Please feel free to share your thoughts and well wishes for Michael and his family by leaving your comments here or on Twitter or on our Facebook page.
35 Comments
Kate Trgovac Jun 27, 2012 @ 18:11:12
Sending you strength and light from the West Coast!
Sending you all our love and strength..our thoughts are with you!
We will keep you in our prayers.
Lots of love
Vanessa, Sean and Caitlyn (from Germany)
Wish I had enough to buy you a cure Unfortunately I don’t think I do, so you’ll have to settle for a pint when you’re done fighting like the fiery Irishman I know you are.
Hi, I’m a friend of Kieron and just reading about Michael is so upsetting. I want to help. Please let me know as soon as Paypal is set up and I will be so happy to donate to help his family.
I am sharing this website to all of my fb pages and to all of my friends and I know they will help too.
I’m a lawyer in Kingston. Michael mentored me when I interned for him at Cohn & Wolfe back in 2000. I’m willing to do wills in exchange for donations to Michael’s family. Simple will is worth $800 will with Power of Attorney $1000. I know I can do at least 5 for now. Canadian wills only.
Hello Dawn: thank you so so much for your generosity. We really appreciate your support. We are working on ways that will allow us to receive your generous gift, allow people to buy it at the specified level and receive its value in a donation. We hope to have a mechanism set up to do that next week. You will be hearing back from us very soon.
Thanks for your support and amazing generosity. THANK YOU.
Hi, I’m Michael’s Dad. For health reasons I can not be with him and the rest of the family in Toronto,and my heart bleeds for him and Leona. Michael, every ounce of strength I’ve got is pouring into you this, and every minute. I Love you son, so much.
He is my blog brother, my friend, my mentor, my ally, my colleague, and my rockstar. Thank you for setting up this site so we can help him.
Mr. Clarke, we will do our best. You have an amazing son. He has brightened the lives of many, many people. We love him, and we are thinking of Michael and the whole family and sending healing prayers to you all.
Thinking of you and your fam and wishing you all kinds of badger strength…glad to hear your a little bit more comfortable, but even better to see you tweeting….day at a time…looking forward to next ‘bog post’ …but really looking forward to next lunch. Make it happen!
Hi Michael, we don’t know each other. I’m a friend of Michael Quinn.
I just want to send my best wishes and to let you know I’m praying for
you and your family.
Have to say, Michael is the ‘bestest of the best’ brother-in-laws around. Well, I suppose I do only have one! Nevertheless…!… I can happily confirm, he is indeed a deeply devoted, loving, caring, funny, Dad and Hubby. Not only is he great craic, a creative cook, a cocktail expert, but he is donned with a gift so rare in the O’Connor clan (sorry clan!) – he can sing!!!…AND play music! Has anyone heard him sing to Leona ‘This little Penny’? It’s a real ‘goosebump’ one! Michael, would love to hear and see that act again and show your Belgian niece and nephew the hidden Canadian talent – keep warming those vocals!
During our few days in Toronto, myself and my brothers, Dwayne and Cathal, were profoundly moved by the acts of support and solidarity demonstrated by Leona and Michael’s network of friends and colleagues – there isn’t enough words to say how grateful we are – but thank you for all you’re doing for Michael, our special sister Leona, and their wonderful little family, Charlie, Lily and Ruairi.
Keep up the good spirits Michael. Just keep going. Hugs and cuddles to you all. ‘Til soon, Wen.
Wishing you strength, support and the best of care to get through this.
We met when you generously presented at an IABC/Toronto event several years ago. Your wit, humility and down-to-earth charm, quickly won the audience over. May these assets and others help you fight this awful disease.
This afternoon I’m remembering when AKMA and I traveled to Toronto for a wedding anniversary a while ago. [For those of you unclear about the designated anniversary gift for 23 years, it's a trip to visit the OCC family.] I’m remembering a family walk in the woods and on the beach, laughter and delight, and much love. We are still waiting for you all to come see us.:)
I missed the bus to Facebook av and the Twitter depot so this will have to suffice. Keep swinging – everyone is behind you wishing you strength and thinking fondly of all the good times in your company. Having a beer on your deck last week wasn’t the same. Everyone in Ireland is thinking of you, Leona and the kids and I wish we could stay longer – your grass probably needs another cut!
