With countless heavy hearts, we announce that Joseph Paul Lionel Michel Monast, who always preferred to be called “Miguel,” left us on Thursday February 18,2021. Leaving behind Bill Gregory Terlecki, and nine living siblings :Jean Pierre & wife Denise Monast from Bertierville, QC, Marie Pierrette Monast Helmers from Thorold, ON, Bernard & wife Georgette Monast from Granby, QC, Joseph Richard Monast from Waddell, Arizona, Marie Louise and husband Joseph Soueid from St-Hubert QC, Sister Marie Lucie Monast, SSTV from Norwalk , CT, Jacques and wife Maureen Monast from Ontario, Francois and wife Nicole from St. Telesphore, QC, Marie Octavie Monast from Brantford, ON and Nephews and Nieces. Gregory’s mother Beatrice Elaine, his sisters Janice Terlecki, and Nancy Ann Henstra and her husband Peter, and his beloved guide dog Tommy Boy. Predeceased parents Jean Paul Monast and Marie Paule Dion-Bouchard and baby Norbert Monast,
The Knights of Columbus of Tottenham also lost a Brother Knight. Miguel was a fourth degree Knight, having done much work as chef de cuisine for fundraising dinners, corn roasts and fundraisings for the community.
Born June 08, 1950 in Montreal, the family moved to Windsor, and returned to Quebec, where Miguel’s schooling was completed. Very determined to succeed – and with no help from anyone, Miguel set out on his own in his mid-teens, beginning a nursing career working with victims of Thalidomide. At this time at fifteen, he had always been mesmerized by the pipe organs in churches. Praying to somehow learn and master the complex instruments, Miguel’s mathematical mind, talented hands – and feet, found another natural talent. His vow to play for the rest of his life if he could learn, soon came true. Aside from being the church organist in many locations, he jumped at the chance to try out those in foreign countries when visiting, and was most especially proud of having played on J.S. Bach’s organ in Europe.
Not one to gather moss, Miguel soon headed south for New Orleans to study and become a registered nurse. Working at Southern Baptist Hospital, locals called him “Speedy Gonzalez” as they were not accustomed to someone zipping through halls and multi-tasking in such heat and humidity. One of Miguel’s favorite stories was in taking the bus to work there in times when segregation was still present. Sitting at the back with African-Americans, they would often comment: “Hey brother, are you colored blind? You should be sitting up with your people.” Miguel had no prejudice. Returning to Montreal to work at Notre Dame Hospital through the early seventies as a surgical technician, his spiritual calling took him to study as a monk at St. Benoit du Lac in QC as a Benedictine novice. There, he assisted in everything from the cheese and apple cider manufacturing, to digging the graves by hand for the departed monks in the cold rains of November. Sitting for long periods in prayer and contemplation were difficult for “little Miguel,” who preferred to always be doing something physical and challenging, and to fly up and down stone stairways and halls rather than move in slow footsteps. Lacking “Monastic gravity” as was put, Miguel returned to Montreal, inspired by the career of the future: “Flying!”
In 1973, he had a choice of five airlines to work for. His inner voice told him to go with Air Canada, and he did: the other four are long defunct. At his interviews, he did not think he had a chance: perhaps his French-Canadian accent, or lack of height and something amiss in “looks” compared to the highly groomed swagger of other males waiting to be seen and hired, were Miguel’s wrongly perceived self-doubts. Upon entering, his researched answers to questions, eagerness, experience in nursing, bilingualism, and greatest gift of gab and charm, left him with only one tiny set-back. So impressed with the interview, when standing on the scale, but a bit under height, Miguel was told to “stretch” and success was had. His career began at the end of the propellor age of Viscounts and Vanguards, and carried on through the DC’s, Jumbos, L 10-11’s and beyond. Miguel was proud to have worked among the very first passenger flights to Cuba, including one trip with Prime Minister P.E. Trudeau. In the 80’s he worked the first Globals to India and Singapore. In those days of true First-Class service of rolled parchment menus, Hi-Temp oven roast beef dinners and silverware, Miguel often recalled notable people who were his passengers as he worked his way up to Purser and Service Director in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver bases: Richard Burton – who asked Miguel “Which language would you prefer me to speak?”; Liza Minelli; many politicians such as Former P.M. Diefenbaker; and a very candid and informally relaxed Queen Mother.
