Michael Lloyd Armstrong

Michael (Mike) Lloyd Armstrong

May 16, 1949 – July 16, 2023 (74 years old)

Our dear Mike died unexpectedly from post-operative complications at Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, Ontario.

Mike was born in Copper Cliff, Ontario into a large loving family of aunts, uncles and cousins. In his youth he was a competitive swimmer who also played basketball and football. He graduated from McMaster University with an Honours degree in Psychology and worked with troubled youth and families at the Family Court Clinic in Toronto. He also pursued a post-secondary education in criminology. Later Mike used his knowledge and experience to educate generations of students in child and youth work at Centennial College.

Mike leaves behind his loving wife Ruth; brother-in-law Jack Rapkowski; nephews: Bayne Armstrong, John Armstrong and Alex Rapkowski. He was pre-deceased by his parents Evelyn and Laurie Armstrong, brother Tom Armstrong and sister-in-law Elaine Rapkowski.

Mike met Ruth, his soulmate of 48 years, on the board of Youth Services Network in Toronto. He knew Ruth was his future wife when she portaged their canoe solo on one of their camping trips. Mike formed many close friendships throughout his life. He was thoughtful, caring, funny and always had an engaging story to tell. Mike and Ruth loved hosting parties and dinners for friends and family.

Always inquisitive, Mike was a voracious reader and loved travelling and new adventures. In his retirement, he enjoyed the rewards of having created a beautiful home garden and time to indulge his love of cooking.

Mike will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Donations to the independent charity “People for Education” are welcomed in support of Mike’s passion for public education.