Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Michael Vessie, of Markdale, formerly Kitchener, passed away suddenly at Brightshores Health Systems in Markdale on Saturday, October 3, 2026. He was 51.
Born March 20, 1975 in Hanover to Leonard and Gwen (nee Dayman) Vessie. Better known as Mike or Vessie to his family and friends, he was employed with Bell Canada as a Technician. He was a man who loved his family deeply and took great pride in the time he spent with the people he loved.
He was also known for his love of the outdoors where he felt most at home. Whether riding his ATV or tractor, exploring the trails, or simply enjoying the space and freedom of being outside, he found great joy in the simple pleasures of life.
He was known for his incredible talent on the bbq, especially his smoked meats which became a favourite of everyone who was lucky enough to try them. He was heavily involved with his kids, the light of his life. He was a "dads Dad" to everyone, always by his kid’s side throughout their good days and bad. He would be the biggest kid and would often out do you in the pool with his cannonballs. He always knew how to make anyone laugh. His favorite team was the Oilers and he had a love for football with the Green Bay Packers. He was a great coach during his years with the Kitchener Minor Hockey League and will always have a love for the game.
Survived by beloved wife of 25 years, Shannon (nee Clark) Vessie, with whom he shared 32 years together. The coolest Dad on earth to Madison and Reece as well as their recently rescued cat "Bruce Wayne". Loved son of Leonard and Gwen Vessie and son in law of Allan and Earla Clark. Dear brother of Christa (Ryan) Huntley and their children Avery (Kersten), Ashton and Kaden and brother-in-law of Jennifer (Terry) Redmond and their children Ewan and Lainie. Mike will be missed by his countless friends and colleagues. Predeceased by his beloved dog Milo.
A Casual Come and Go will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Hanover on Friday, October 9, 2026 from 4-6pm with Words of Remembrance at 5:30pm. Please feel free to dress casually.
Memorial donations to the JumpStart or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mightonfuneralhome.ca
Gwen and families: Please accept our sincere sympathy
Carol Davenport
Mike teach the heavens the Minnesota Mile
- Glenn CorbettI am so deeply sorry for Mike's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you strength and comfort in the days ahead. My deepest condolences.
- Liz CostaLen and Gwen:
My sincere condolences on the passing of your son. Keep the memories close.
Depest Sympathy,
Dale
Shay and family I am so sorry for this devastating loss
- Jim OuimetShannon & Family, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss and can't imagine how difficult this must be for you. Please know that I'm thinking of you and your family.
- Shannon HickmanShannon I just wanted to say I have been keeping you and Reece and Madison in my thoughts and prayers. I was never that close to you and Mike (like Janine is) but in our limited time together I was struck by how friendly Mike was towards me and our own kids. He was such a special guy and I know that his amazingly positive impact on your family's lives will continue despite his physical absence. I know that your family is deeply loved by many which will give you the strength to make it through this seemingly impossible challenge, and one day be able to enjoy your wonderful lives once again.
- John GiustiSincere condolences to you and your family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you navigate the days, weeks and months ahead.
- Paula DaveyThinking of you and sending love. He is missed immensely and will be remembered always for the joyful person he was.
- Janine OuimetDear Len, Gwen and family,
We were saddened to read of your son's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult and sad time.
Doug and Marie McGilvray
It's so hard to put into words how deeply sorry I am to hear about Mike's passing. Sending my deepest sympathy to Len, Gwen and family.
Treasure the wonderful memories and good times you had.
Sending prayers and hugs your way 🙏 ❤️
Deepest sympathy for Mike's family at this difficult time. A donation was made to the heart and stroke foundation on behalf of his friends and Unifor brothers from Local 45.
- John FogartyShannon, Madison, Reece HUGS
HUGS from all of us.
Thoughts, prayers, memories, so many !
Mike was a wonderful mentor to all the kids lives that he touched.
Always a smile, a laugh, chuckle and some light teasing once he got to know you!
Our hearts are broken, our prayers are with you always.
Never forgotten.
Gwen and Len I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. Such a tragedy! My arms are around! My sympathies! 🥰😘🤗
- Fran schausShannon I'm so very sorry for your incredible loss.
Thinking of you and your family ❤️
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time. My thoughts are with your family.
From Shelly and Derick Gerger
Heartfelt condolences to Mike's family along with Leonard, Gwen & Christa. Vessie & I shared a lot of great memories & laughs throughout the 90's. He'll always be my favorite tendy & missed by everyone that knew him, a true friend is never forgotten. RIP Brother
- Mike GatemanI'm so sorry for your loss. Mike was always a pleasure to work with even though we only saw each other occasionally. Wishing Mike's family comfort and strength in the days ahead.
