passed away peacefully at ARCH with his family at his side on Monday, December 20, 2021.
Loving husband of Linda (nee McQuain) Sheehan and devoted father of Colleen (Greg) Hannah, Kathy (Eddy) Furlong, Erin Sheehan, Terry (Lisa Bradford) Sheehan and Michaela (Matt Woods) Sheehan. Loving Grandfather to Travis (Erin Robinson) Hannah, Shauna (Greg) Carpinelli, Sean (Shaena) Furlong, Jeremy Hannah, Scott (Kaitlyn) Furlong, Shannon and TK Hannah, Riley Bradford, Brenna and Andrea Gorman, Kate Sheehan, Rosalie, Mitchell and Molly Sheehan-Woods. Great Grandfather of 11.
Michael was predeceased by his parents Dan and Jessimae Sheehan and by his siblings Joseph, Danny, and Terry Sheehan, Dennis (Heather) Sheehan, Patricia Barrow, Elizabeth (late Norm) Fiset, Jessimae Sheehan and Gwen (late Frank) Godfrey.
Michael was the very heart of his immediate and extended family who looked to him for guidance and were comforted by his strength and faith throughout their lives. Michael had a great sense of humour and was an outdoor enthusiast who loved camping, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed golfing and playing games with his children and grandchildren. Michael was an avid curler and together with his wife Linda, organized and ran the Boxing Day Fun Family Curling Bonspiel for many years. His passion for gardening was evident in a vegetable garden that was the envy of many.
Michael had a long and distinguished career in education. He served as a Teacher, Principal and Superintendent of Education with the Sault Ste. Marie Public School Board. He also served for many years as a trustee and Chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Catholic School Board.
Michael was a faith-filled man who gave witness to his faith as a reader, usher and served on several committees at St. Jerome’s Parish. He was very involved with the local Knights of Columbus, and the Fourth Degree. His passion for serving others inspired him to initiate a number of local and provincial projects that would provide others with the supports they needed to live fruitful lives. He worked with local business leaders to create affordable housing, initiating the Columbus Club Housing Corporation.
He was also involved provincially with the Knights of Columbus and is a Past State Deputy for Ontario and past Vice Supreme Master for Ontario and Manitoba. He founded the Ontario Catholic Youth Leadership Camp.
Michael’s dedication to his faith and community was recognized by Pope Benedict. Michael was the recipient of the Papal Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great for “recognition of his personal service to the Holy See and to the Roman Catholic Church, through his unusual labors, his support of the Holy See, and his excellent examples set forth in his community and in his country”.
Michael’s life of service to others, and his commitment to making the world a better place was inspired by his deep faith in God.
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522) on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 between 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Funeral Mass to take place at St. Jerome's Catholic Church on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 1:00pm (all Covid-19 restrictions apply). Family and friends are invited to view the service online starting at 1:00pm on Thursday and it can be viewed anytime up to 90 days following the service. Please go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Michael's name to view the service. Memorial contributions to ARCH would be greatly appreciated. The family would like to thank the doctors, and nurses for their excellent medical care and for the compassionate care given by ARCH staff, and our Personal Service Worker Marsha.