While flying during these years from the mid to late 1970’s, Miguel took on a very harried business when he bought Holiday Flowers in the Holiday Inn complex of Toronto’s New City Hall. Building it back up to profit, his nights off were spent driving to the flower clock in Milton, jamming stock in a very tiny Simca car, arranging them and handling sales, public relations, and deliveries. “Sell at peak” was always a mantra of Miguel, and that he did. Soon, on the first day of summer in 1979, Miguel and Gregory met – and more chapters were about to be written for the next forty-one-plus years.
Soon, living in a penthouse downtown was no place for their menagerie of cats, tropical birds and plants, and raising peacocks, chickens, and hatching quail eggs in incubators – and sneaking such disguised stock up crowded elevators. The call of the dirt beckoned as “Greener Acres” were soon on the horizon.
A few acres in Thornhill was only months later, replaced by their larger venture into farming in Beeton, where in 1982, they built a large barn, including 100 feet lengths of hand-nailed double“W” roof trusses. “If you can’t do the work, you can’t do the time.” Push it was, with a new 5000 hen-brown eggs quota business, supplying Bob Jackson’s IGA’s and many stores and restaurants from Barrie to downtown Toronto – on top of his flying, and Gregory’s work as Assistant Service Co-ordinator for VIA Rail on board services: “The Canadian.”
With the lure of well-priced real estate after the EXPO ’86 slump, they sold their farm and headed for the next chapter in British Columbia.
Buying a west coast rambling home and horse acreage, they turned it into a bed & breakfast dude ranch in Aldergrove, B.C. That same year, it was flipped, and the real hard work was to begin: designing the “Hillron” built “Eque Pacific Centre,” one of the Lower Mainland’s largest equestrian centres at 55,000 square feet indoor – 200 feet long free span dressage specs. Holding many Western, jumping, carriage and dressage shows, they also held the Fraser Valley Cadora’s, Paso-Fino, Appaloosa, etc. shows, and European dressage clinician clinics. Taking an interest in driving, Miguel took on the challenge of a hopeless case, the unmanageable black stallion “Kenya,” who had been housed in a tractor trailer. Soon, he was a pussy cat, and pulled Miguel along on a set of tires and chains delta across the outdoor ring while being steered to understanding that work – and discipline, was actually going to be fun.
In the 1980’s, the Olympic Committee would not allow the using of a “Gay-Olympics” name for sports events in rotating countries. They became known as: “The Gay Games.”
In searching for a venue for the logistics, Miguel and Gregory submitted their venue for the Western pleasure, trail, barrel racing, and highly competitive dressage categories. “Celebration ‘90” was then, the first, and only time any horse events were ever carried out at a Gay Games. Participants and spectators came from California, Colorado, Washington, Alberta and other western locals that August. The closing ceremony and BBQ at home for the several hundred was followed by a capacity crowd Pacific Place Stadium closing ceremony with Sven Robinson and entertainment by Long John Baldry and others. As a note of the times, acceptance of the Games and people involved met with much resistance and anger, including neighbors calling the police saying they wanted “no such people and horses in our area.” Despite such stresses, they pushed on. With few businesses willing to sponsor – a big part of sports, Miguel and Gregory were always grateful for the two main ones who did up front: Air Canada and Safeway. Even finding responsible journalism to cover it on the news was scarce: local cable 3, and CBC news jumped at the chance with Ian Hanomansing delivering the news as it is done with all. With a 1995 sale of the 20 acre venue, “The Beeton Boys” as they were known, returned east to St Lazare de Vaudreuil, Quebec, where one of the most tender memories was sleeping in the barn at night waiting for a mare to foal out, and deliver a new life into the world. Having returned to Quebec to be there for Miguel’s parents, upon their passing, Miguel then passed that honor to Gregory when after his father’s passing, they sold and moved – back to Beeton.
