November 21, 1953 – July 24, 2023
"Seldom in life do we get the chance to have a great friend with whom we can share the honest version of ourselves. These people know us better than anyone, have shared our joys and sorrows, have seen our greatest triumphs and been witness to our biggest mistakes that may even have hurt them, yet they stick by us, comfort us, give us [hell] and they know we are there for them in the same way. I am truly sorry that you have lost one of these people. These are the great ones."
From a note of condolence addressed to Michael’s best friend of high school days, Louis Souliere.
In the early afternoon of the twenty-fourth of July, Michael died in the intensive care unit of the Sault Area Hospital, following a nearly life-long struggle with emphysema.
He is predeceased by his father, long-serving City councillor, Walter J. Chisholm, senior; his mother, Hilda Marie (nee Dugay); his eldest brother, Walter, junior (Carolyn); his sister, Michelle Young (Mike) and is survived by five siblings, numerous adoring nieces and nephews and a host of fine friends and acquaintances, old and new.
A graduate of Korah Collegiate, Michael also excelled in sports; his basketball coach drew him to the attention of professional scouts who today, would not have dismissed Michael’s talent and ability because of his slight physical stature.
Michael was a proud, dedicated, and distinguished worker in what he called “the tire industry,” his apprenticeship beginning in his boyhood at a neighbouring garage. His expertise equipped him to service the tires of heavy equipment from Algoma Steel to the Territories. He was a vociferous advocate for safety on the job at all his places of employment, finally from the retread shop at Fountain Tire whence his health forced his early retirement in 2013.
Michael was possessed of a beautiful bass baritone voice; he had a great love of and eclectic taste in music and revelled in singing along to the karaoke machine. He was an excellent dancer who, over the years, gave great pleasure to those partners of gents with “two left feet, no rhythm,” escorting them to the floor for “spins” with him. Ever generous in demonstrating his appreciation to those in the service industry, Michael was also found to have made not insignificant “forgiven loans” to those in need and often saw to the safe conduct home of his friends and companions.
An admirer of Michael’s once remarked, "Not all disabilities are visible" and of no one could that more truly have been said than of brightly interested and ever interesting, wryly amusing, industrious, inventive, dapper, kind and loving Michael.
Cremation has taken place; now he lives in our hearts.
Michael would have appreciated donations made to the Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen (Payable online or by cheque) in his memory.
A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date with his close family and friends.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.