SANSONE: Michael Salvatore of London

Sadly, in the midst of writing his own memoirs, Michael Sansone’s story has come to an end, many chapters too early – just before his 70th birthday. After a short yet valiant battle against cancer which he faced with such strength and determination, Mike passed away on March 18th in the loving embrace of his family. He will be fiercely missed but his legacy will live on forever in the hearts, minds and actions of all those he touched in so many ways. There is no question that if love alone could keep someone alive, Mike would be immortal.

Mike is survived by his wife and best friend Valerie, whose relationship began with a “glass” of tea and became a romance for the ages, spanning five decades of love and adventure in which they rarely spent a moment apart. He considered his greatest achievement and blessing in life to be the partnership he built with Val, the family they raised, and the memories they made together. He constantly demonstrated his love and pride for his three daughters, Nicole (Eoin Rowe), Genevieve (Andrew Crowder), and Natalie (Ryan Seed), who couldn’t have asked for a more caring, giving, and wise father and role model. He thrived in his role as Grampa to Gavin, Lucy, Jack and Hailey, who were so lucky to be spoiled with his love, attention, and marshmallows. He was deeply saddened at the thought of not being there to continue to marvel at them as they grow up. Mike was predeceased by his brother Paul and his parents Salvatore and Marilyn (Al Nadeau), and is survived by his siblings Kris Worton (Mark, predeceased) and Jeff (Andy Grace), as well as Alisa Clarke (Ted). He shared a deep bond with his siblings, who always looked up to their big bro, and was a much loved uncle to Dan (Alex Goyette) and Kate Worton. He will also be missed by all of Val’s family members, his Aunt Pat and Uncle Bill, his cousins, and his many lifelong friends. He leaves behind his treasured cat Abby, one of many pets he has cherished in his life. Mike was also very grateful to his whole “army” of devoted soldiers who fought alongside him every step of the way, and especially to all the health care staff who provided care and support in the past few months. 

Mike was a dedicated and hard worker, delivering mail to all corners of London during his forty years of service as a letter carrier with Canada Post. He was a lifelong learner, with many varied interests and creative talents, including practicing yoga, making wine, baking sourdough bread, appreciating multiple genres of music, writing poetry and stories, and applying his carpentry skills to many projects. He always admired and provided for wildlife and felt comforted and rejuvenated being in nature. He loved food and cooking, always trying new recipes and perfecting old ones (like his famous “favourite” chicken). He and Val also took joy in camping and their many memorable road trips, as well as baseball games and scrabble games, backyard fires and crossword puzzles, and taking scenic drives or impromptu trips to the beach. He was a free spirit who was known for his incredible intelligence and way with words, his witty sense of humour and easy laugh, his compassion and respect for all living things, his kind and sensitive nature, and his strong devotion to his family.

To all those who enjoyed the pleasure of his company and his warm welcoming spirit, Mike wishes you love, peace and harmony. He was a great man, son, brother, husband, father, uncle, nephew, father-in-law, grandfather and friend, and will be forever missed and remembered fondly. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Any donations in Mike’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.