MICHAEL OGAL

Condolences & Memories (27 entries)

• Total top guy. - Posted by: Andrew Bonner (Student) on: Jun 05, 2025

• Mr. Ogal had a major impact on my life. One of the best I'll ever know. I'd like to off my deepest condolences to the family. He was a great teacher, trainer but a far better friend. We got close. Taught me so much in the we had. I considered him as a father figure. He was like a real dad to me. I'll never forget our time together. I'll see you in the next life. - Posted by: Nick Murdoch (Friend , student ) on: Aug 05, 2021

• I have just learned of Mike's passing. I am shocked and dismayed. Mike was the Best Math and Science teacher I knew. He could really reach the kids and they loved him. His teaching methods were outstanding but it was his caring for the kids that also stood out to me. The most beautiful thing about Mike was that he was never pretentious and I Never, Ever heard him say anything negative about any student. What a Wonderful, caring man!!! R.I.P. MIKE - Posted by: Barb Singbeil (Friend and co-worker) on: Feb 14, 2021

• My condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of a truly great teacher and even better human being. Mr. Ogal has left a lasting impression on thousands of kids who are all the better for his influence in just a short period of their lives. - Posted by: A. P. (Former student) on: Sep 12, 2016

• I send my sincere sympathy to the family. Mike was one of my favourite people to work with. The humor and his caring nature always made working with Mike a pleasure and rarely felt like work at all. I'm certain he's telling one of his hockey stories right now to the big guy himself! I know he will be missed. - Posted by: Terry Prociuk (Former Educational Assistant) on: Sep 12, 2016

• I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. Ogal's family. Although I never worked with him personally it was obvious to all how he genuinely cared for all the students he crossed paths with at DMCI. I did have the pleasure of working with his sister, Olga Zaporzan, who was vice principal when Mike worked at Daniel. I remember how evident it was how close they were as brother and sister. I send my thoughts and prayers to you Mrs Zaporzan. R.I.P. Mr. Ogal. - Posted by: Elaine Jory (Educational assistant at DMCI) on: Sep 12, 2016

• Mr. Ogal had a big impact on being one of my favourite teachers, he always made laugh, sorry we never got to take our trip to Vegas big guy. I'll miss u and thank you - Posted by: Austin harvey (Student ) on: Sep 12, 2016

• Deepest condolences… He was an amazing Teacher and an amazing person... - Posted by: Brad Boisselle (Co-worker) on: Sep 12, 2016

• I am saddened to hear this news. Mike was a wonderful advocate for kids. May the family find comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you. - Posted by: R. Guzzi () on: Sep 12, 2016

• Donna & Family - my deepest sympathy for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Lidia Collins () on: Sep 12, 2016

• Mr Ogal was truly one of the best teachers I've ever had. He went out of his way to try and help you whether it be with school or in life or he would probably give you the shirt off his back. He will be missed by many many people. You're an awesome guy Ogal. Rest In Paradise - Posted by: Rebeca Espinoza (Previous Student (2013)) on: Sep 12, 2016

• My sincere condoences to Mr. Ogal's family and friends. While I was a student at Chief Peguis he was without a doubt the one teacher who left the most positive impression. - Posted by: Jeff Lewicki () on: Sep 11, 2016

• I loved my time in his classes. He tutored me 3 days a week, after school, so I would be able to pass math classes. His love of hockey, and his family was always apparent. Even though more than 20 years have passed, I still hold him in the highest regards. Positive energies, and love being sent to his family. - Posted by: Crystal Kay (Former student) on: Sep 11, 2016

• Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. - Posted by: Liana Ferreira () on: Sep 11, 2016

• Mr. Ogal was by far the best teacher I had at Chief Peguis and I consider myself very fortunate to have had him as my homeroom teacher for grade 7. My sincere condolences to the family. The world lost a true gem. - Posted by: Tricia Kinaschuk (Tuminski) (Student) on: Sep 11, 2016

• Mr.Ogal was the best teacher ever had in my life. He always supported me and helped me when no other teacher would at DMCI. He was an amazing person and always helped out students in need. I will always remember his upbeat attitude, his corny jokes, his advice he gave and his life lessons. May you rest easy because you're in a better place. My heart goes out to the family. - Posted by: Angel Anderson (former student) on: Sep 11, 2016

