Michael George Cossitt Yates
elevated 6hviO October 6, 1962 – June 18, 2023
elevated 6hviO Visitation
Saturday June 24, 2023 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
elevated 6hviO Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 6hviO Funeral Mass
Saturday June 24, 2023 at 12:00 pm
elevated 6hviO Chapel of St. Joseph- Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated 6hviO View Funeral Mass
elevated 6hviO Reception Following the Funeral Mass
elevated 6hviO Obituary
elevated 6hviO Michael George Cossitt Yates October 6 1962 – June 18 2023 On June 18, just as the sun was starting to rise, Mike’s Dad, George reached down from heaven and carried Mike home.
elevated 6hviO Following a devastating and hard fought 6-month illness, Mike leaves behind his beloved wife, Julie Henderson, and his son Andrew who both loved, adored, and admired him.
elevated 6hviO He was loved and will be deeply missed by his Mum, Catherine, his older sisters Mary, Peggy and Patti, his dog Willow and Julie’s children, Blaze, Bishop, and Jarvis. Mike was pre-deceased by his wife of 19 years, Lynn Fontaine who, along with George, extended a heavenly welcome.
elevated 6hviO He was also loved by his extended family – Jamie Campbell, Duff Sprague, Mike Adams, Rob Lawson, Sue Lawson, Jacqui Fontaine, John and Margaret Henderson and his nieces and nephews, Jamie, Danielle, Kathleen, Gabrielle, Matthew, Leslie, and Brendan.
elevated 6hviO Mike was born in Toronto at St. Michael’s Hospital and raised in Willowdale. He attended St. Timothy CES and Brebeuf College School where he formed life-long friendships with many, especially Steve McHale and Dennis Naraj. He graduated from Seneca College in Marketing and spent a long and successful career in sales of land surveying equipment. As a long-time employee of Trimble Inc., he travelled extensively throughout the US and during this time he added many others to his long list of friends. The support extended by Trimble during Mike’s most difficult times does not go unrecognized.
elevated 6hviO Mike had a special love for hockey and had an encyclopedic knowledge about the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was a hockey coach for Andrew, coaching the Leaside Flames for over 10 years (GTHL,) inspiring hundreds of other kids who looked up to him as a mentor and role model. His dedication and sacrifice will always be remembered by these kids and their parents.
elevated 6hviO Like his Dad, Mike loved red wine and beautiful clothes. And his love of cooking was enjoyed by many. He loved music, especially the Rolling Stones and Frank Sinatra and may have been Bruce Springsteen’s biggest fan. Following his move to Collingwood, he fell in love with long hikes on the Escarpment, accompanied by Julie and his beloved dog, Willow. Mike was one very cool guy and the definition of a decent man–generous, honest, kind, loving.
elevated 6hviO Special thanks are extended to his close friend and neighbour, Dave Baran, who went above and beyond to support Mike, Julie, and Andrew during his illness.
elevated 6hviO If desired, donations in Mike’s memory may be directed to Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (https://cgmhf.com/donate) where he went on many occasions following 911 calls. The kindness and compassion extended to Mike and Julie by the staff and physicians will always be remembered by his family.
We had times that will never be forgotten Mike, and you fought the good fight. Godspeed mate.
Dearest Julie I am shocked My heart goes out to you and your family. I send you love and strength and here for you anytime. Strong embrace full of love to you and your family.
Mike was a year older and growing up down the street from this cool cat with the amazing hair was something to admire but the truth is he was even more attractive without hair AND had the personality to match. After decades I bumped into Mike in a car dealership shuttle van that stopped in Leaside to pick up another customer. He instantly recognized me and for the next 10 minutes we caught up on life. I’m really sad that the older guy that I admired in the hood is gone. My condolences to your family Mike, you will clearly be missed!
Awesome story, Mark….., amazing hair, cool cat. Perfect.
Although I have not seen Mike in years I was able to connect these past few through social media. He was truly a lovely, beautiful man. Sending light and love to those in his life. He did not deserve this – May he rest now
My heart breaks for Mike’s family and all who loved him. I had the great pleasure of growing up with Mike. He was kind and fun and I will always remember his beautiful smile. He battled to the end and may he now rest in peace.
We want to send our love and deepest sympathy to all . I’m so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing and know how much he was loved by all. Please know we will be with you in our hearts on Saturday and all the days to come . God Bless xo
May you rest in peace my friend.
Dear Peggy, Duff and Kathleen, I am very sorry for your loss.
His personality shines through his photo. May memories sustain you in this difficult time. I think he would have fit well with our campaigns over the years
Eternal rest grant unto him, may perpetual light shine upon him and may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Thank you so much , it means a lot .
Peggy to you and your family Rob and I want to send our sincere condolences. You’ve introduced Michael toe through our conversations..I feel like I’ve gotten to know him, through you. I hope you take his memories with you during the hard days ahead, dealing with his loss. I’m so sorry Peggy
Mike and Lynn were always so kind and warm towards me. They always felt like family and my heart aches for Andrew. I am sending all my love to the Yates clan.
I have very fond memories of Mike all through high school. The fun had between St Joe’s girls and Brebeuf boys was fabulous. We were a big bunch of brothers and sisters and it was just good fun all the time-! I can see Mike playing air guitar now and I was one of many that he made a true Springsteen fan!! God speed Mike. May you eternally rest in peace. 🙏
Mikes passing is tragic. Mike was an athlete. He left our earth way to soon. How do we secure our longevity? At the same time, I agree, it was a wonderful time, we were truly brothers and sisters.
