Michael Desborough is survived by his loving family, his wife, Shirley, of thirty years, his daughters, Karen and her husband Gordon and their children, Megan and Rachel, Laura and her husband Anthony and their children Gregory and Evie, Michael’s stepdaughters, Adrienne and her husband Christopher and their children, Grayson and Madeleine and Gwenith and her husband Kevin and their daughter, Luna, and Michael’s sister, Diane and her family and his brothers, David and his wife Barbara and their family and Stephen and his wife Arlene and their family.
Michael was owner of Michael Desborough Purveyor of Fine Foods at Davenport Road and Avenue Road in Toronto for many years. He retired to Colborne Ontario in 1989 and enjoyed the challenges of tending to his apple orchard until he and Shirley moved to Cobourg in 2001 where they were members of St. Peter’s Anglican Church until their move to Huntsville in September 2017. Besides his loving family, one of his greatest joys was joining with his long-time friends at their hunt camp every fall, and he held fond memories of his boyhood summers spent in Prince Edward Island with his family and friends which included his lifelong friend, Clarence and his dearly loved cousin, Sandi.
Michael was a teller of tall tales, and a lover of the good things in life. He had an uncanny ability to recall diverse song lyrics, one of his favorite’s being Barrett’s Privateers by Stan Rogers.
The family wishes to express heart-felt and sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided to Michael by Dr. Roy Kirkpatrick, Dr. Gerald Forestell, Dr. Hunter Cape, and their staff, Dr. Deb Harrold and the Palliative Care Team, the Home and Community Care nursing staff, and the Algonquin Grace Hospice nurses and personal support workers.
A special thank you is extended for the prayers and service of the Venerable Dawn Henderson of All Saints Church and our dear friend Wally whose daily presence and continuous prayers supported Michael and our family throughout his last week of life.
At Michael’s request, a private family memorial gathering will be held at a future date.
If desired, donations to Algonquin Grace Hospice, Huntsville, would be appreciated by the family.
“Live each day as if it were your first and last.” ~ Mike
Martha and Todd Lucier
Dear Shirley,We offer our deepest condolences to you and your family. May the love you shared grow even more beautiful with each passing day.
Lisa Reichardt
Very sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. I have fond memories of him and send thoughts and prayers to Karen and Laura & family.
Mary Yoannou
I had the pleasure of knowing Mike when heowned his shop on Avenue Road. He was a terrific
guy and considered him a friend. My condolences
to his family.
Ken Willcocks
Michael will be especially missed by the Men of St Peters Church in Cobourg. Always with a smile, and often a pointed joke, Mike was a true man of his own convictions who gave of his very best. He was truly missed when he and Shirley left Cobourg. Mike, Before too long I will be looking for you.
Peter & Donna Brotherhood
Dear Shirley,We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s death. What a shock!! We didn’t even know that he was ill.
We have so ,many good memories of both of you, mostly centred around food. Wonderful meals that you created for our parish of St Peter’s to bring down our debt, meals for Muzuzu fund raising and private meals at your home! You have left quite a legacy here in Cobourg and are missed.
May God bless you as you begin a new chapter of your life.
May Mike rest in peace and rise in Glory!!!
Sincerely,
Peter & Donna Brotherhood +
Suzanne Lawson
Just heard of the sad news of Michael’s death. What a loss! Vibrant, giving, funny, committed…virtues galore. We at St. Peter’s loved him for his determined hosting and cooking for great dinners to raise money and build fellowship. His smile and wink will not be forgotten. Nor will the casual conversations in the grocery store…always fun and always serious too. Hugs to Shirley and the family.
June Tink
I was so very sad to hear that Mike has died. He and Shirley were members of my home church, St. Peter’s, Cobourg. Mike was known for the countless wonderful meals he cooked up for many church occasions. I was always touched that he always took my personal dietary needs into consideration.So many of us were sorry when Mike and Shirley left to move to Huntsville but are glad that they had family close by.
My deepest condolences to Shirley and the family. May God bless and comfort you at this painful time.
June Tink
Jordan's Hunt Camp
It’s with very saddened hearts that the members of the hunt camp say farewell to our dear friend. Mike managed the camp for many years which we all appreciated very much. But it’s his stories and humor at the dinner table that we’ll miss most. Mike will now hold an honoured spot on the wall with other past members dear to us.
Tony, Hilda and Natasha Mackow
we are so saddened by Michael’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to our dearest friend Shirley and the family. We have shared so many happy moments with Michael and Shirley. The day of their wedding, moving to the orchard, Christmas at the orchard with the tallest Christmas tree ever and many other wonderful evenings celebrating life and our friendship. Michael – you will be so deeply missed. The Mackow family