Obituary of Michael Burgess

Michael Burgess Canada's National Treasure passed away peacefully in Toronto, surrounded by family, on Monday evening, September 28, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. Michael began his career at the age of eight as a student of St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto. From the Choir School he went on to study at The University of Ottawa, and it was there that he discovered a deep desire to sing and perform. In Canada, Michael is known for his role as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables at The Royal Alexandra Theatre., as well as La Boheme, and so many other memorable shows and for 25 years Michael sang the national anthem at the renowned Brazilian Carnival Ball. He was thrilled to sing the national anthem at the opening of the Olympic Games in Spain in the summer of 1992. Michael was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal and, in 2012, he received the Order of Ontario. Michael will be sorely missed by his family, son Jesse, mother Dolly Burgess and siblings, Wayne, Missy, Cathy, Bill, Patty, Julie and their families. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 4, and in the CHURCH OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, 24 Cheritan Avenue (one block south of Lawrence Avenue) from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Monday, October 5. The Funeral Mass will follow the visitation in the church at 12:00 noon on Monday, October 5. The family is requesting charitable donations on behalf of Michael to www.sickkidsfoundation.com/page/michaelburgess, a cause near and dear to his heart. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.