(Mike) Michel Charles Henry Debassige

In Loving Memory of

(Mike) Michel Charles Henry Debassige, age 87,

who passed away peacefully at home in M’Chigeeng, surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 24, 2022

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He was born at the old homestead in West Bay on December 21, 1934, son of the ate Lazare Debassige and the late Josette Debassige (nee Toulouse).

  Mike grew up in M’Chigeeng and spent a lot of time with his grandparents in both M’Chigeeng and Sagamok.  He helped his father and grandfather on the farm, making maple syrup and logging with horses.  Mike had an adventurous spirit and was a hard worker.  He was a self-taught learner and taught himself how to read and write which led him to becoming a math, science and botanical expert.  In his younger years, he worked on Treasure Island in the summer months during the busy tourist season.  He never struggled to find work as he had great pride in work finding him.  This led him on many adventures to different places all across Ontario where he truly enjoyed every moment, gained much experience, and 
made friends along the way.  He loved scenery, looking around and visiting.  He especially enjoyed the road trip with his children, wife and mother to New Mexico in 1996 where he got to see
 the Grand Canyon.

He met Catherine Winnifred, the love of his life, and married in 1960.  Together they lived in Sheguiandah where he worked or Rainbow Gardens.  
In 1969, he and his wife moved to Lansing, Michigan where he worked in a metal fabrication factory.  In 1970, they returned to Canada and resided in Sudbury.  Mike then began to work for the Ministry of Natural Resources as a Fire Ranger.  Being a Fire Ranger was one of Mike’s greatest memories and greatest adventures. 
 He travelled across Ontario in planes and helicopters and made many great friends along the way. 

In the early 80’s Mike and his wife returned to M’Chigeeng and built their own home and 
cared for his parents. 

 Mike was a calm, gentle, funny, generous, very independent, simple and humble man.  He ensured that his children were always provided for and took his responsibility as a father, a grandfather, a brother, a son, an uncle, a cousin and a friend very seriously.  His children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and to his children he was the greatest teacher.  He was a jack of all trades, he enjoyed being in the bush and spending time at his little camp, he enjoyed playing the lottery, hockey, baseball, old western movies and John Wayne. He enjoyed science experiments, he loved animals and birds, he loved reading, he loved keeping busy with many projects, he loved his community and was proud to be the first shopper at M’Chigeeng Freshmart and was a loyal shopper until his last days.  He was always up to date with local and global news and weather.  He was grateful for life and proud of his successes until his last breaths.  

His wisdom, his history, love and wit will be missed.

Loving father of Linda and Cristal.  
Proud Grandfather of Pierre, Riley, Carter and Delia 
and great grandson Ira.
Survived by sisters Julie and Christine, brother in laws Douglas, Robert and Bill, sister in law Bessie, 19 nieces and nephews, 
26 great nieces and nephews and 1 great great niece and 
3 great great nephews.
Predeceased by his loving wife Catherine Winnifred-baa, sisters Martha-baa, Margaret-baa and Marion-baa; 
brothers Peter-baa and Lewis-baa

Mike will be resting in his home at 37 Johnys Park Drive,
 M’Chigeeng First Nation from Tuesday April 26, 2022 until the morning of April 29, 2022 where he will be taken for cremation.  

Covid protocols will be in place

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