Through all these years, Miguel always found time to be “everyone’s chef,” and gave a hundred-fold of himself in feeding anyone who came through his door. He was always the last one to sit and eat, often not getting much unfortunately, as little of his international cuisine was left. He helped faltering restaurants, fed countless families, delivered meals, tended to so many sick and lonely people, talked hours on the phone to now far-away friends – and never could say “No.” when asked to help. As he so often said: “It’s not what you did, but what you didn’t do.”
In 2019, Gregory made the dream film of his life as an ACTRA Member, producing, writing and directing the award winning featurette. As Co-Producer, Miguel touched the hearts of cast and crew, also acting as the Chef de Cuisine and acting mentor. There was just never enough time for Miguel to do all possibilities that life held out on those many branches. Most importantly though, he was always there for us. Unknown to many, Miguel struggled with ever increasing blindness. With a botched cornea transplant, and only 5 percent vision in his other eye, Miguel used what little sight he had at 100%. All of his music was memorized, no matter how complicated. He played his music using the peddles and directed his choirs at his devotedly loved churches including St. Francis and St. James. This special human being is already greatly missed …but we know that he is now looking upon us. May he repose in God’s Eternal Presence.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. James Church Colgan on Wednesday February 24, 2021, at 11:30am. Followed by interment in St. James Cemetery. Following pandemic protocols all attendees must wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth, respect social distancing requirements, and should only attend if they do not have a fever, cough, or any Covid symptoms.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home Tottenham 905-936-3477. The Funeral Mass will be recorded and posted to the Rod Abrams Funeral Home Facebook page for those who wish to view from the safety and convenience of your own home. It will be available from Thursday February 25 until Thursday March 4. Please click here to be taken to the Facebook page video.
Everyone is encouraged to show support to Miguel’s family by leaving tributes, memories, and condolences at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Sandra Lymperis says
Oh, Miguel, just a thin veil separates you from us now.
Ashley Mills says
Hi Gregory, I’m so sorry to hear of Miguel’s passing. I will always remember him in the fondest way, playing the organ and telling us of his many adventures.
Know that my prayers are with you.
Frank Haley says
My sincere condolences to all the Monnast family and to you Greg. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Frank Haley
Iolanda Salera Hoffmann says
Miguel is with God now. He will be missed and treasured in our hearts. Miguel left complete this world. God gave him such a wonderful love, Gregory, to spend his lie with. We will miss him immensely. May God help you through this difficult period. We are blessed to have known Miguel.
Love always. Rest in peace Miguel!!!!
Dianna and scott seeler says
A beautiful tribute! With sincere sympathy and love to your family in this difficult time.
David Aitoro says
I know Miguel is in a wonderful place with our God. I am sorry for you and all his big family and so many friends (me too) that he has left us so soon. That life story was amazing – there was so much he accomplished and gave so much of himself to others. I don’t know where to begin – it will give us lots to talk about once we can be together again.
And all the horse and sporting activities – wow. He was a true renaissance man!
I hope you are well. May God grant you and your loved ones peace and comfort during this difficult time. I will keep Miguel in my prayers and ask him to help watch over us all. And to get ready so that when we are together someday in heaven, we can finally have that Italian Sauce cook-off he and I had such fun speaking of.
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you always. Thanks for sharing his story with me.
David
David Aitoro says
I know Miguel is in a wonderful place with our God. I am sorry for you and all his big family and so many friends (me too) that he has left us so soon. That life story was amazing – there was so much he accomplished and gave so much of himself to others. I don’t know where to begin – it will give us lots to talk about once we can be together again.
And all the horse and sporting activities – wow. He was a true renaissance man!
