Obituary of Michael Joseph Durocher

It is with great love and heavy hearts that the family of Michael Joseph Durocher announce his passing.

Mike began his earthly journey on October 14,1951 and completed it on June 3, 2023, at the age of 71.

Mike will be deeply missed by his best friend and eternal companion Pam with whom he just celebrated 48 years of marriage, theirs was an epic love story. He was the proud father of his beloved children and their spouses. Christopher (Janice), Devon (Jeremy), Jenna (Frank), Jordan (Trish). Each of his children will cherish and honour his memory.

He will be greatly missed and always remembered as Papa to his 6 beautiful granddaughters: Lauren, Kyla, Julia, Katie, Mia & Lennyn.

He was loved and will be missed by countless other family members, siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mike had a deep love of family and strong belief that “Families are Forever”. He was welcomed home by his father Jerome (Pete), his mother Florence and older brothers Paul & Gary. - What a beautiful reunion that must have been!

Mike served in many church callings and roles for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. - most recently and perhaps his proudest service was that of Branch President of the Leamington Branch. He loved the members of his congregation like they were his family and was excited and honoured to lead and serve them.

Mike retired as Shipping Manager from QM Plastics in Windsor, Ontario at the age of 65 and enthusiastically began a new career as a high school bus driver for Switzer-Carty.
The bus route and “his kids” as he so affectionately referred to them, were one of his favourite topics and we were all so proud of him for taking on this new challenge later in his life.

He could often be found in his favourite chair with his feet up and his beloved pup, Brady in his lap, watching football or baseball. He enjoyed buying and wearing all of the latest team garb and razzing his sons-in-law about their favourite team’s losses.

He will be remembered most for his love and devotion to his family, his sense of humour, his great big, amazing hugs, and his equally big signature laugh.

A celebration of his life was held on June 8, 2023, at the Windsor Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

We would like to thank the amazing first responders, doctors, nurses and medical staff at both Leamington District Memorial Hospital and Windsor Regional Hospital - Ouellette Campus as well as Simple Choice Cremation Centre for their assistance, professionalism, kindness, and compassion during this difficult time.

We would also like to thank all of our extended family, friends and loved ones for supporting our family and for joining us in celebrating Mike and for helping to keep his memory alive.

“We can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life” {Russell M. Nelson}