Obituary of Michael John Curtis Mifflin

On December 20^th 2023, peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospice in Sarnia, Michael John Curtis Mifflin at the age of 66 passed away exactly one month after losing the love of his life, Linda Mifflin (Nov.20, 2023).  

 Loving father of Teya (Jeff) Lambert, Jaime-Lynn (Brian) Mifflin-Steinke, Michael Mifflin Jr, Tina Mifflin and Rene (Steve) Hessel.  Loving Poppy to his 5 grandchildren who were his entire world; Ryan, Zachary, Joshua, Liam and Meghan.  Special Dad to Cas (Brad) Clow. 

Son of the late Betty and Guy Mifflin. Loving Brother to the late Cathi (Mike)Lawson; Terry Sluiter (Late Roy) Kim (Deborah) Mifflin; Sheila (Mike) Hrabek; Gina (Terry) Allard and Rodney Mifflin (Late Beverly).  

Dear Brother-in-law to Bill (Wendy) Willett and Patricia Willett. Loving Uncle and Great Uncle to many nieces and nephews.  

Michael made a living as a truck driver, a tireless job that did not get many thanks but kept the world going until his retirement in 2022.  If you asked Michael what type of person he was, he would tell you that he was a loner.   

Over the last year, while taking care of his wife Linda in Toronto following her lung transplant surgery, he came out of his shell and would talk to anyone who would stop and talk to him.  He no longer was a man who stayed within himself, but was a man who loved to share stories about his wife, kids and his love for trucking.   

He met a lot of friends while in Toronto who had a pivotal role in his and Linda’s life while there.  He couldn’t wait to see them, tell them how Linda was doing and learn how they were doing.   

Michael met the love of his life in July of 1979 where he told Linda “I’m only here for a good time, not a long time”.  He didn’t know it then, but Linda had other plans. 45 years later their love was still going strong.  Michael couldn’t even give Linda a break to dance with Elvis in the sky, he had to join her as soon as he could.   

Over the last month of his life, Michael expressed the love he had for his kids more than he ever had. He couldn’t tell us enough how proud he was of the adults we have become.  He grew closer to us as he aged and showed his true self more easily: a big softy with a rough demeanor and a trucker’s way with words – words he was careful not to use around the grandkids!  

The Family would like to give a special thank you to Michael’s special caregivers. Mary his nurse that perked him up every time she came to the door and made him forget about his nurse daughter and Wendy, his PSW for whom he had to ensure he showered before she came to give him his shower.   To Stacey for coming and giving the support needed during Dad’s last day at home.  You all will forever be in our hearts and we will forever be thankful. 

To all the other care staff at The Hospice clinic, Dr Kim and Dr McSweeny: thank you for taking the time to not just to treat but to listen. You ensured that he was listened to and validated in what he wanted his end-of-life care to look like.   To the amazing staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice, thank you for taking amazing care of our dad and of all of us at the same time.  Even in the very short time he was with you, you all ensured that he was taken care of and no matter how long he took or how often he fell asleep during your conversation, you stayed and waited.  In our dad’s words “You do not make enough money doing this s**t.” 

Cremation has taken place per Michael’s wishes.  Friends and relatives are invited for a visitation at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S., Chatham, Ontario (519-352-5120) from 1:30 PM until 2:30 PM on Saturday December 23, 2023, with a Chapel Service to follow at 2:30 pm.   

Donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia­­­­­­­ would be appreciated.