Michael Dunwoody
November 05 1938 - April 14 2021
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Pat Dougall posted a condolence
Saturday, March 11, 2023
He was a friend , funny, caring and a pleasure to be with. I especially remember the Sunday morning breakfasts his mother prepared for the family as we all sat around the kitchen table talking and joking about our week. I miss the whole family who accepted me as one of their own.
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Rose Parkinson uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, April 29, 2021
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Mr. Dunwoody was always a great sport to our antics at EDHS...even when we danced around his desk as Madonna wannabees knowing full well his musical tastes were more sophisticated than that!. We will miss his quiet strength, sincere support and dazzling smile.
Eternally grateful,
Rose Hudak, Jane Grant, Leasa Barrette, MaryAnne Sim
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Jaclyn posted a condolence
Monday, April 19, 2021
my favorite teacher at EDHS, he understood and accepted everyone with such patience and love. My condolences to his family, he was truly a remarkable man ❤ Jaclyn
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Marg (McLean) Ryan posted a condolence
Monday, April 19, 2021
With fondness, gratitude, sadness today but smiles always, I remember Mr. Dunwoody & his Creative Writing classes at Essex District High School. He was my favourite teacher, as he was for many. He had no favourites, he inspired all to find our inner voices & really to find ourselves. Like him, his classes were wonderful, honest & for me...magical! How he touched this world..with such flair & humanity. My sympathy to Francis & all of Mr. Dunwoody’s dear ones in your incredible loss, but I wish you the warmth of what can only be tremendous memories of your Michael.........Marg (McLean) Ryan
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Robert LaMarre posted a condolence
Monday, April 19, 2021
Our condolences Francis
Ken McLean
Bob LaMarre
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Becky posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, April 18, 2021
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Mr. Dunwoody was my absolute favourite high school teacher. So much so, that years after I moved to BC, I wrote to him to let him know that I never forgot his words. He tried to talk me out of quitting high school. It didn't work but then he mailed me a note of encouragement a few months later. He said that it was never to late to go back to school. I wrote to tell him that I did go back to school in my 30s and then again in my 40s and I work in the education system here in BC. Wonderful teacher, wonderful man. He will be missed.
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Ruth Croson-Lowney posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
I had Mr. Dunwoody for English while attending EDHS in the 1970’s. I was mainly a Science and Math kid but I found myself really enjoying attending Mr. Dunwoody’s classes. Somehow he kept my attention and excited my mind to the classics we studied. I normally dreaded going to classes that didn’t further my goal of attending university for Science. His legacy lives on in all of us.
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Maria posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
My sincere condolences. One of my favourite teachers at EDHS. He was the reason I loved English class so much. Such an inspiration.
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Mary-Ann (Chapo) Costa posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
I attended EDHS in the 1970's and had the great fortune of having Michael Dunwoody as my teacher for several English classes over the years. Hands down, we was the best teacher I ever had and his influence has remained with me throughout the years. His goal always was to bring out the best in each and every student. He taught us HOW to learn and was a shining example of someone passionate about his profession. To Michael's family and friends, I am truly sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that his legacy has touched many lives and will continue in perpetuity.
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Adnan shaya posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
I have known Michael for 42 years when I came to United States. I met him thru my cousin Francis.
I have enjoyed Michael friendship for years, Michael was very kind to me especially when I came to US when my English was limited and I was student at Wayne state university. Michael helped me many times, he was so generous with his time that he spent guiding me and teaching me with proper English. I would never forget that the rest of my life. Michael was a wonderful person, he was very loving, caring and compassionate person . He used to consider me as his son and he was like a father figure to me.
We often spent times together going to restaurants, to the Mall when Michael and Francis used to come to Novi area in Michigan where I live. Other times over my house during friends get together or dinner party that I used to host.
When Francis called me the day Michael passed away, I was shocked and saddened. I cried thru the whole day. Memories of Michael I shall always cherish and hold close to my heart.
He was very special person in my life and a good friend. Friends like Michael come into our lives and leave footprints on our heart and we are never the same.
