Peacefully, after a brief but courageous battle with brain cancer, at Brampton Civic Hospital on Saturday, September 7, 2024, Hugh Michael Wilson (Mike) at the age of 83 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Renie (nee Lawrence); son Thomas and his wife, Nicole Judge of Caledon, ON; son Larry and his partner, Kirstie Freitag of Hockley Valley, ON; son Greg of Golden, BC and grandson Kiernan. He will be missed by his sister, Sharon Merritt, his aunt, Betty Jacobs and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and “grandpets”.
Mike was born in Toronto on November 27th, 1940, to Harold (H.T.) and Pearl (McCauley) Wilson. He graduated from the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph in 1962 and was also a member of the Guelph Gryphons football team. Mike farmed in Caledon his entire life, growing beef, cash crops, apples and other fruits and vegetables. He was the proud owner of Wilson’s Orchard.
Mike was a past Master of the Caledon East Masonic Lodge and a lifetime member of Mayfield United Church. He enjoyed curling with his friends at the Brampton Curling Club.
Mike’s inquisitive spirit and love for exploration were unparalleled. He had an incredible memory for facts and names and could find his way back to anywhere he had visited.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Brampton Civic Hospital, Mississauga Trillium Hospital, and Credit Valley Hospital, as well as family, friends and neighbours, for their care and support during this difficult time.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen St. S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Thursday, September 26 from 4 – 8 o’clock.
A memorial service will be held at Mayfield United Church, 12496 Dixie Road, Caledon on Saturday, September 28 at 11 o’clock. Reception to follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Bethell Hospice Foundation, 15835 McLaughlin Rd, Inglewood L7C 1H4 (foundation.bethellhospice.org) or S.H.A.R.E. Agriculture Foundation (shareagfoundation.org) would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Lisa M Speirs
I’m saddened to hear of Mikes’s passing. A man who loved to farm! Mike always asked about my boys. They shared many stories about working with Mr Wilson. My sympathies to the entire family.
Lisa Speirs
Larry and Heather Laidlaw
So sorry to hear this news. Your Mom and all your family will be in our prayers. Hard to loose the older generation but Tom your Dad was proud of what you have accomplished and will be watching over to make sure you are doing it right. Hugs from the Laidlaw’s.
Glenna Bullock
I am so sorry to hear this news. Irene, Tom, Larry, Greg and family please accept my deepest sympathy. I have many fond memories of the Wilson family. I had such a good time with orchard tours. Roly and Mike played ball together many years ago. Ryan also sends condolences.
Petra Turk
Renie and Family
So sorry to hear the news that your beloved husband, father and grandfather ….your family is in my thoughts.
Hope in time your many memories will bring you comfort to your family.
Petra Turk
Irene & Noel Brett UK
Sending our Heartfelt Condolences to the family May Mike RIEP
Phyllis Moffatt
So sorry to hear of your loss Rene, Please extend my condolences to the rest of your family. Phyllis Moffatt
Bob and Sandra
Dear Renie and family
We were saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Together you both worked hard and raised a wonderful family. Take good care
Sincerely Bob and Sandra Abuja
Pauline & Tim Orpwood
We are sad to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a great guy and a great curler. Pauline & Tim Orpwood
joyce johnston
Bruce and I are so sorry to hear this sad news. We have many happy memories of Mike shared at Sharon and George’s Wasaga beach house. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Bruce and Joyce Johnston
Amber
Sending so much love to the whole Wilson gang. Love you so much. I have the fondest memories of Mr Wilson.
Sandra Jenkinson
Our deepest sympathies to the whole family as you grieve Mike’s passing. May God’s peace and strength surround you at this sad time.
Revs. Sandra Jenkinson and Fraser Williamson
Jim McKane
Rene & Family – my deepest condolences on Mike’s passing. I have so many memories of my time with Mike, not only as we attended S.S.15 School but also on a trip with his father’s new VW Bug to Sault Ste. Marie. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Morton
Deepest sympathy ! Our boys hung out together many years ago and that was back when Caledon East was very “small”… Larry and Nancy Morton and our family
Barbara Cunnington
Renie & family;
So sorry to read of Mikes passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Treasure all those great memories as there will be many.
