Obituary of Michael George Wilmot

WILMOT, MICHAEL G.

Oct 3, 1952 – March 30, 2019

That deep smooth voice…those rugged good looks… the hair that defied age.  Michael Wilmot had star quality; a brainiac with warm charm and comedic wit, part wise businessman and bigger part prankish Peter Pan, his playful spirit drew us in and his strong integrity and kind, loyal nature kept us close and captivated.

Michael will forever hold residence in the heart of his true love, Lynda Martens (London psychotherapist and fellow playwright), and in the memories of her children (Lara and Ryan Coward, Justin and Lindsay Martens, Lucas and Chelsea Martens) and grandchildren he adored (Everleigh, Shae, Lincoln, Brynlee, and Isla). He was their loving, guitar playing Papa, who let them paint his feet and put his hair in pigtails.

Michael’s beloved parents Fred and Doreen Wilmot have gone before him, and his treasured, devoted little sister Edith Wilmot-Quigg was at his side, knitting and laughing with him in his last months. Michael’s family has always been so proud of him for his strong sense of honour and truthfulness and for his kind, loving nature that was especially evident when an animal was lucky enough to be nearby. Michael’s nephew Max Armstrong admired him greatly and he will share uncle Michael stories with his partner Elizabeth Sonier Murphy and children Noah, Ava and baby Vera Anne Wilmot Armstrong.

Michael burgeoned a trail of success and a thick web of friends through his journeys in radio (CKOX Woodstock, CKGB Timmins, CKJD Sarnia, CFPL London), his hobbies (golf, trivia, travel, pool), in theatre and film (community and professional, murder mysteries) and comedy writing (he wrote for Jay Leno, SNL, and had a growing new career as a playwright), and through his business (Interactions Reality Based Training), using actors to role-play scenarios for students and job trainees. He grew up in Napanee, went to high school in Sarnia, and spent most of his years in London, Ontario.

Michael was a talented actor and writer, a generous, thoughtful friend and a loving, devoted partner. He had a beautiful soul, and it simply felt good to be around him. He kept his feet on the ground but had no taste for handrails; his playfulness was unmatched. At sixty-six, his life was set on a trajectory towards more… more adventure, love, success, and laughter. He had the best golf season of his life in 2018, and he and Lynda were always looking for their next trip. He loved to make us laugh with his fresh observations and dry, sharp wit (no old, corny jokes here). His stage plays have been produced more than 100 times, as far away as Australia and Russia. In his last months, Michael still laughed, able to find humour even in those unlikely shadowy places. Friends and family sit together now, broken hearted, so thankful that his life touched ours in some way, and chuckling at the precious memories he gave us.  

Michael was truly overwhelmed by all the loving notes and visits, the gifts and the tears shared with friends during his months in hospice.  You showed him how truly loved he was, and your presence helped him spend that time focused on living, not dying. The inevitable came, and your prayers for peace were heard. He left in Lynda’s arms, with Edith by his side, knowing he was going to a beautiful place.  

We are so impressed with the care Michael received from the London Regional Cancer Clinic, and simply in awe of what they do at Parkwood Hospital’s Palliative Unit, where angels truly reside in nurses and doctor’s disguise. You can donate to these hubs of healing if you want to do something in his memory. Michael was eager and pleased to donate his corneas, and he would remind you that the gift of any organ donation is an important one.

We invite Michael’s friends to remember and celebrate his life on Sunday, April 28^th at the London Music Club (470 Colborne, London). Have a drink, shed a tear, sing a song, do a skit, or share a memory in an open-mic style night of performance and friendship. We will start at 4, there will be a short program at 5:30, and we will end at 7.