I love you so much Michael and I miss you. Rest in Peace
Adnan Shaya
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David Snider posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Francis: So sorry to hear of Michael's passing. I remember the many good times Don and I enjoyed with both of you at your home or meeting for a bite to eat at one of our favourite restaurants. Be strong and cherish the many memories that you have of your time together. Please e mail me at my brother's e mail address so that we can share the many good times with Michael or phone me at 519 982 4894 (Kingsville, ON) Many hugs . David Snider
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Edward Cope posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
So sorry to hear of Michael's passing. Mr. Dunwoody was both a teacher and a friend and he was an inspiration to most if not all of his students at EDHS. I fondly remember him rolling a cart with a stereo system into the classroom one day and we listened to and analyzed the lyrics to "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles. That lesson changed my appreciation of music and poetry forever. Rest in Peace Michael.
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Terry Lapain posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
I, too, have fond memories of the beloved Mr. Dunwoody as one of my favourite teachers. Going back to the year 1970, we were difficult to impress as a student group but he captured the minds of most if not all of us. He always had a smile and an enthusiasm that made you enjoy and want to learn more of the proper English language. Many times in the last 50 years I wondered what became of him only to read about his illustriative career and accomplishments here. He will be missed but left behind an obvious better world. Condolences to his family and friends.
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Steven Richardson posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
My sincere condolences. Mr. Duwoody saved me in gr9. Coming from a French grade school I had no idea what was going on in an English class. I continually received detentions for screwing around when actually I was just trying to learn and not look “stupid”. When Mr. Dunwoody found out the truth, he continued to give me detentions so I could save face but instead provided the extra help I needed to catch up. He promised my mother I would be in enriched English by gr11 and he was right. As a teacher now, I still use the compassion he taught me with my struggling students. May his soul through the mercy of God Rest In Peace. Thank you Mr Dunwoody
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Marcia Andkilde posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Being a part of Mr. Dunwoody’s enriched English and creative writing class wasn’t about being a passive student absorbing the teachings and regurgitating an adult’s perspective. No, Mr. Dunwoody (and later as an adult, Michael) engaged you with him as another learner, an explorer of ideas and someone who was crafting their inner voice. He was a guide and a role model. He had the strength to be vulnerable and share his work. He had the compassion to sit with the revelations given back to him and treat them with humanity. He didn’t coddle or patronize. He treated you as he saw you: a fellow writer on the beginning of their path. I lift my cup to you Michael and thank you for each shared moment.
~Marcia
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Jeff St. Louis posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
My sincere condolences to Mr. Dunwoody's family. He was my English teacher in the late 70s at EDHS. A great teacher who I have thought of many times over the last 40 years or so. It takes a special person to make that kind of an impact.
Jeff St. Louis
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Liz Arkinstall posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Hands down the most influential teacher I ever had. He was honest, inspiring and funny. He saw talent in you that you could’t yet see in yourself. I’ve kept my OAC creative writing project with me in a box as I’ve moved through life and from time to time i look at it and think of him. I recall a particular class where we asked him to predict our futures (because we believed he was smart enough to do so) and we all sat on the edge of our seats to hear his thoughts. He taught us the power of telling a compelling story, and that has stuck with me, always. To his family that is grieving, take comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and how many compelling stories are shared today because of him! Rest easy sir. Xo
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Nadia Moylan lit a candle
Saturday, April 17, 2021
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I had the pleasure of spending a wonderful Sunday afternoon with Francis and Michael during summer, 2019. I met Michael through Francis, and Michael and I would sometimes go off on adventures; driving through Indian Village, having breakfast, eating pastries downtown and discussing the current state of the world. Sometimes he would share a piece of poetry or other writing that he was working on, and it felt like a special honor that he would share his work-in-progress with me. And often, we would discuss our favorite operas (though my knowledge was not as great as his).
That Sunday, we all met for breakfast on Erie Street, walked thru the gardens of Walkerville and sat on the riverfront looking across to Detroit. It was a wonderful day, that I will cherish. A perfect and beautiful summer day, shared with two beautiful friends.
