I still miss you and all the years I visited your hair salon.
- Cathy DeGraafGently, may comfort come into your heart.
Softly may peace return to your days.
During this difficult time, may memories of laughter and love bring you comfort.
Michael will be missed by all who knew him. Golfing in the clouds of heaven will never be the same. With Love, Buck & Linda.
Tanis and family i am saddened to hear of michaels passing.we had some good chatsat the day away stroke day when he would bring oliver and finnigan in to visit.
He will be missed byvmany people in the community.Tanis treasure all those memories the 2 of you have made and hold them close to your heart.thi king on you my dear tske care of yourself.just reme.ber God has your back and is giving you strength through these upcoming days ahead the digs will be a handful for you as they will bw wondering where daddy went.thinkingbof you hunn. God Bless.
So very sorry for this sad loss to everyone who loved and knew him. He was his own person who gave willingly to others. Always ready with some help with my golf swing, and if you were inclined to offer an opinion on current political issues, well you did that with the idea that there would be some strong thoughts from Mike.I hope he has found the answers to his many life and family concerns. We love and will miss you. May God comfort and hold you in his loving arms
- Pat MelmerI worked with Mike for a few years. I will remember him as being a character and making myself and others laugh. I'll remember Mike fondly.
- Jeremy BellfontaineVery sad to hear of Mikes passing l worked with him for many years at the City of Burlington. Always had a great sense of humour . He will be missed. Rest In Peace Mike , Al Foxcroft
- Al FoxcroftMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones .May the Lord Jesus comfort and strengthen you in this trying time .He really went home for Christmas.Blessings to you and yours Therese weiler
- Therese weilerMy first association with Michael was though the St John Ambulance Therapy Dog unit. I was the evaluator and he and Oliver passed the entrance testing with flying colours. He and Michael worked well together as a team.I then had the privilege of mentoring them for their first few visits at the local nursing home where they did very well and the residents loved Oliver.
I started visiting Michael and Tanis at their home outside of Ayton.Their love of animals was quite evident with 3 dogs in the family. Plus they were watching the antics of a litter of foxes on their property grow up. Michael and I talked a lot about American politics--think Trump--and of course golf which we both enjoyed...Michael was interested in many things but his love of animals was very evident.Both Michael and Tanis were quite interested in the volunteer work I was doing at The Grey Bruce Animal Shelter caring for our homeless dogs and cats while we looked for their new loving homes. Unfortunately Covid caused the suspension of a lot of things in life including Therapy Dog visitations to the nursing homes. Plus requiring people to reduce contact with each other. Michael was a good person to me and |I will miss him greatly.
Always remembered in your shop with golf swings on your mind. Thank for your devotion to Tanis, as you came into each other's lives, when you needed each other most
Sadly missed
Danica, Paul and family
