Obituary of Michael Stephen Patrick Nelligan
Nelligan, Michael Stephen Patrick
Michael Stephen Patrick Nelligan passed unexpectedly while enroute to Victoria Hospital, on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in his 74th year. Treasured husband of Kimberly Nelligan (nee O’Brien) for nearly 16 years. Beloved father of Meaghan Rivard (nee Nelligan) (Justin “Sunshine” Rivard), Brianna Butcher (Joey Adamou), and Alicia Butcher. Proud “Mikey” to his cherished grandson Mackenzie (or Z-Man) and adopter of all the cats, especially his favourite KC and Mojo. Predeceased by his mother Elizabeth (Betty) Nelligan (nee Hearn), father Stephen (Steve) Nelligan, and brother Philip (Flip) Nelligan. Mike will be missed by his family and many friends across North America and beyond.
A talented photojournalist specializing in open wheel racing, specifically Sprint Car and NASCAR, Mike was a man of many professions and passions through which he cultivated lifelong friendships (and rivalries). From his days as a satellite dish salesman, conveniently funding his own home purchase of a commercial sized dish, to his work on the 3M hockey team, managing Call the Office and Champs Sports Bar, operating the Family Fun Park in Owosso, Michigan, bartending at the Western Fair, and later being an Operations Manager with PowerTrain, Mike’s skillset was diverse and always people focused. Beyond his many careers, Mike was an athlete and fierce competitor both qualities he inherited from his mother. From his father, he learned kindness and love for animals. He excelled at hockey, softball, tennis, and golf, all of which were a means to widen his social network and compete. In his later years, his favourite season was football season.
Known to many as MSPN, Mike was a talented writer and notorious for his witty banter. He travelled the world and found joy in making people laugh through any means necessary. He was fiercely proud of his children, often jokingly taking credit for their positive qualities and selectively ignoring their negative ones. Perhaps his softest spot was reserved for his grandson. Many conversations were had about making sure his “best little buddy Mack” played sports just for fun; a new concept for the man known to play to win in everything he did.
Mike had so much love in his heart for his many friends and family, but none as strong as the love he shared with his kind, caring, and compassionate wife Kim. As he often said, he “hit the jackpot” when he met Kim, a fact that would ring true throughout their decades long love.
He was as passionate as he was stubborn, ultimately leaving this world on his own terms joking with emergency responders to whom we will forever be thankful. A Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Joe Kool’s, 595 Richmond Street, London, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the SALT Rescue Organization (CLICK HERE) would be very much appreciated.