I hope you are well. May God grant you and your loved ones peace and comfort during this difficult time. I will keep Miguel in my prayers and ask him to help watch over us all. And to get ready so that when we are together someday in heaven, we can finally have that Italian Sauce cook-off he and I had such fun speaking of.
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you always. Thanks for sharing his story with me.
David
David Aitoro says
I know Miguel is in a wonderful place with our God. I am sorry for you and all his big family and so many friends (me too) that he has left us so soon. That life story was amazing – there was so much he accomplished and gave so much of himself to others. I don’t know where to begin – it will give us lots to talk about once we can be together
And all the horse and sporting activities – wow. He was a true renaissance man!
I hope you are well. May God grant you and your loved ones peace and comfort during this difficult time. I will keep Miguel in my prayers and ask him to help watch over us all. And to get ready so that when we are together someday in heaven, we can finally have that Italian Sauce cook-off he and I had such fun speaking of.
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you always. Thanks for sharing his story with me.
David
Barb and David Bricknell says
Sorry to hear of Miguel’s passing. He was a kind man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barb, David and Family
John Dickson says
Billy, I’m so sorry to hear about Miguel’s passing.
I have so many fond memories of you both as our friends and neighbors on the 9th line and as a young man later in life. I learned so many life lessons from you both that I’m not even sure you knew you were teaching me.
Miguel was possibly the most caring, compassionate, generous soul I’ve ever met in my 46 years on earth. He would stop to help anyone or anything from a suffering animal or person to a neighbor who needed assistance.
Miguel knew so many skills there’s not enough room to list them.
I’m so thankful for the time I got to spend with you both and Tara and I are also incredibly blessed you both were able to attend our wedding in 2012. My only regret is I hadn’t seen you guys for a few years.
Billy, stay strong and remember the incredible life you two had together. A life that most people wouldn’t see in 10 lifetimes.
I hope to see you soon my friend.
Je T’Aime!
Kethrine Hinds says
I Wil remember Miguel at times .He was a people person Whenever he come to Connecticut he would play the organ at Nore Dame Health and Rehab Everyone both staff and residents loved him He would always visit staff and jokes with them I miss him He was my special friend.Was glad to have a chat with him before he died Earth has lost a friend and heaven have gain an angelSleep on my friend
Karen Acres says
Miguel was a man of great integrity, humility, kindness, devotion, and depth. Always thinking , and doing for others. We will miss his dynamic ways , the laughter, long chats, and thoughtfulness. Miguel’s unwavering commitment and love for you Billy was steadfast, throughout your 42 years together. An amazing journey for you both .
Our thoughts, and prayers go out to Miguel’s family and to Billy’s.
Miguel will continue to live on in our hearts. And we can be sure he’s watching all of us from above.
Lisa Stewart says
So very sadden and shocked to hear of Miguel’s passing. He was one of a kind and will be deeply be missed. My condolences to you Billy and family.
Brigitte Bry sur marne /St André les Vergers says
Que Miguel soit en paix dans le ciel. Il y retrouve ses très chers parents
Il a parcouru un superbe chemin sur terre, avec comme mot d’ordre, le “don”…
Mes très sincères condoléances à son conjoint et à toute la famille. En union de prières avec vous tous. Amitié
Tanya & DJ Muir says
We were so saddened to hear of Miguel’s passing. He had such a zest for life and always made you smile. He was a man with many talents. What an adventurous life he had lived. Our deepest condolences to you Billy and your family. He will be dearly missed.
Daniel L Fraser says
The 24th of February 2021
À la mémoire de Miguel.
De: Daniel Fraser
Miguel and I never met in person as adults.
J’ai connu Miguel quand nous étions tout jeunes. When I met him we lived in Windsor, Ont. around 1960.
C’est grâce à ma mère que je suis venu à connaître toute la famille Monast. My mom was introduced to the Monast parents at a French Cultural Club in the Windsor area.