I am a better person for knowing Michael. I hope that I can share the kindness he always showed me with others.
Rest in peace my friend. You are much loved!
Nadia
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Jen Campeau lit a candle
Saturday, April 17, 2021
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Mr Dunwoody taught me creative writing at EDHS. He was kind and generous with his time. Have thought of him many times over the years. He will be missed.
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Eva Leon lit a candle
Saturday, April 17, 2021
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Michael was the closest Thing to a family I truly saw him as my uncle he was a kind gentle caring loving and compassionate person thank you for sharing your life with my uncle Francis thank you for being a mentor and a friend to everyone will never forget you.. your memories will become a legendary i’m so grateful that I met someone like you who not only inspired me to be better but to be more humble like you.. I still can’t believe you’re gone your memory will live through everyone
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Carolyn Christopher posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
It seems that every time Michael and I got together when he came for a visit to Detroit - it involved food.
Frequently we found ourselves celebrating French pastries at different locations or an Italian restaurant he took me to. We talked and talked and always how much he loved Francis. I will miss his laughter and that wonderful smile. And I am ever so grateful to have had him in my life.
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Leigh Ann (Brown) Vandervecht posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
I had the privilege of being in his enriched English classes at EDHS. What a wonderful experience. He saw the young adults that we were becoming and treated us with such respect, love and dedication. Always there to listen and guide. He was one of the good guys and will be missed by all that knew him. Rest Easy Michael.
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Kerri Dunwoody lit a candle
Saturday, April 17, 2021
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"It's been one of those days,
Dark like things we avoid
Burrowing out of the blind spots
At the backs of our skulls."
But 'mon oncle' Mike "[held] a mirror up to life, reflecting truths we know, those we suspect, those we avoid. This almost magical property helps design lives which reconcile the complex relationship between self and other, between internal landscapes and the world." He had every right to be angry. Instead, he chose to understand. This characteristic I believe we share. Or so I flatter myself.
So we will be brave.
He is my example of being a perfect host, of presenting your loved ones in the best possible light, of doing all and master what you want and of how to reach into a person's soul and connect with them, which is the highest virtue. Uncle Mike, thank you for pulling the truth out of me and being wildly interested in the human spirit and condition.
I will look for him in front-porch reading of challenging literature, these skinny white legs, dog-like cats and our beloved Essex County.
Lastly, He leaves behind a man who I believe kept him out of the expectant shadows so that his light could shine as it does. We will treasure him, always.
A true teacher is something to behold. We had one in our own backyard.
Je t'aime.
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Barbara Sandre lit a candle
Saturday, April 17, 2021
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Oh Michael,
What a dear friend you were to me. We always had fun visiting and bantering and laughing. Your kindness and generosity, and humour and wit will long be remebered. Rest well, my friend,
XOXO
Barb Sandre
(Babs)
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Darlene Carroll posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
A passionate and dedicated teacher who saw the best in me even when I could see no good at all. He challenged me to write my way through what was the worst days of my life. He made a difference !! Heaven is richer for his presence.
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Carly Deslippe posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
My husband and I moved onto Mike's street in walkerville not long ago. This past year I was off work mostly due to covid. Everyday I'd walk by Mikes house with my dog and he'd usually be on the porch reading. He always took the time to say hi, have a conversation with me and say nice things to my dog. I often felt lonely and isolated this past year and I don't think he knew how much I looked forward to these little chats with him outside his house. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude about him. He will be sorely missed in the Walkerville community. Sending my sincere condolences to his partner and family.
-Carly Deslippe
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Teresa Pitman posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
I think perhaps the best way to explain the influence that Mr. Dunwoody had on my life is this: I became a writer. I won several short story contests, had thousands of articles published in magazines and newspapers, and had 18 books published. The lessons I learned in his classes - and his belief in my ability to write - were in some ways the foundation of my entire career. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Ralph Billingsley posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
One of my most impactful high school teachers. He taught with heart and soul--and encouraged us students to write from heart and soul. Here is a poem, composed this morning, in his honour...
