Obituary of Michael Alexander Edward Wiegand

Following a short illness, Mike passed away too soon on Sunday, July 6th, at home, surrounded by family. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be remembered as a true family man, genuine, introspective, and guided by his own inner compass.

Mike will be deeply missed by his wife, Brenda (née Paterson), married for 33 years. Loved dearly by his son Michael (Alex), his daughter Evelyn, his sister Leslie, brothers-in-law Gregg (Kim) and Paul (Patti), his nephews Matthew, Trent, and Neil, and his family in Germany. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Dawn Wiegand, his parents-in-law Bill and Phyllis Paterson, and his brother-in-law Donald Morgenson. 

Mike was born, raised, and spent his life in Kitchener. As a little boy, his gentle compassion delighted his family then, and later as well, the family he created.  Born into a family of skiers, he carried that passion throughout his life and shared it with his own children. During his youth, he had a special bond with his maternal grandfather, Ted Arnold, with whom he shared a birthday. Mike’s love for dachshunds began early; his father John, of German heritage, insisted on having them at home, introducing Peanuts when Mike was just three. His love for the breed continued with four more dachshunds throughout his life.

Mike was always working with his hands and building projects. He enjoyed working in the Forestry Department for the City of Kitchener before training and working for many years as an Overhead Power Lineman at Kitchener Wilmot Hydro. Mike was respected in his trade, and his skill was valued by those he mentored. 

A self-taught handyman, he was always fixing and helping; he poured those skills into the beloved family cottage at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, which became his second home over the past 20 years. The cottage was his peaceful sanctuary. Whether solo canoeing at sunset, sitting on the dock with Brenda, creating art out of found objects, or having a fire with his children and many of their friends, Mike found joy in life’s simple pleasures: family, friends, and the beauty of nature. His life was a quiet reminder to laugh every day, slow down, and appreciate what really matters.

At Mike’s request, there will be no visitation or service. Cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held at a later date. Condolences for the family and donations to The Grand River Conservation Foundation may be arranged through www.erbgood.com