October 31, 1967 - September 7, 2010 - At home, in Ottawa, after bravely battling arthritis and more recently pancreatic cancer, Michael is finally at peace and no longer in pain. Beloved son of Simonne (Chiasson) and the late Michael William Riley. Dear brother of Stephen (Sue) and Kevin (Serafina). Devoted husband and best friend to Deborah (Tuck). Extremely proud father of Kathleen. He will be sadly missed by his father-in-law Dale Tuck, his brother-in-law Lawrence Tuck (Julie), his nieces and nephews, Melissa, Michelle and Dillon Riley and Yannick and Amélie Tuck and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Michael was an inspiration to everyone who met him. He was faced with many health challenges in his relatively short life, but very seldom complained. He never lost his sense of humour. Michael was surrounded by amazing friends who have been a great support not only through Michael's final battle with cancer, but always. The family could not have made it through this very difficult time without them. Michael wanted to specifically recognize his very special friend Dan Roy for his extraordinary love and support during his and his family's time of need, as well as all his other very close friends that are too numerous to mention. Michael's family would also like to recognize Dr Gick (and the Palliative team), At Home Hospice, WeCare and Bayshore Homecare for helping ensure Michael's last wish of coming home was realized. Michael's life was not measured in time, but by what he accomplished and the many lives he touched. He was a proud engineer, loved to camp and travel with his family and tend to his lawn and cars.
A Celebration of Michael's life will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 194 Fourth Avenue (at Percy), Ottawa, on Saturday, September 11th at 3:00pm with a reception afterwards. In Michael's memory, donations to the Canadian Arthritis Society (www.arthritis.ca) or the Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca) would be appreciated. Floral tributes may be sent to Hulse, Playfair and McGarry Central Chapel, 315 McLeod St, Ottawa. Condolences/Tributes/Donations www.mcgarryfamily.ca 613.233.1143