What a tragic loss.
He was a great guy.
My deepest condolences to all the family.
Mike was a great person. We used to work in a global team and shared many business challenges. My heart goes out to all his family and friends at this difficult time. I wish that the good memories will soothe away the sorrow. May you find peace, comfort and all the love you need in the days to come.
My heart weighs heavy with sorrow as I reflect on the memories I shared with Mike. The loss of his incredible smile and his fun and caring conversations leaves a void that cannot be filled. Working alongside Mike was an absolute pleasure. His professional character had a unique way of transforming work into something more than just a job; it felt like a hobby, something we genuinely enjoyed.
What stands out most about Mike is the time he always made for personal conversations. We would talk about our families, share moments of joy, and commiserate over our love and frustration for the Toronto Maple Leafs. These personal connections deepened our friendship and forged memories that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
May his soul find eternal rest, and may we all find solace in the memories he created with all of us.
Hardest thing to do is to write about a man who was what any of us could only try to be close to…
Mike was a great man, decent man, funny man, honest and hard working and fun oh the fun and laughs we shared.
My heart goes out to you Julie and Andrew and all your families and friends also.
I knew Mike for roughly 35 years and at one point even had the pleasure of convincing him to work for me in the crazy field we had chosen.
We supported each other through ups and downs and many laughs and tears. Shared so many interests and loved to talk cars and i enjoyed in seeing his happiness with you Juilie and also getting his Mustang 🙂
I will never fill the void in my heart of the true friend i will be missing now and words cant express my feelings but i have to smile just like Mikes amazing smile and feel blessed that i can call him my inner circle close friend.
Mike is one of the good ones that blessed all of us that knew him and there is no doubt he is in Heaven with George playing a round of golf.
I will miss you my friend
RIP Mikey
Our deepest condolences to the Yates family. A very special and kind man that will be remembered forever. Fantastic memories of growing up in the hood through both elementary and secondary school. You will be truly missed.
I first met Mike at George Henry high school. He had transferred from Brebeuf. I immediately liked him. He just made me feel good whenever we were together.
He was, of course, a great looking and cool guy with a love for Springsteen and Elvis, cars, fashion and everything I liked (or grew to like as a result of his influence). He was also really really funny in a witty and classy way.
I knew, even back then, that this guy was a very unique and special person. I felt wonderful when he would give me that great Mike Yates smile when I had the chance to make him laugh.
So thanks Mike. Such fond memories…”for the next 3 minutes PLEEAASE Mrs. Avery I just want to talk to her…”. Dr. Hook – Mike knows…
Dear Mary and Family, I am heartbroken for you. It is impossible to live as if tomorrow may never come but it seems your brother did just that. He loved and lost and loved again, filling hearts along the way. Please accept my tears and my prayers as you navigate the road ahead. May Mike’s spirit rest in the arms of our Saviour and may you all lean into your memories and your stories for comfort, in your time, in your way. I am so incredibly saddened.
Mirian <3
Julie, we are extremely saddened by the news of Mike’s passing, I feel very strongly that he loved you dearly and his new life in Collingwood, please accept our heartfelt condolences and relay our thoughts to Jarvis, Blaze & Bishop
The deepest sympathy to Catherine and all the family from the Somerville/MacLean Clan I first met Mike when he was 4 years old. . He spent many hours playing LEGO on our family room floor. A devoted son ,husband and father who will be so sadly missed.
Dear Julie, Andrew, and extended families, we were crushed to hear of Mike’s passing last Sunday. We have so many wonderful memories of Mike over the past twenty-five years and it was a joy watching Andrew grow into the fine young man he is today. Julie, we were so looking forward to spending time with you and Mike with our careers nearing an end. Mike’s passion for life was undeniable, and his love of family and friends was boundless. He will forever be in our hearts.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Mrs. Yates, Julie, Andrew and the whole family. An unfortunate early loss of such a nice person.
Mike was one at the core of my early life, along with some others, as we all traversed through elementary and high school together and the neighbourhood we grew up in. My memories of the times we served (read explored) together in our developmental years are etched in my memory, forever. I love my neighbourhood friends, I loved Michael. There was nothing not to love about Michael. He was genuine. I will miss him dearly.
Dear Mrs Yates, Peggy, Patty and Mary.
Mike was the largest part of my life for many years and he left an indelible mark on my heart that will last my lifetime. When memories are all we have left how blessed we are when they are of such a wonderful person. Friends that spent a lifetime by his side as well as those he encountered along the way were all made a little richer from the experience and although it has been decades since I’ve seen him I wanted to let you know that this profound loss is felt far and wide.
Only time can ease your pain however my hope is that my prayers along with all the others that have reached out give you the courage you need in the days ahead to bear this terrible loss just a little easier.
I wish I could have been there today to share some stories with you but you are in my thoughts.
Julie, although I’ve never had the privilege you have my deepest sympathy.
Much love,
Susan
Dear Aunt Catherine, Mary, Peggy, Patti & family – We extend our most sincere condolences and trust that God’s love will surround you, Michael and all those who are saddened by your tragic loss. RIP dear cousin!
Mike was an amazing person and a great mentor and coach to all of the players he coached. We were lucky enough to be with Mike and watch him coach the Leaside boys, he cared very much for all of his players. We will miss him.