Michael William Burgess passed away in Stoney Creek, Ontario, on May 1, 2026. Mike was born on June 14, 1957, in Pembroke, Ontario.

Mike grew up near the Red Hill Valley and on the "Plateau" in Stoney Creek, attending Red Hill, Glenbrae, and Green Acres schools. His early years were filled with local adventure—bike riding, building forts in the bush, and testing his luck "borrowing" fruit from the local orchards. It was during these early years that Mike formed deep bonds, making lifelong friends that would stay by his side through the decades. He later attended high school at Saltfleet, where he ran cross-country.

Mike’s work life was a testament to his versatility and grit. He worked as a baker for Tim Hortons, at Stelco, and as a technician for Bell Canada, before eventually running his own business. In his later years, he worked in property management. 

Mike was a very artistic person. In his younger years, he was a talented painter, and as an adult, he pursued a lifelong passion for writing. He often contributed pieces on arts and entertainment for local newspapers, sharing his appreciation for the community’s creative side. He also enjoyed photography, with a particular love for capturing photos of live entertainment and events. He was a lifelong Ti-Cats fan and loved attending games in person, watching them on TV, or listening on 900 CHML. He also played softball for many years in both Grimsby and Mount Hope. During his time in Mount Hope, he was a dedicated member of the "Safe on Six" Committee, working to improve traffic safety on Highway 6. For his service in this initiative, he was honoured with an OPP Commissioner’s Award for community involvement. He also volunteered for more than a decade at the Festival of Friends.

Some of Mike's happiest moments were spent at the cottage on Lorimer Lake. He loved to go fishing, provided that it was from solid ground or in a proper boat, and not a kayak. At home, he liked growing a vegetable garden in the summer. Cabbage rolls were a serious thing in the Burgess family, and he would always be the first to say that his were the best—right alongside his spaghetti, stuffed pickled peppers, and famous coleslaw.

He is survived by his children: Randy (Candace), Lindsay, Michele (Opeyemi), Meghan, Mandy (Luke), and Nick. He was a loving Grandpa / Papa and leaves behind eleven grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers Blair and Kevin (Pat), his sister Shelley (Grey), as well as many nieces and nephews, and his stepmother Edyth. He was predeceased by his parents, Ron and Maureen, as well as his brother, Bruce, his nephew, Brendan, and his niece, Laura.

The Burgess family would like to personally thank Steve Gardiner for being a really good lifelong friend to our dad.

“May we meet again, in the clearing at the end of the path”

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Battlefield Park Pavilion in Stoney Creek, Ontario, on August 16th from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. In keeping with Mike’s love for the heights of the Stoney Creek Escarpment, the family invites you to join them in honouring a life fully lived.