Hugs, Barb
Edna Wright
Irene and family. Sorry to read about the passing of Mike..
Roy & Edna Wright.
Fred Julian
Renie & family so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Please accept our condolences. Agnes & Fred Julian & David Julian
Brian Armstrong
We are sorry for your loss. May God give you strength through this difficult time. Brian Armstrong
Jim Rowland
Dear Renie and family
Bente and I send our condolences on your loss. May the fond memories of the past help you through this difficult time.
Jim and Bente Rowland
Ian and Dawn Jones
Dear Renie,
Our deepest condolences to you and the family on Mike’s passing.
George and Helen Arvai
We were shocked to learn of Mike’s passing so early.
He was a rare good person, happy, successful, loved his family and his hard work
followed him throughout his life.
We wish his family peace as soon as possible (if at all possible) and may they always have the best memories of Mike.
Our deepest sympathies to the whole family.
George and Helen Arvai
Aimee Hayes
We are sorry to hear of Mr. Wilson’s passing. Our deepest condolences to the family.
Shannon, Aimee, Lauren and Luke Hayes
Marolyn Morrison
My most sincere condolences to you Renie and your family. Mike was such a warm and caring community member who wasn’t afraid to voice his opinion, which was always valued. He will definitely be missed by all.
Marlene Patten
Our Deepest condolences to you and your boys and family at this very sad time.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Marlene and Steve
Larry Murat
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, and sincere condolences to the family. We have many fond memories of Mike on the farm, and at the orchard.
Brian and Ann Murat
Renie. So sorry to hear about Mike. My mom, Helen, would be heartbroken to hear of your loss too. Long term so very compatible companions are hard to come by. Mom and Dad spoke so warmly of their days at the orchard store. Although at times they would say Mike was challenge they loved him as they loved you. I am warmed by memories of living beside your Mom and Dad who were truly our Aunt and Uncle. We will be thinking of you and Mike when our family gets together to celebrate Helen. Hugs.
Teri Burns
Gary and I enjoyed many a chat with Mike at Spirit Tree and at Mayfield Church. He was a kind, loving man so very proud of all his family who always had a smile on his face and a welcoming story to tell. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Renie and Tom, Nicole, Kiernan and all his family during their time of grief. Spirit Tree now holds his kind spirit. God Bless you Mike. You will be missed, but always remembered.
Bryan Smith
Dear Renie and Family
So sad to hear of Mike’s passing.
Our sincere condolences.
Fran and Bryan Smith
Barry and Diane Livingston
We are sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Barry and Diane Livingston
Margaret Devins Rahn
So sorry for your loss.
Sending my deepest sympathy.
Shari-Lou
I was so sad to hear of the illness that took over Mike’s body . I am thankful your family and friends are behind you . I pray the peace from God will comfort you in these days .
I am disappointed that I will not be able to attend either visitation or funeral. I will be making memories with my husband .
Shari-Lou
Lois Demerse
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My condolences to you Renie and your family. RIP Mike
Christine
My deepest condolences to you and the family. Know you are surrounded with much love. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you cherished. Thinking of you at this time. Christine Secondino
Helen Thomas
Renie and family so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing and thinking about all of you at this time. Share all of your wonderful memories of Mike.
Helen Thomas
Pearce Family
Our Deepest Condolences to the Family
for your loss.
Lynda Hall
To Renie and family and to sister Sharon my deepest sympathy. Mike visited our home on behalf of Mayfield Church to make us feel welcome when we moved back to Brampton. He was so friendly and knowledgeable. We really appreciated his visit. Up until that time I only knew him as Sharon’s older brother but he and my late husband had a great deal in-common. Cherish all your wonderful memories!
Lynda Hall
Bob and Trudy Brooks
Sorry to hear of Mikes passing . A lot of good memories of years past. We are thinking of you .
Joanne armstrong
We were very saddened to hear of Mikes passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. We are travelling in France right now and are unable to offer our condolences in person. Joanne and Ian Armstrong. Gord and Marilyn Armstrong
Peter and Nancy Duff
Dear Renie and Family
Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Mike always inquired about mom, Millie Wilkinson, sharing his stories of her first teaching job with him as a student.
