With heavy hearts, we announce that Michael passed away in the early hours of November 5 at home in Niverville at the age of 75 years.

 

He survived by his Anam Cara & spouse, Dawn MacDonald; loving children, Erin (Norbert), Brennan (Lainey), Caitlin (Sean), Kevin (Jennifer), Ryan (Chantal), Gabrielle (Michael); and his pride and joy - grandchildren, Ian, Emerson, Boston, and Matilda.

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Michael retired from the University of Winnipeg in 2014. He began his career as a member of the psychology department in 1975. He was a highly accomplished administrator, serving as assistant Dean from 1978-82 & Dean of Arts and Science from 1982-92. A renowned researcher and affiliated scientist, he led the Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lab at the National Research Council of Canada. He was a beloved professor nurturing undergraduate students and as well has supervised doctoral and post-doctoral students in psychology, neuropsychology, neurophysiology, linguistics, radiology, and physics. He was awarded the Clifford J. Robson award for excellence in teaching in 2005. He was also recognized with the Robin H. Farquhar Award for Excellence in Contributing to Self-Governance and was named Dean Emeritus. He was granted Fellowship in United College, which was the award he expressed was most meaningful to him.

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Remarkably, in addition to performing duties that today are shared among several different positions, Michael gained national attention for the establishment of UWinnipeg’s Centre for Academic Writing and developed an accessibility program for those with physical disabilities. He also boosted the arts presence on campus by fostering the evolution of Theatre from a program to a department, and by establishing In-Residence programs for writers, directors, and playwrights.

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In later years, Michael became the Research Program leader with the Compassion Project at the St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre working alongside his spouse, Dawn teaching mindfulness and compassion-based programs. Together they founded the Mindfulness and Well Being Consultancy, Inc. to support others in their journey to a more loving, just, and equitable world. He volunteered at Aurora Family Center where his work in Mindful Self Compassion and Narrative Medicine co-created deep and meaningful friendships.

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A true renaissance man with seemingly infinite interests, he served on the board of several organizations over the years including the Winnipeg Art Gallery, The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, and the Bonsai Society of Winnipeg where he touched many lives and developed strong friendships. He was consummately curious and compelled to contribute. His writing in Bonsai International garnered much praise but mostly he celebrated the community of dedicated, talented, and kind hearted people he was blessed to encounter.

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He was diagnosed with a severe and chronic medical condition more than eighteen years ago that robbed him of so much that he bore with great dignity. Along the way he was cared for and he cared for many healthcare practitioners who were touched by his kind demeanor and soulful intellect, Drs. Brian Anderson, Ken Van Ameyde, Atheer Al-Kaabi, Mahwaash Saeed, Charles Bernstein, you honoured his humanness as a priority. In the treatment room alongside others who also struggled he found a community of solace. He loved you all. A special thank you to all the staff on 2B at St. Boniface Hospital and to Cathy, and many others nurses whom on more than one occasion took action that saved Michael’s life.

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In the final weeks, he was supported by Dr. Lila Boroditsky, the Southern Health Palliative Care Team and the Home Care Team. Our family offers our sincerest gratitude to all of you, especially Home Care Nurse, Maxine – your exceptional care made difficult hours much more bearable.  So many of our friends, colleagues, neighbours, and family extended themselves to visit and create wonderful memories and ease for us over the last few months, you know who you are and we are deeply grateful.

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Michael specifically requested that there not be a funeral or a public memorial. He strongly believed in the strength of narrative to heal so he invited us to gather together in friendship to support each other and share in the power of story. The family invites you to attend a reception at 2:00 pm on Thursday November 10 at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road (Unitarian Church). A private family memorial will take place at a later date.

 

Michael often said that he couldn’t imagine a definition of health that didn’t include the capacity to be kind to ourselves. He lived his life by the following phrases he crafted. Inviting you to take them into your own heart.

 

May I, you, we, know joy

even in the midst of the struggles…

May I, you, we, occasion joy as often as possible,

May I, you, we, live in the safety of kindness always.

 

Flowers gratefully declined, however should you wish to honour Michael’s memory, a donation can be made to a cause near and dear to your heart. The Eleanor Collins Wenners Collection fund at the University of Winnipeg, was created by Michael to honour his late mother. This fund supports library acquisitions in art history. Or, you may wish to donate to the Michael Collins McIntyre Rhetoric, Writing and Communications Scholarship, awarded to a student in the Rhetoric, Writing and Communications program which in true testament to his character, his colleagues created.