It lifts our hearts to see you posting and I cannot express strongly enough our gratitude to your community and friends for putting this site together and for the support they have shown.. This network of friends didn’t happen by itself and is a testament to both of you. Don’t think I have eaten as well since I have come home either.
Keep going, much love and we will see you soon. Cathal (the younger twin)
Hi Michael, we are all thinking of you here and wishing you to be well again, stay strong and keep fighting, we love you loads and send all our love & hugs to you, Mandy,Cathal, Chloe and Sophie, xxxx
Michael was one of the people that I met early on in my startup career that gave me a great advice and support.
I was lucky enough to have him as an advisor to BubbleShare, and we were able to share in the rewards together as the venture developed into a profitable success.
I’m so glad there’s a way online to donate and support you Michael … its not surprising you’ve touch and made a difference in the life of many as you have mine!
Good luck with the fight — hang in there, and I’m looking forward to another beer sometime soon!
I met Michael on my first foray as a marketing freelancer going back about 10 years now. I was nervous having to chair a meeting with bigwigs, but somehow I pulled it off. Michael was in the room, and he commended me on my performance afterwards. His kind words gave me an incredible boost of confidence. (Michael, to this day I feel so blessed that you were impressed. I was absolutely quaking in my boots!)
Michael and I kept in touch and spent a few Friday afternoons here and there hanging out at the Bloor Street Diner, getting tipsy and laughing our guts out. Never a dull moment with Michael… smart, funny, and personable to boot. We lost touch for a few years until we had a chance to chat at a Third Tuesday meet. Still the same great guy as always.
Michael, hang in there! We’re all rooting for you. You have a really big fan club.
I was saddened to read about Michael. I heard about him from HARO and Peter Shankman. As a PR guy who used to work for a firm based in Toronto, the story certainly got to me… I’m sure Michael isn’t asking for help this way but people are reaching out to him and that’s great to see. It’s truly touching. I’m happy to donate to his cause. I hope the outpouring of support provides some level of comfort to him and his family. Be well, Michael. We’re pulling for you.
For auction, in aid of my brother Michael and his family, as they support his battle against cancer:-
Two stalls tickets to see Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” in a new production at Glyndebourne Festival Opera, East Sussex, England, on Saturday 21st July 2012.
Bids please, here or by email to gerardclarkeATblackstonechambersDOTcom
Gig of the year: benefit night being held for Michael in O’Connors Star Inn, Valleymount, Co Wicklow (Ireland) on Friday Aug 3rd with music from The Whole Hog and Black Pearl. Tickets available now. Many thanks to Leo, Barry, Linda and all other organisers of the event.
A massive happy anniversary to Michael and Leona. Congratualtions. A lot of wonderful memories flooding back. A great, night, party and wonderful hosts. 19 years fly by in a heartbeat. We loved you then, love you now and all the bits in between. We will mind the five little pennies. Keep strong.
Love Cathal, Mandy and everyone from Valleymount and beyond.
With great sorrow, I have to say that Michael died in St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, on 14th October 2012. His Funeral will be held in Toronto on a date to be confirmed.
Dear Michael: I miss you. Twitter is full of people who love you and miss you. I don’t know anyone who can fill your shoes. These several days since you left us I’ve been wanting to join the myriads sharing their love for you, and their deep appreciation for your influence on their lives. But what can I say? All these twitter friends and colleagues of yours say it so much better. And I know that as sad as I am, so are they all. So what can I say that will do justice to what you have meant to me?
I believe the first time we met was when you arrived in Canada. You came to us with a UK team from a newly acquired software firm. I have such wonderful memories of those days. At the event in your honour in September many of us from that team reunited. I understand that at your farewell on Saturday there will be others. We were like an extended family. Philip Wattleworth came first. You followed. When Leona was following, Philip was so full of stories of you and Leona, your love for her, and how special she is. He was right, and I was blessed to know you both.
We have worked together, and been out of touch, and reconnected. There was a point at which I was one of 3 women on your marketing team. Charlie had recently been born, and we referred to ourselves as Charlie’s Daddy’s Angels! The last time we met was for a coffee in The Beaches in 2006 when I was deciding what my next career step should be. As you always do, you had suggestions, questions, and referrals. Perhaps my most glowing LinkedIn reference is one you wrote for me. I had to read it a few times to make sure it was about me. And it caused me to have greater faith in myself.