Les années ont passé. My brother Jacques got in touch with Miguel in Vaudreuil, Qc. Moi je demeurais à Capreol avec ma petite famille dans la région de Sudbury, Ont. Jacques me tenait au courant des nouvelles et des réussites de Miguel.
Over the years, my mom kept in touch with the news of the whole Monast Family.
En 2016, ma mère est décédée tragiquement d’un accident de route. She was not lucky: she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Les Monast ont montré beaucoup de compassion à notre égard.
My step father wanted a Memorial Ceremony in Montreal. Charles voulait donner la chance aux gens qui vivaient au Canada de pouvoir venir. It is at that time I really got to know Miguel better. Nous avons parlé plusieurs fois par téléphone. He wanted so much to play the organ for my Mom’s ceremony. I remember he would say: Daniel don’t worry I will take care of it, I have experience, I have done this many times.
Quelques semaines avant la cérémonie, il m’a annoncé qu’il se sentait très mal. He was so sorry that he could not make it for the ceremony in Montreal. C’était le temps pour lui de subir son entraînement avec son chien-aidant. To eased my « tristesse » he would talk to me about his past trips to see my Mom in Florida. We talked for not just a few minutes. Il a touché bien des sujets durant cette conversation. At the end of our conversation, he said Ginette and you will have to come to my place and meet Guillaume; he is the nicest guy I know! I will make you a meal you will not forget. He was hospitable and very friendly.
Miguel était un homme sympathique qui avait une forte confiance en lui-même. I met him when he was very young and I wish we could have met as adults. But it was not to be, maybe in another life.
Mes sympathies and my condolences.
RIP Miguel
Daniel
Christina Taylor says
My heartfelt sympathy as everyone remembers Miguel, celebrating his unique and wonderful life. Gentle hugs to you Billy Love Cousin Chrissy
Gail Morgan says
My sincere condolences to Greg and family. I always enjoyed listening to Miguel playing the organ at Mass.
Regina & Peter Stumpf says
Always remember Miguel as a happy person. He was always so generous with his time, talents and love of life! We will miss his big smile.
Charles & Mary Keller says
Our deepest sympathy to Sister Lucie and all the Monast family on the passing of Miguel.
We met Miguel at Notre Dame in Norwalk, Connecticut when he visited Sister Lucie and we enjoyed his musical abilities.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Joanne Russell says
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend of 30 years. Miguel was a person who cared deeply for other people. He was always concerned and ready to help,putting the needs of others before those of himself.
He was a wonderful chef. We had many meals together. He also was a great lover of animals – not only horses, but also dogs and birds. A great thank you to his beloved Tommy Boy who took such good care of him for the last 3 years.
We had much fun at Eque Pacific – he was a knowledgeable horseman, fun to be with and was always ready to assist. He took great care in looking after the horses and his riding centre. I miss those times.
All of this he did not do alone. Billy, his wonderful lifelong partner was by his side. What a life you had together! And Billy, Miguel loved you so much.
Miguel I will miss you and will love you always. Rest in peace my dear friend. Billy stay strong. I love you and will always be here
if you need me. Our friendship will stay strong.
Diane and André Levac says
We are so deeply sorry for your loss Billy. Our hearts are heavy with grief and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Miguel was a wonderful friend to our entire family. The boys always enjoyed your visits, the wonderful food and will always remember the fun lining up as teenagers during our parties to get their palms read. He was so patient and encouraging to them all.
We will always remember how compassionate and gentle he cared for my mother when she fell at our home. He had her all cleaned up and bandaged before we left for the hospital. At the hospital I was so distraught and panicked but Miguel had everything under control. The doctor said, “the daughter needs to leave but the son can stay”. Miguel just winked at me and assured me that everything would be okay.
I remember going to your house in St-Lazare to bake my chocolate Oblivion cake with him. He just measured with his hand, no measuring cups, threw in an extra egg and a splash of this it that, as I warned him that this cake was very delicate, and he needed to follow my instructions. When he was done, his cake was twice the height that mine ever was! He loved to tease me about that.