• I first met Mike as a fellow student at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in 1963. We also played hockey against one another in those days, he at West End Memorial Community Centre and me at Clifton and Weston. I always liked Mike. Those were the days before Mike got into weight training, and he was a much smaller guy! After our university days when we hardly saw or heard from each other, we both ended up teaching in River East School Division where I began my teaching career in 1972. Many DMCI grads ended up teaching in RESD #9, at least partly because Mr. John Potter (R.I.P.), our Vice Principal and football coach at Daniel had become an Assistant Superintendent there. I never had the pleasure of working at the same school as Mike, but I often heard from former students of mine, as well as from teaching colleagues that did work with Mike, what a great teacher he was. I was also aware, in my role as a physical and health education consultant in River East, of the great weight training program he instituted at Chief Peguis. I am very sorry to read of Mike's passing at much too early an age, and to read that he suffered greatly from cancer in his last couple of years. My sincere condolences to his family for their loss. If it is any consolation at all, I never heard a bad word said about Mike in all my years knowing him. - Posted by: Ian Craigon (High school friend and teaching colleague) on: Sep 11, 2016

• "The Top of my BEST Teacher list" his teaching techniques... Simply put SUCCESSFUL!! Always there for us as students always above the required standards!! Very sad, my condolences to his family, friends, and former students. - Posted by: Teresa Schmidt (Former Student) on: Sep 11, 2016

• Grade 9 science, seriously best teacher ever!!!! My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Renate Guenther (Former student ) on: Sep 11, 2016

• Best science teacher ever! I always loved his class. My sympathies to his family. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Kordelia Froese (Former student) on: Sep 11, 2016

• My sincerest condolences to the family. Losing a loved one is never easy and I know first hand there are no words to ease the pain... I was one of his students in the 90's. He made entering grade 7 go from being scary and unknown to fun and often hilarious (and of course educational). I'll never forget that metre stick slap! RIP Mr. Ogal. - Posted by: Michelle (Former student ) on: Sep 11, 2016

• I was lucky enough to be a frequent teacher substitute at Chief Peguis in the mid and late 1990's. Mike was a stand-up guy who demonstrated all the qualities of a top notch professional as well as a deeply caring human being. His was the way of simple, straightforward conversation, unadorned by "look-at-me" stylings, a kind and sympathetic co-worker and an understanding and supportive teacher. His is the legacy of true greatness. - Posted by: Tim Froese (former Chief Peguis colleague) on: Sep 10, 2016

• I was so sad to hear of his passing. He was an inspiration for many kids in my time at Chief Peguis Junior High, and he will be greatly missed by all. Cancer takes way too many, to soon. I send thoughts and prayers to his family. - Posted by: Kristy O'Toole (Townsend) (My Junior High Teacher ) on: Sep 10, 2016

• One of the best teachers I have ever had and I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Mr. Ogal was one of the most kind, patient and passionate teachers I knew and he made his classes fun. My fondest memories of him include his love of chewing gum and even sharing a piece or two. He really cared about his students and it showed. - Posted by: Amber (Former science student at Chief Peguis.) on: Sep 10, 2016

• He really was the best teacher. He showed us mercury dance, how to blow glass, and is the only reason I can remember how to set up a bunsen burner, and what it is. I'm 34 now, but I would still talk to friends about Mr. Ogal. - Posted by: Christy (Former student 1994) on: Sep 10, 2016

• My sympathies to the friends and family of Mr.Ogal. He was an incredible teacher and remember him fondly. He actually made science fun and enjoyable for me when I attended Chief Peguis many years ago. Thank you for your dedication to education Mr.O and making a difference for so many. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Veronica Berg (Past Student) on: Sep 10, 2016

• My condolences to his family. I am a previous student who most definitely has him on the "best teacher ever" list! I am participating in the Dragon Boats this weekend & will be making a contribution in his name. Thank you, Mr. Ogal! - Posted by: Stephanie Dawson (nee LeBlanc) (Previous student) on: Sep 10, 2016