Thank you for your humour – always good natured. Thank you for the best roast potatoes ever – cooked and devoured at a Thanksgiving dinner at the Cottage in those early days..
Michael, in the last few weeks you signed a tweet to me: “thanks H.” I know that saved you twitter characters! But I also know that is not why you did it. I had forgotten that that is what you used to call me. I hope I can save that tweet forever. I take that as a very special keepsake of the very special you – just for me. I thank God for the gift of you to this world, to us here in Toronto, and to me.
To my friend Michael, and to his very special Leona.
Jun 27, 2012 @ 18:11:12
Sending you strength and light from the West Coast!
Jun 27, 2012 @ 18:12:04
Sending you all our love and strength..our thoughts are with you!
We will keep you in our prayers.
Lots of love
Vanessa, Sean and Caitlyn (from Germany)
Jun 27, 2012 @ 18:12:42
Wish I had enough to buy you a cure
Unfortunately I don’t think I do, so you’ll have to settle for a pint when you’re done fighting like the fiery Irishman I know you are.
Thinking of you often.
-K
Jun 27, 2012 @ 18:13:25
Hi, I’m a friend of Kieron and just reading about Michael is so upsetting. I want to help. Please let me know as soon as Paypal is set up and I will be so happy to donate to help his family.
I am sharing this website to all of my fb pages and to all of my friends and I know they will help too.
Much love to Michael and his entire family.
Jun 27, 2012 @ 18:14:44
I’m a lawyer in Kingston. Michael mentored me when I interned for him at Cohn & Wolfe back in 2000. I’m willing to do wills in exchange for donations to Michael’s family. Simple will is worth $800 will with Power of Attorney $1000. I know I can do at least 5 for now. Canadian wills only.
Jun 27, 2012 @ 19:18:40
Hello Dawn: thank you so so much for your generosity. We really appreciate your support. We are working on ways that will allow us to receive your generous gift, allow people to buy it at the specified level and receive its value in a donation. We hope to have a mechanism set up to do that next week. You will be hearing back from us very soon.
Thanks for your support and amazing generosity. THANK YOU.
Jun 29, 2012 @ 03:07:09
Many thanks for your very kind offer.
Thanks to all who have said and done such kind things for my brother and his family.
Jun 27, 2012 @ 18:15:34
Hi, I’m Michael’s Dad. For health reasons I can not be with him and the rest of the family in Toronto,and my heart bleeds for him and Leona. Michael, every ounce of strength I’ve got is pouring into you this, and every minute. I Love you son, so much.
Jun 27, 2012 @ 22:05:51
He is my blog brother, my friend, my mentor, my ally, my colleague, and my rockstar. Thank you for setting up this site so we can help him.
Mr. Clarke, we will do our best. You have an amazing son. He has brightened the lives of many, many people. We love him, and we are thinking of Michael and the whole family and sending healing prayers to you all.
Jun 27, 2012 @ 22:50:57
I don’t know you well but your story has touched me. I have seen you at Mass with your family. My prayers are with you all. God bless.
Jun 28, 2012 @ 05:55:19
Much love to all of the O’Connor Clarkes from all of the Quinns. Stay strong. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jun 28, 2012 @ 13:22:00
Hey Michael – thinking about you and Charley … stay strong fella’
Jun 28, 2012 @ 17:49:44
Love, and electric twits, n stuff.
Jun 28, 2012 @ 23:30:31
Thinking of you and your fam and wishing you all kinds of badger strength…glad to hear your a little bit more comfortable, but even better to see you tweeting….day at a time…looking forward to next ‘bog post’
…but really looking forward to next lunch. Make it happen!
Jun 29, 2012 @ 08:52:02
Hi Michael, we don’t know each other. I’m a friend of Michael Quinn.
I just want to send my best wishes and to let you know I’m praying for
you and your family.