He was one of a kind and we loved him very much.
He will be remembered forever in our hearts.
Jinjee Garrick says
I have a heavy heart for my dear friend Gregory Terlecki who has lost an incredible life partner. I know you are strong, my friend, and I pray you allow the tears to flow before you pick up and go on with your life. I am always here if you want to talk. ❤️
Jacqueline & Jay Mangan says
Our deepest sympathies to Gregory and the Monast family. We have short but beautiful memories of Miguel playing the organ in Saint-Thomas Aquinas, in Hudson, Quebec. Thank you again for the biggest turkey we ever had for Thanksgiving, which you raised and gave us with such generosity. May you be rewarded tenfold in heaven for all the good you have done to all people who have met you! May we be able to follow just a tiny part of the man you have been on earth! God bless you!
Suzanne Brunelle says
Je suis attérée et boulversée par cette terrible nouvelle. Miguel était un ami très cher. En ce moment difficile je t’offre mes sincères condoléances Gregory ainsi qu’à la famille de Miguel et je partage votre peine il restera à jamais dans mon cœur.
Mille fois mercis pour l’exceptionnelle eulogie
Demitrios & Nicole Kyriakoulias family says
My words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel after learning about the death of Miguel. Nothing can ever replace the amazing person I knew Miguel to be. He was full of love, knowledge and grace.
My children are greatly saddened and will miss your presence but will never forget you or the advice you have given them. We love you. You will always be in our prayers.
Our deepest condolences to Billy whom Miguel always had beautiful words to say about you. You were a wonderful partner who he loved so much.
It is indeed sad to part ways with someone so sincere.
Rest in Paradise and be with God.
Love Always
Demitrios, Nicole, Andrew, Evangelos and Vivian Kyriakoulias
Richard Rolfe says
Gregory, I met you and Miguel at St. Timothy Church at your Knights First Degree ceremony.
I also met you prior to that at my sisters wedding, Diane Levac and Andre Levac. Our family remembers the tender care he gave our mother when she fell down the basement stairs at Diane’s home.
Having met Miguel only twice, nevertheless he left a lasting impression. What a brilliant, kind and talented man. I’m so sorry to learn of his passing. May the Angels carry his soul to heaven and May he bask in God’s eternal light.
Brenda Laird & family says
Gregory, we are sorry to hear that Miguel passed. I remember great times when all were in the choir at St James,
Miguel at the Organ and us singing away! I will not forget those beautiful times, love in my heart!
Our Prayers are with you and the family….
Brenda & Joseph
Diane & Jeff Ramos says
Miguel – we will miss your smile, your big heart and your kindness to others. Miguel was a positive – happy person that drew people and strangers to him. He was very much liked by the community and had many friends. Miguel was an educator – like a book of wisdom. If we ever had an issue it was “Call Miguel”. The children will miss you – we miss you so much. Thank You for being my very close friend. Thank You for being there for my family and being part of our family. I am sad – I miss the happy morning phone calls. I will miss your stories and your love. With heavy hearts – you will always be remembered and never forgotten. When I go back to church – it won’t be the same – your seat at the organ will be empty. Thank you for being a part of our lives. Our condolences to Billy – a very loving a caring partner. We are very sorry Billy – Miguel will be watching over you. May he rest in peace.
Love, Diane & Jeff Ramos.
DIANNE SMITH says
Where do I begin of what kind of human being Miguel was? He was a one of a kind original, down to earth wonderful man. I knew Miguel from the post office and we became friends very quickly. Always very grateful for a helping hand filling out forms and just chatting about his extraordinary life with Bill. Our hearts are broken, from my family to his friends at the post office. We will miss you so much Miguel, the pleasure was all ours. Bill, if you ever need a friend close by you have many at the local PO. Our deepest condolences to you and your family
Francine monast says
Mes plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille ainsi qu’à son conjoint je pense a vous toutes et tous mes prières vous accompagnent bon voyage a toi Michel
Guy Beaulieu says
I was Miguel supervisor when he was based in Vancouver as a Service Director.
