It is with profound sadness and much love that we mourn the passing of our beloved Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Uncle, Michael Breen, who passed peacefully with family by his side on August 30, 2023, at the age of 86.
Mike will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him, but most especially by his daughter Brenda, son Dennis (Alta), grandchildren Kelsey (Ken), Erin, Rebecca, and Lucas, and great grandsons Quinn and Bennett. He is predeceased by Agnes, his beloved wife of over 60 years, son Wayne, sister Maureen, brother Murray, and several sisters and brothers in-law who were among his dearest friends.
“Uncle Mike”, as he was known to his many nieces and nephews, was born October 10, 1936, the youngest son of Irish immigrants Mary and John Breen. As the youngest child, he was doted on by his older sister Maureen and brother Murray – though they often had to be on their toes to deal with his shenanigans! The family farmed near Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, where Mike loved exploring with his dog Mickey.
In 1952 Mike met a striking redhead named Agnes Nelson. In 1955, after a couple of years of dating, they married and moved to Edmonton to start their life together. There, they welcomed their children, Brenda, Wayne, and Dennis. Mike and Agnes experienced highs and lows over 63 years of marriage, but they were always a team; always there for each other. They loved to travel, whether to local spots like Banff, Jasper, or Waterton, or to more exotic locales like Mexico, Hawaii, or Ireland. For over 20 years, they enjoyed two blissful weeks at their timeshare in Panorama, B.C.
Mike loved to drive and spent many years touring every corner of Alberta as a driver for Canadian Freightways, Silverwoods Dairy and Old Dutch Foods. During Mike’s 25 years with Old Dutch, family and friends could always count on a care package of potato chips at Christmas time, and neighbourhood kids would enjoy chips at Halloween. After retiring, the road continued to beckon so Mike took part-time jobs as a courier and school bus driver.
Mike also experienced tragedy in his life. He lost his beloved mother at the age of nine, an event that touched him deeply for his entire life. He and Agnes also lost their son Wayne, aged three, in a terrible accident. But despite these tragedies, Mike was known to all as a person of good humour and positive, friendly disposition. He met most situations with a ready joke, and lived his life with love, strength, and a steadfast commitment to family.
Although we will miss him dearly, we take comfort in knowing that there will be a pot of coffee, a game of crib, and a loving welcome committee in heaven to lead him to peace everlasting.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 75 Poirier Avenue, St. Albert.
May the roads rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
mark conlon says
So sorry for the loss of Uncle Mike, he was a beautiful soul and had a great sense of humour. We always looked forward to visits from Mike, Agnes and family. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be in our hearts forever.
shannon kelly says
I have the warmest memories of Uncle Mike. He. Always was smiling and sharing his humour generously. Heaven has gained another smiling presence and I hope many games of cribs await and you are welcomed by all those who passed before you. Sending love and sympathy to his family at this time.
With love,
Shannon
Karen Egan says
I am deeply sorry for your loss but know that Mike is safe and with his loving wife. He was always a tease and always made you feel welcomed. He will be missed but he will be remembered to those of us who were blessed to have met him and enjoyed his company
Colleen and Robin Getz says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Uncle Mike’s family!! We loved Uncle Mike very much!! We have happy memories of our visits with him and Auntie Agnes! He gave us girls our first driving lesson and loved to tease us!!
We’ll miss him very much!!
Maryse Pharoah says
I’m really sorry for your loss Kelsey read my prayers God bless
Donna and Stephane Fritz says
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of dear Uncle Mike. He was a kind and loving person who will be deeply missed. I have lots of special memories of him. When he would take us down the Saskatchewan country roads to teach us how to drive. We had so much fun even though we probably scared Uncle Mike sometimes, since we were driving his car that he loved so much! When I stayed with Uncle Mike and Auntie Agnes before finding an apartment, the whole family made me feel like a part of their family! Those are special memories that I won’t forget. He loved you all so very much! May your happy memories with him help you through this difficult time. Thinking of you and sending you all our love!
Rod Joan Thiessen says
I worked with Mike at old Dutch for around 25 years
and enjoyed every minuteof it.
He was a real Buddy to me will really miss him.
We lost a real man so sorry.
We give our very condolences to all of Mike’s family.
Barb Ozee says
Mike was the social butterfly of the neighborhood; he was always chatting with someone. Mike was willing to lend a helping hand to people in the neighbourhood whether it was fixing something or lending a tool or giving advice. He appreciated a homemade bowl of soup in return. The neighbourhood kids called him the old Dutch guy and they flocked to their house during Halloween. Family was extremely important to Mike and Agnes. Although much more quiet, Agnes was also the heart of the community. in her quiet and gentle ways, supporting the people around her. Ben was blessed as Agnes provided after school care for him. He adored her. The neighbourhood was never the same after they left. We pray the family finds peace in their treasured memories. Barb and Ben