Jun 29, 2012 @ 09:52:20
Have to say, Michael is the ‘bestest of the best’ brother-in-laws around. Well, I suppose I do only have one! Nevertheless…!… I can happily confirm, he is indeed a deeply devoted, loving, caring, funny, Dad and Hubby. Not only is he great craic, a creative cook, a cocktail expert, but he is donned with a gift so rare in the O’Connor clan (sorry clan!) – he can sing!!!…AND play music! Has anyone heard him sing to Leona ‘This little Penny’? It’s a real ‘goosebump’ one! Michael, would love to hear and see that act again and show your Belgian niece and nephew the hidden Canadian talent – keep warming those vocals!
During our few days in Toronto, myself and my brothers, Dwayne and Cathal, were profoundly moved by the acts of support and solidarity demonstrated by Leona and Michael’s network of friends and colleagues – there isn’t enough words to say how grateful we are – but thank you for all you’re doing for Michael, our special sister Leona, and their wonderful little family, Charlie, Lily and Ruairi.
Keep up the good spirits Michael. Just keep going. Hugs and cuddles to you all. ‘Til soon, Wen.
Jun 29, 2012 @ 10:34:16
Wishing you strength, support and the best of care to get through this.
We met when you generously presented at an IABC/Toronto event several years ago. Your wit, humility and down-to-earth charm, quickly won the audience over. May these assets and others help you fight this awful disease.
Jul 01, 2012 @ 11:16:36
Michael and Leona,
This afternoon I’m remembering when AKMA and I traveled to Toronto for a wedding anniversary a while ago. [For those of you unclear about the designated anniversary gift for 23 years, it's a trip to visit the OCC family.] I’m remembering a family walk in the woods and on the beach, laughter and delight, and much love. We are still waiting for you all to come see us.:)
Jul 03, 2012 @ 17:35:17
Michael,
I missed the bus to Facebook av and the Twitter depot so this will have to suffice. Keep swinging – everyone is behind you wishing you strength and thinking fondly of all the good times in your company. Having a beer on your deck last week wasn’t the same. Everyone in Ireland is thinking of you, Leona and the kids and I wish we could stay longer – your grass probably needs another cut!
It lifts our hearts to see you posting and I cannot express strongly enough our gratitude to your community and friends for putting this site together and for the support they have shown.. This network of friends didn’t happen by itself and is a testament to both of you. Don’t think I have eaten as well since I have come home either.
Keep going, much love and we will see you soon. Cathal (the younger twin)
Jul 04, 2012 @ 04:39:47
Hi Michael, we are all thinking of you here and wishing you to be well again, stay strong and keep fighting, we love you loads and send all our love & hugs to you, Mandy,Cathal, Chloe and Sophie, xxxx
Jul 04, 2012 @ 21:15:05
Michael was one of the people that I met early on in my startup career that gave me a great advice and support.
I was lucky enough to have him as an advisor to BubbleShare, and we were able to share in the rewards together as the venture developed into a profitable success.
I’m so glad there’s a way online to donate and support you Michael … its not surprising you’ve touch and made a difference in the life of many as you have mine!
Good luck with the fight — hang in there, and I’m looking forward to another beer sometime soon!
Jul 05, 2012 @ 18:24:45
I met Michael on my first foray as a marketing freelancer going back about 10 years now. I was nervous having to chair a meeting with bigwigs, but somehow I pulled it off. Michael was in the room, and he commended me on my performance afterwards. His kind words gave me an incredible boost of confidence. (Michael, to this day I feel so blessed that you were impressed. I was absolutely quaking in my boots!)
Michael and I kept in touch and spent a few Friday afternoons here and there hanging out at the Bloor Street Diner, getting tipsy and laughing our guts out. Never a dull moment with Michael… smart, funny, and personable to boot. We lost touch for a few years until we had a chance to chat at a Third Tuesday meet. Still the same great guy as always.
Michael, hang in there! We’re all rooting for you. You have a really big fan club.
Jul 11, 2012 @ 12:31:26
I was saddened to read about Michael. I heard about him from HARO and Peter Shankman. As a PR guy who used to work for a firm based in Toronto, the story certainly got to me… I’m sure Michael isn’t asking for help this way but people are reaching out to him and that’s great to see. It’s truly touching. I’m happy to donate to his cause. I hope the outpouring of support provides some level of comfort to him and his family. Be well, Michael. We’re pulling for you.