I remember him as a perfectionist. He loved his job and made sure all his passengers received top notch service on each and every flight he operated.
He often came to see me after his long duty day to discuss some concerns or ways to improve the service on board. He was passionate about his work like everything he did.
He invited me and my family to his home and cooked delicious meals for us. He let my son ride one of his horses and he enjoyed watching him so happy to be on a horse. His first time.
We were prepared to go visit him and Greg this coming summer after they invited us several times but this time we decided that no matter how busy we were we would go visit him because we were made aware of his deteriorating health.
May he rest in peace. His suffering is over. I know that he will be terribly missed by all those who got to know him because he was such a loveable individual.
Be strong Greg. You are not only in our prayers but we are also available if you need to talk to someone.
Hal & Madelyn Rutledge says
Dear Greg & all the Monast family
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Anna salera says
I was saddened to hear that Miguel passed away. What an amazing person and what a remarkable life.
My deepest sympathies to the family. My prayers are with you,Billy and the family
Rose Gibson says
Shocked to hear of Miguel’s passing. He was always friendly and so very generous to his church community and beyond. Sincere sympathies to
Gregory (Billy), Beatrice and the Monast family. Rest in peace Miguel. The Gibson’s
Camille Andreozzi says
My deepest sympathy to Gregory, Sr.Lucie and the Monast family. I remember Miguel fondly when he would visit Connecticut and keep my husband company at Notre Dame Convalescent Home. He had a wonderful life. May he rest with the angels.
MC Dagenais says
Mes sincères sympathies à toute la famille. J’ai toujours bien aimé mes conversations avec Miguel lorsqu’il venait au gym à Tottenham! C’était un vrai bon homme avec une joie de vivre qui était contagieuse!
Jean Pierre et Denise Monast says
Repose en paix mon frère Michel. Tu vas nous manquer. J’aurais toujours une penser pour toi dans mes prières. Merci pour tout ce que tu a fait.
Connie Toft says
Heartbreaking to hear of Miguel’s passing. He was a force to be wrecked with. Always there for anyone who needed it. He was always a shoulder to lean on and had great word of wisdom. Rest easy Miguel you will be sorely missed.
My condolences to Billy and Miguel’s family and friends
Susan Reisenburg says
Miguel, there are not enough words to express my deep sadness in hearing of your passing. My friend I miss you and your phone calls terribly. I am so blessed to have had you in my life. The joys we had cooking, talking and most of all laughing will stay with me always. You were loved. Hugs.
Ginny Cathcart says
We are so very sorry to hear of Miguel’s passing. He was truly a lovely human being. Our times spent with him were always meaningful and filled with much joy and wonder. I always learned something new. Holding you Gregory and family in our hearts and prayers. Ginny & Ivor Cathcart
Marie-Pierrette Monast-Helmers says
Miguel, a name he liked to be called upon, but Michel was his given name, had a generous soul with a very special personality. He enjoyed giving advice to anyone who approached him. Miguel was a Walking Encyclopedia ; his brains were orderly classified like a filing cabinet. Miguel could see without actually seeing with his eyes. He felt the auras of people around him. You will be terribly missed. Our conversations are over, but I will not ceased to pray for your soul, and asking Our Good Lord to reward you for your charity and for the love you had for your neighbor. With much love from your big sister.
May eternal peace be granted to you for ever , my little brother.
Pat Matthews says
I met Miguel when visiting with dear friend Marie. Miguel so gifted with his music, knowledge of different things of the world and faith. He was such a caring and loving person. I was Blessed to have met such a wonderful man. Miguel touch my heart.
His soul will be granted eternal peace in everlasting life for sure. My deepest sympathy goes out to Marie and family.
Nathalie Gauthier says
You will be missed terribly by all of us. I am thankful that I got to learn a few things from you dear uncle. Je t’aime beaucoup.
