Mr. Michael Dwyer Caraher, age 87 years, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Sunday, November 10th, 2024.
Mike was born in the family home at 264 Mornington Street in Stratford, Ontario on January 24th, 1937, the seventh of seven children, to Daniel and Theresa Caraher (O’Hara). His was a large and close-knit family, with very distinctive personalities and a lifetime of stories to match. Mike served in the RCAF from 1954 to 1961, including a posting in Northern France. He joined the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 1963, where he was to meet his future wife, Grace, at his first posting in Kenora. Two children, Morgan and Patrick were to follow in 1967 and 1969, as well as moves to Vermillion Bay, Armstrong, Manitouwadge, Red Rock, Sudbury and Thunder Bay. They accumulated many friends and stories along the way. Mike and Grace enjoyed their lives wherever they found themselves. Mike was a member of the Catholic church, and enjoyed golf and travel. Highlights were vacations to England and France, and many trips to visit Michael’s large and much-loved extended family across the USA and Canada over the years.
Mike left friends and an impression wherever he went. He will be forever remembered for his quiet, dry humour, faith, and the genuine desire to make people and places better for his presence. The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to those who turned out for Grace’s memorial in early October. It really warmed Dad’s heart to see family and friends from across the years there. It was also his goodbye to everyone, as well. The circle is now closed.
Michael is survived by sons Morgan and Patrick Caraher. He was predeceased by his wife Grace in August of this year, parents Daniel & Theresa, sisters Helen, Mary, Evelyn (Ev) & Inez, and brothers Joseph Hugh (Hughie) and Arthur (Art).
At his request, there will be no memorial. A graveside blessing and interment of ashes will take place at a later date in Thunder Bay. As expressions of sympathy, memorials to the Northern Cancer Fund of Thunder Bay would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.