MIKE DRISCOLL

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MIKE DRISCOLL

With deep appreciation for the life of Mike Driscoll, his family sadly announces his death in Winnipeg, January 20, 2025, from complications of pneumonia. Mike's unique life gave joy and inspiration to his extended family and those who worked and lived alongside him over the decades.

Mike was born in Winnipeg in 1945. A beguiling toddler, he was struck in an epidemic that took the lives of many children at the time and robbed others like Mike of the capacity to ever lead an independent adult life.

Mike was readied for adulthood at home and in workshops and special programs. As a young man, Mike moved into a Winnserv home where he lived happily until his death at age 79. During that period he enjoyed the decades long friendship of house-mate Lil and other Winnserv residents. Mike benefitted greatly from the support and family atmosphere offered by the good people of Winnserv.

Mike drew in people. With a combination of charm, pride, humour, spirit, bravado. With sheer persistence he successfully "hooked" generations of family, caregivers, friends, and even passers-by. His boundless enthusiasm for people could lift the spirits of total strangers with his upbeat greeting in passing - "Good Morning" (at any time of day) or "Happy New Year" (at any time of year).

Detecting joy or sadness in someone, Mike immediately offered his own unique brand of congratulations or sympathy. He quickly established his place in any social situation, firmly directing the conversation to his level of understanding. With good humour he reminded any attention-seekers that the spotlight rightly belonged on him.

Mike had little interest in money or directed activity. The few attempts to teach him about coins and bills or the benefits of exercise led to hilarious chaos. His interest was more in capturing the heart of his teacher and in that he achieved great success.

Once Mike was in a wheelchair he could no longer travel to visit family so they visited him. He looked forward to these visits with joyful anticipation.

His memory will be cherished by his siblings, Jo Ann Stephenson, Judy Brown and Richard Driscoll (Sharon). He will be remembered by his nieces and nephews, Mike, Marsha, Tom, Catherine, Trish, Steve and Patrick as well as grandnieces and nephews, Sydney, Arman, Ronan, Ty, Tim, Shawheen, Olivia, Kyla, Rourke and Camino.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Louis Driscoll and Bernice O'Rourke and his sister Alix. Mike was also predeceased by his nephew Richard Stephenson, niece Erin Driscoll-Davies and brothers-in-law, Ray Stephenson and Barry Brown.

Their lives were interwoven happily with Mike's over the decades.

Despite challenges, Mike enjoyed a good life, living out values we all hold dear: responsibility to duty and faithfulness to family and friends. Family recognizes with thanks the enormous dedication of Winnserv’s staff over the years. Thanks also to EPIC Opportunities. Pam Mason and David Kron have been great friends to Mike.

To honour Mike's memory, you may wish to direct a donation to Winnserv Inc., 90 Garry Street Suite 101, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4H1 or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2025