Mr. Dunwoody
Taught possibility of poetry
of writing what we cannot see
thoughts feelings fantasy
inside you
inside me
setting inner constraints free
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Tracey R posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
What a loss. Michael Dunwoody instilled in his students a love for the power & beauty of the written word, & from that we learned wisdom & love. Thank you Mr. Dunwoody.
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Tom Dilworth posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
As a teacher, he was legendary. In person, delightful. His poetry and fiction married intelligence with feeling. His conversation sparkled. He laughed easily, had the Irish gift of affectionately insulting you, had great aesthetic discernment and openness, realizing only in the last few weeks that, though he had listened to opera all his life, he disliked it but loved the human voice, and responding freshly and freely to the (to him new in kind) erasure poetry soon to be published by Susan Holbrook. Michael’s life was a blessing for anyone who knew him.
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Heather posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Oh Mr. Dunwoody. The original Dead Poet. You ignited in me an insatiable desire to create and showed me how creativity lends itself to living a full and beautiful life. Thank you. Your light will continue to burn in all of us.
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J M lit a candle
Saturday, April 17, 2021
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Extending our sincere sympathy to Michael's family and friends. Michael's embodied teaching perfection. He inspired his students with his charm, humour and creativity. His lessons extended beyond the classroom modelling kindness, understanding, acceptance and grace. Sir, here's to the ties that bind. Perhaps we'll meet again, "When the Morning Glories." Peace.
Mark and Julie Meloche.
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Tim Mullins posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
of all my teachers at EDHS ,Mr.Dunwoody is the one that brings back the happiest memories From encouraging my amateurish poetry, to allowing me to call him Michael , he made this mediocre student feel special. Peaceful journey ,Sir.. Tim Mullins
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Melody Ouellette lit a candle
Friday, April 16, 2021
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It was a honour to call Mike colleague and friend. His wisdom and wonderful sense of humour will be forever remembered!
What a difference he made to every student he taught. Mike made this world a better place! You will be missed , Rest In Peace! My condolences to you Francis .
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Craig Chartier posted a condolence
Friday, April 16, 2021
So saddened to hear of Michael's passing. He was one of my greatest teachers in high school and really enjoyed taking creative writing under his leadership! Rest in peace my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers to all of his family during this difficult time!
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Deena lit a candle
Friday, April 16, 2021
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We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deena & Joey
Xoxo
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Dorothy Mahoney posted a condolence
Friday, April 16, 2021
Mike Dunwoody was a writer who know how to inspire other writers. As a teacher, he was an advocate for creative writing and
began a yearly writing contest with the Greater Essex County District School Board, called The Pluralist. He loved art, literature,
architecture, film and had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed gardening and was fond of Japanese tree peonies. Soon many on staff at Essex High had one or many growing in their gardens, such was his infectious enthusiasm. He will be missed. My deepest sympathies Francis.
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Bradd Buringham posted a condolence
Friday, April 16, 2021
Mike was a friend and mentor to me when I needed one most. I never met you, Francis, nor any of the rest of his family. But I feel your loss. Rest in peace, Mike. And no arguments (at last). - Bradd
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Naffele Nikita lit a candle
Friday, April 16, 2021
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I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Dunwoody. He was one of my favourite teachers at EDHS and I have so many wonderful memories of his classes. A few of us used to question him all the time...once we graduate if we come back to visit or we see you somewhere in public can we say Hey Mike! And his answer was, of course something eloquent and funny but strongly resembled NO. I will most remember him for constantly telling me, along with Amy Colenutt- Filiault...”And the fools will live their lives by the lyrics of popular songs”.
Rest In Peace dearest My Dunwoody, and know that I am singing some popular song for you.
Xo Naffele Nikita
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Kathy Kehl posted a condolence
Friday, April 16, 2021
I always remembered Mr. Dunwoody as my favourite English teacher at Essex High. Great teachers stay in our memory. My deepest sympathies.
Kathy (Forget) Kehl
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The family of Michael Dunwoody uploaded a photo
Friday, April 16, 2021
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