LYNDA THAIN says
I extend my deepest sympathy to Gregory and all the Monast Family,Miguel welcomed me to the SAINT JAMES CHOIR when I moved to Tottenham , He was friendly &dedicated to his Ministry of Music at Saint James Church in Colgan,He will be greatly missed,May his soul be granted eternal peace in everlasting life.Lynda Thain,
Don Semple says
I met Miguel and Billy while working at the IGA in Tottenham. They were amazing. They were fun. They were great people. Miguel and I had chats through the time I worked at the store. He had some great insights for me. He was wonderful had caring and sharing his strengths.
RIP Miguel. I know you will be sorely missed.
Marie Louise Monast says
MICHEL OU MIGUEL
S’il y a un seul mot qui décrit si bien mon frère, il est celui de « MUSIQUE ». Musique comme son parcours d’émotion qui se perpétue dans le temps et l’espace. Musique comme ses dix doigts qui se glissaient sur les claviers des orgues ici et ailleurs.
Oui, ailleurs… car au cœur de ma tourmente se cache l’espoir. Au cœur de mon espoir se trouve le courage. Mon courage est ce long fleuve sur lequel naviguent mes rêves… ceux de te revoir et de faire de la musique ensemble encore et encore.
Je suis consciente des rechutes qui me replongent dans ma profonde peine. Mais, tendrement, le temps guérira ma peine. Doucement, la compassion d’autrui soulagera ma douleur. Subtilement, mon deuil cédera un peu de place à la paix.
Je sais qu’il y a un pont d’amour qui relie le Ciel à la Terre où chaque souvenir qui traverse se mue en douce musique chantant ton nom dans mon cœur. Je sais aussi que la mort nous a cruellement séparés l’un de l’autre. Mais pour l’instant présent, apprends-moi à vivre mon ici et maintenant. Apprends-moi, je t’en supplie, cette grande leçon de la vie qui est le lâcher-prise… l’amour inconditionnel.
Le véritable amour déploie des ailes pour libérer et non des mains pour emprisonner. Alors, envole-toi dans les plus hautes sphères des cieux, mon cher frère. Envole-toi vers la musique…
Je t’aime tant…
Ta petite sœur, Marie Lou
Catherine says
I will miss our talks and our visits my friend, you were so wise and I will always wish we had more time, to our friend Billy, my deepest condolences and we are here always love you both x
J. Richard Monast, Ph. D. says
Miguel was a very multi-talented person who will be missed by all. May he rest in heavenly peace and eternal life with all the Angels and Saints.
Norma Wilkinson says
The talent and loving care that you and Miguel shared was an example to us all.The loss you feel Greg is shared by everyone who had the pleasure and privilege to call Miguel a friend.May our heavenly Father guide and protect you in this painful time with the knowledge that Miguel now shares his music with an angelic choir.
Jodie Guillemette says
What a fascinating and fulfilling life Miguel had. Miguel was always so nice and caring. St.James Parish was blessed to have him play the organ for so many years…our sincerest sympathies to you Gregory and to all the family. Jodie and Tom from St.James Parish
Jim and Sharon Garbutt says
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Miguel’s passing. Our sincere sympathy to Greg and all the family. We will miss Miguel’s energy and caring.
Janie Gregg says
Dearest Billy, so sorry to hear of Miguel’s passing. Always meant to visit you in Beeton, but never got round to it. What fun we used to have in Tottenham IGA. Never forget when you surprised me with 2 dozen yellow carnations and 2 single Red Roses when I was pregnant. Lois, Thelma and I came out to the farm for lunch and you were such gracious hosts. You will miss him terribly my heart is broken for you. Please know we are thinking about you at this sad time. What a life you have to remember! Bless you, hugs…..
Sisters of Saint Thomas of Villanova says
On the behalf of the Mother General and all the Sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Thomas of Villanova , sympathy and prayers. Our thoughts and affection to the Family in this very difficult time.
May Miguel ret in Peace.