Obituary

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael (Mike) John Megens on October 2, 2022, from complications due to diabetes. Born on April 9, 1966, a half-hour after his twin brother Mark, the last of a brood of 7, and in the same year his father, Bill, decided to sell his dairy farm and try his hand at racing horses for a living. This change in career had a profound effect on Mike, who followed his father’s footsteps until a back injury limited his involvement. Mike went from being raced by his brothers with baler twine wrapped around his neck and under his arms, to successfully racing horses himself, both as trainer and driver, in British Columbia, Ohio and Ontario. Mike was a consummate horseman, able to diagnose gait issues and lameness, and correct them with precise shoeing and therapies. As a trainer, he won a quarter of the races he entered, and finishing in the first three with over half of the many horses he started. Mike was a talented athlete; he played into the Junior levels of organized hockey and was elected Captain by his teammates. Mike also loved to fish. He enjoyed the early morning calm of a northern lake and the accomplishment of finding the fishing hole and using bait that would make the catch others could only hope for. But what Mike will be remembered for the most is his kind heart, gentle manner and generosity that he shared with many friends and family. Mike was predeceased by his beloved mother Toni, and survived by his daughter Victoria, son Justin, and grandson Evan; his father Bill, sisters Debbie and Sandra, and brothers Mark, Paul, Dan and Bob, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends and loved ones. He will be dearly missed. A Celebration of Life for Mike Megens will be held from 12 noon to 4pm on Saturday, Nov. 12 in the downstairs reception hall of the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, located at 28 Norfolk Street in Guelph, Ont. (the parking lot can be accessed from Cork Street West). All are welcome to attend a special Catholic Mass for Mike in the chapel of the Basilica at 11am before the Celebration of Life.