A kind caring respectful man
Faye & Peter Grooms
Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Patricia Shields
Rene
Barry and I send our deeepest condolences to you and your family. Mike will be missed by many.
Patricia Walker
Dear Renie
Extending my sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Mike.
Pat Walker
Teresa Ahuja
Dear Renie – sending my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Mike. I hope that the many wonderful memories you have of your life together will provide some comfort in the days and weeks to come.
Rick Murat
Renie, Tom, Larry, Greg and families
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I will never forget the week I spent with you all. I can still remember Mike looking at me sideways when I would stumble up for breakfast at 8:00 while he had already done half a days work.
While he had a gruff exterior one could tell he cared for his people.
Dale Shannon
Dear Renie and family
I am so rry to hear the news of Mike’s passing. May the many memories you have of happy times together give you peace.
Wes Gordon
Renie
My condolences to you and your family on the passing of Mike, there were many fun times at the curling club.
Denise War & Frank Germana
Dear Renie and Family:
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing.
We will always remember our golf games and dinners together.
gabe summaria
I am so sorry to hear about Mr .Wilson. I loved when he came to rent from us. A very nice man and loved his stories. My condolences to Mrs. Wilson and Thomas and the rest of the Spirit Tree family
Jean Armstrong
Renie and Family
So sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. Thinking of you at this time.
Jean Armstrong and family.
MARIA BRITTO
Dear Renie and Family,
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mike. He was always so gracious and inviting when we met and absolutely loved and shared his knowledge of farming. It was always a pleasure to see him in the orchards on Boston Mills Road and at your farm. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May Mike rest in peace.
Shelley Anne Craig
Renie: So sorry to read about Mike’s passing. Always a recognized and respected member of the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all .
Shelley & Steve
Joan Hunter
Dear Rennie and family
Sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I enjoyed my time working at the orchard and good times at the Curling club
Sorry I can’t be at the celebration of Life
Joanne & Mike Myler
To Renie and family; We are so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. We remember him fondly from the Brampton curling club. He always had a smile and never hesitated to chat with us. May your memories of Mike help you and your family through this.
Mike and Joanne Myler
Jim Bunsch
Renie & Family:
Sincere condolences from the Bunsch Family (Steve, Jill & Jim) … we heard so much about Mike from our son, & we always knew he was in good hands when he was at your place. I can only imagine what you are going through … we lost a great lady 3 years ago … the greater the love, the greater the grief!
Wishing you strength and comfort through this difficult time.
Jim B., for my Family
Isaiah Galt
Such a loss. One hell of a guy! You’ll be missed Mikey. Much love to all the Wilson family.
Glenda Richardson
Renie and boys… so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing… may you get comfort remembering the good and happy times.
John and Joanne Davis
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
John and Joanne Davis
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Walt Atkinson
Walt has been friends with Mike for 64 years, Renie shortly after, I came a little later. Mike’s 62 OAC Reunion was this year.. Mike is sharing old stories & laughs with many classmates. Mike will always be in Our Hearts & Thoughts. Sending Prayers, Love & Condolences to Renie & Entire Family Walt/Marie
Richard Helmer
May I send to you Renie and family my heart felt condolences on the passing of your dear husband Mike. I have known Mike for over 60 year since he was my classmate at OAC in Guelph. We took the same option of horticulture at OAC and made that our vocation in life. I have many memories of Mike as we meet often at our reunions which were held in the late summer the last few years in Listowel. I’ll miss his presence next summer. Sending my Love and prayers.
Raymond Flett
Sorry to hear of Mike. Really enjoyed working for him and the family in the early 80’s. Deepest sympathy to you all. Raymond Flett, Orkney, Scotland
Norma and Rob Thompson
May your family fill the empty space in your hearts with fond memories of your wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Every time you pass by his picture, smile and think of it as giving him another hug! Maybe you’ll all want to become tree huggers and give the crap apple tree planted in his honour a hug every once in a while too!
We’ll all miss his helping hands at the social events at Mayfield Church.
Norma and Rob Thompson