- Cathy HowlettOffering my condolences for your loss.
- Dick GerhardtSending my deepest condolences to your family. I worked with Mike for many years, he was passionate about his job and had a great sense of humour. He will be deeply missed by all of us who had the pleasure of working with him. Holding your family in my thoughts.
- Jason TrussellMy deepest heart felt condolences to all family. There are not any words to express our sympathy. Prayers for all.
- Karen KrauterVery sorry to hear the news of Vessie's passing. My deepest condolences go out to Shannon, Madison, Reece and the entire family.
I started with Mike at Bell back in 1999 in Guelph, and we spent many years working together on the 1"9 shift. We shared a lot of laughs and made many great memories over the years.
Mike was a great co-worker, always willing to help and someone you could count on. He will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Very sorry to hear the news of Vessie's passing. My deepest condolences go out to Shannon, Madison, Reece and the entire family.
I started with Mike at Bell back in 1999 in Guelph, and we spent many years working together on the 1"9 shift. We shared a lot of laughs and made many great memories over the years.
Mike was a great co-worker, always willing to help and someone you could count on. He will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Very sorry to hear the news of Vessie's passing. My deepest condolences go out to Shannon, Madison, Reece and the entire family.
I started with Mike at Bell back in 1999 in Guelph, and we spent many years working together on the 1"9 shift. We shared a lot of laughs and made many great memories over the years.
Mike was a great co-worker, always willing to help and someone you could count on. He will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Very sorry to hear the news of Vessie's passing. My deepest condolences go out to Shannon, Madison, Reece and the entire family.
I started with Mike at Bell back in 1999 in Guelph, and we spent many years working together on the 1"9 shift. We shared a lot of laughs and made many great memories over the years.
Mike was a great co-worker, always willing to help and someone you could count on. He will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
I am so unbelievably sorry to hear about this loss. I remember Mike so fondly and will always cherish my memories playing in your pool with your amazing family.
I was just the other day saying to my husband how my childhood best friend had such a dedicated dad for sports and his children when we were talking about our childhoods while watching a recent sports family tv show. I lived in so many houses as a child I can barely remember the interior of most, but your house I think I can remember spending time in every room.
I send all my love and my parents do as well.
Go Oilers. I never knew he loved our team.
I am so sorry to read of the loss of your dear son Michael at such a young age, our kids grew up together when we were close neighbors, bringing back many fond memories. My sympathy to your whole family. Love Sandra Schreinert
- Sandra SchreinertGwen, Leonard, & family
We are so deeply sorry, there are no words. Thinking of all of you at this very difficult time.
Thinking of you Gwen, Leonard and family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Ellen & Ken RusswurmSo sad to here about Mike's passing ! He was a great guy . I knew Mike since grade 1 . He always would have something good to say or make you laugh about something !
- Scott StroederWe were so incredibly sad to hear about the loss of Mike. Your husband, father, son and friend. Please accept our deepest condolences.
- Pat and Lynn O’SheaGwen Leonard and family Bob and i extend our sincere sympathy in the passing of your loved Michael
- Bob and Joyce DowneySo very sorry to hear this sad news, feeling so bad for the entire family . You have our deepest sympathy Gwen, Leonard, and family. Hugs to all of you .
- Larry and Bonnie RodyI am heartbroken by the loss of a coworker who became a friend. Thank you for your friendship, kindness, laughter and all the chats we shared. You made a lasting impact on so many lives and will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to your family and loved ones. Rest in peace, my friend.
Stacey
Mike was simply awesome!! My heart breaks for you and with you. If there is anything that you need or want me to do, please feel free to drop me a line.
- Bill RaeOur sincere condolences Shannon to you and Madison and Reese! We were shocked and heartbroken to hear of this sudden tragic passing of Mike. He was a great man and will never be forgotten. Fortunate to have spent some great times with him over the years and some memories that will not fade away.
Alan & Jackie
Words cannot express my deepest condolences for you Shannon, Madison and Reece. Mike was a great friend and a true person. I am honoured to have been a friend of Mike's. My best memories will be the time we spent together talking about our kids and that he introduced me to owning a smoker and of course how to use it. He was a stand up guy as I could always see with the love he had for the three of you. If there is anything you ever need don't hesitate to ask, your Bell family is always here. Cheers to Mike 🍻
- Gary BakkerWords cannot explained how sorry I am to hear about Mike's passing. Gone too soon, but he won't be forgotten. I will forever hold the fondest of memories of Mikes boyish mischievousness, his laughter, and positive energy. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayer's during this incredibly difficult time. ❤️🩹
- Barb Grubb (Shannon)
