MICHAEL DARCY O’SHEA

(April 18, 1957 – November 5, 2021)

Come to me, all of you who are weary

and carry heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11: 28

Michael passed away at noon on November 5th, 2021, with family and his favorite music surrounding him. A special heartfelt thanks is given to the attentive and compassionate 2nd floor, east wing staff in the Benevolence Care Centre, Edmonton. They gave Michael the very best care as he navigated the ever intrusive and debilitating early onset disease, Frontal-temporal Dementia (FTD). It is an unfortunate part of life that illness befalls so many wonderful people. Michael was diagnosed with moderate Frontal-temporal Dementia in July 2014, at the age of 57. Within four years, he moved into full time care at Benevolence Care Centre. FTD first took his gentle and caring personality. Next his passion for music was quieted and his guitar strings silenced. Lastly, time would lay an unnatural dust on his hiking boots, and his binoculars would no longer be lifted. Dementia had muted and crumpled our dear Michael, but his eyes still recognized his family, and his fingers would curve to hold our hands. Although short, Michael’s life was dynamic and effervescent. No matter what he did, he bubbled with enthusiasm and passion to do it better. Always a gentle way, a bright smile, and an encouraging word for everyone. He had a passion for volunteering and teaching, so contributed whenever he could, in every community he called home, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Bindloss, and Burdette. Michael was predeceased by his dearly loved parents, Neal Alvin O’Shea (2020) & Louise Marlene O’Shea (2019); wonderful son-in-law, Colin Scott (2016); mother-in-law, Sheila Watson (2009); brother-in-law, Donald Harrigan (1988). He will be loved and cherished always by his wife, Marie (nee Watson) of 35 years; daughter, Kealey (Colin d. 2016) Scott; grandchildren, Callum and Saoirse; daughter, Meagan (Craig) Deck; grandchildren, Liam and Gareth. He is survived by his sisters, Maureen (Alistair) Furtado, and Kellie (David) Wirzba; nieces, Mandy Reimer (Sheldon), Kat (Sarah) Furtado, Avril Wirzba; nephews, Kevin (Ashley) Reimer, Ryan Furtado, Bryce Wirzba and Brayden (Eden), with their many children; father-in-law, Roy Harrigan; brothers-in-law, Steven (Sheryl) Watson, Geoffrey (Melanie) Watson, Kevin (Kathy) Harrigan; and sister-in-law, Jillian Christy; and their many children and grandchildren. Please join the family for Michael’s Celebration of Life service and reception at the Glenview Church of Nazarene (4072 Strachan Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB) on June 11th at 1:30 pm. The family asks that everyone wear colour to celebrate the energy and enthusiasm Michael had for life. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Michael’s memorial page at the above date and time. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Michael O’Shea. Funeral arrangements by

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park” #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.