Jul 12, 2012 @ 13:00:20
For auction, in aid of my brother Michael and his family, as they support his battle against cancer:-
Two stalls tickets to see Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” in a new production at Glyndebourne Festival Opera, East Sussex, England, on Saturday 21st July 2012.
Bids please, here or by email to gerardclarkeATblackstonechambersDOTcom
Jul 12, 2012 @ 14:04:45
Win Glyndebourne Tickets by auction!
See more detailed posting, below.
Jul 13, 2012 @ 02:18:56
Or even, above.
Jul 26, 2012 @ 15:24:39
Gig of the year: benefit night being held for Michael in O’Connors Star Inn, Valleymount, Co Wicklow (Ireland) on Friday Aug 3rd with music from The Whole Hog and Black Pearl. Tickets available now. Many thanks to Leo, Barry, Linda and all other organisers of the event.
Sep 03, 2012 @ 17:02:26
A massive happy anniversary to Michael and Leona. Congratualtions. A lot of wonderful memories flooding back. A great, night, party and wonderful hosts. 19 years fly by in a heartbeat. We loved you then, love you now and all the bits in between. We will mind the five little pennies. Keep strong.
Love Cathal, Mandy and everyone from Valleymount and beyond.
Sep 12, 2012 @ 09:28:14
Michael is fighting on. Please keep him in your thoughts.
Sep 14, 2012 @ 10:59:28
Love and prayers from the Fireman Family in Montreal. You are always in our thoughts.
Sep 30, 2012 @ 03:23:42
Please keep on rooting for Michael. Stop by his Twitter page and cheer him up.
Oct 03, 2012 @ 14:38:25
Thinking of you every day my dear brother – prayers for you, Leonna and the kids. Hope to see you back on twitter soon!
Oct 15, 2012 @ 10:01:37
With great sorrow, I have to say that Michael died in St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, on 14th October 2012. His Funeral will be held in Toronto on a date to be confirmed.
Thanks for all support and kind wishes.
Oct 16, 2012 @ 14:38:34
Funeral details:-
http://sherrinfuneral.sharingmemories.ca/siteContent/memorial.html?personId=228280&source=memlist
Alternatively within facebook:-
Look for this page – Memorial for Michael O’Connor Clarke
Many thanks for all your support to the family over this difficult time.
Oct 18, 2012 @ 22:42:02
Dear Michael: I miss you. Twitter is full of people who love you and miss you. I don’t know anyone who can fill your shoes. These several days since you left us I’ve been wanting to join the myriads sharing their love for you, and their deep appreciation for your influence on their lives. But what can I say? All these twitter friends and colleagues of yours say it so much better. And I know that as sad as I am, so are they all. So what can I say that will do justice to what you have meant to me?
I believe the first time we met was when you arrived in Canada. You came to us with a UK team from a newly acquired software firm. I have such wonderful memories of those days. At the event in your honour in September many of us from that team reunited. I understand that at your farewell on Saturday there will be others. We were like an extended family. Philip Wattleworth came first. You followed. When Leona was following, Philip was so full of stories of you and Leona, your love for her, and how special she is. He was right, and I was blessed to know you both.
We have worked together, and been out of touch, and reconnected. There was a point at which I was one of 3 women on your marketing team. Charlie had recently been born, and we referred to ourselves as Charlie’s Daddy’s Angels! The last time we met was for a coffee in The Beaches in 2006 when I was deciding what my next career step should be. As you always do, you had suggestions, questions, and referrals. Perhaps my most glowing LinkedIn reference is one you wrote for me. I had to read it a few times to make sure it was about me. And it caused me to have greater faith in myself.
Thank you for your humour – always good natured. Thank you for the best roast potatoes ever – cooked and devoured at a Thanksgiving dinner at the Cottage in those early days..
Michael, in the last few weeks you signed a tweet to me: “thanks H.” I know that saved you twitter characters! But I also know that is not why you did it. I had forgotten that that is what you used to call me. I hope I can save that tweet forever. I take that as a very special keepsake of the very special you – just for me. I thank God for the gift of you to this world, to us here in Toronto, and to me.
To my friend Michael, and to his very special Leona.
Heather Percy (aka “H”)