Passed away at the St Clare's Mercy Hospital on Monday, March 20th 2017, Michael Joseph Maher of St John's (formerly of Freshwater, Placentia), aged 74 years. Predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary (Bruce) Maher; brothers James and Daniel Pius; brother-in-law Steven A. Neary; sister-in-law Kathleen (Wilson) Maher; and uncle Peter Bruce. Leaving to mourn his sisters Margaret Carney of New Jersey, Joan Eichorn (Charles) of Jacksonville, Mary Neary of St John's, Anne Marie (Bruce Sullivan) of Stoney Creek, Pauline (Doug Depaulo) of Hamilton; his brother Edward (Effie) of Stoney Creek; his sons Michael Gavin (Stacey) of Phoenix, Matthew (Kristin) of Nashville and their mother Melanie (Richards) of Phoenix; His four grandchildren Kierra, Michael, Rowan and Richard; with the support and love of his nieces Stephanie Neary (Aubrey Gover), Andrea Zucca, Monique Neary, and his nephew Pierre Neary (Cherylene); as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends in St John's, all along Placentia, St. Mary's and the Cape Shore, Freshwater, Ontario, the United States, and Scotland. A man ahead of his time, Michael was a person of great wit and intellect; a most agreeable companion who never stopped dreaming, never losing his passion or wonder about life and the unfolding mystery of what it means to be fully alive. From a career as a truant officer and school teacher in Freshwater, Placentia, to editor of Hansard (the record of the House of Assembly); from political candidate to co-owner of the Aquarium restaurant and Osprey lounge (which was located at the current site of the Duke of Duckworth), he carried with him an unbridled entrepreneurial spirit, undaunted by failure or prejudice. He will be missed and celebrated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Maher's Funeral Home, Placentia, with additional information to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would humbly request donations made to the Gathering Place in St John's. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.mahersfuneralhome.ca.

"Requiescat in pace"