Michael Girard

Michael Girard, beloved father and husband passed away peacefully in the arms of his son at the Health Science Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland after succumbing to a battle he waged silently with ALS on August 8, 2023 at the age of 78.

Michael was an adventurous and charismatic man with a passion for music, photography, literature and classic cars as well as a lifelong love of learning and sharing his knowledge with others. Born in Haileybury, Ontario in 1944, he grew up with an appreciation for the great outdoors, working in the mines of Northern Ontario with his father. After completing high school, he attended Ryerson university in Toronto before relocating to Cyprus and travelling throughout North Africa. In the mid-60s Michael returned to Canada, settling in Montreal where he met his loving wife Melodye. Michael then attended Concordia University before starting a long and successful career in restaurant management that carried him around central and eastern Canada working with various companies before eventually settling in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia after the birth of his son Matthew. Michael changed careers in the mid-90s and remained with the same company until his retirement in 2015. In 2022 he and Melodye joined their son Matthew in St. John’s, Newfoundland where he spent his final year with his loving family.

Michael was a fiercely loyal man who cared deeply for his family. He was easy to love, passionate in his beliefs and developed strong and long lasting friendships that he valued throughout his life. Michael is survived by his wife Melodye, son Matthew (Heather), granddaughter Kaitlyn and cherished extended family.

A private celebration of Michael’s life will be held with family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS society in Michael’s name by visiting http://support.alsevents.ca/MichaelGirard

“It was an early morning yesterday,

I was up before the dawn,

And I really have enjoyed my stay,

But I must be moving on” 

– Supertramp