Contributions to the tribute of Michael Horrigan

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The family of Michael Horrigan uploaded a photo

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

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Brenda Osborne posted a condolence

Thursday, November 21, 2013

May you rest in peace, no more pain, you'll be missed by all who loved you, and those from coffee time.

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Linda Van Ostaaijen (former OLA student, New Lowell) posted a condolence

Saturday, January 19, 2013

My condolences to the Horrigan family. Mr. Horrigan was a warm hearted and gentle teacher who knew how to inspire young minds to learn. It has been almost 30 years since I was taught by Mr. Horrigan, but I still remember the former townships of Simcoe County and I'll always have my silver dollars to remember him by! Thank you for the lessons Mr. Horrigan!

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Andrea posted a condolence

Friday, January 18, 2013

I was privileged to have Mr. Horrigan teach me in 1984-5 (Grade 3). Mr. Horrigan was a truly great teacher who impacted the lives of many. I was telling a friend about Mr. Horrigan just a couple of weeks ago. I was bragging about my collection of Canadian silver dollars. How did I come about such a collection? Mr. Horrigan had a secret weapon for encouraging grade-schoolers to memorise the townships in Simcoe County: Geography Bees! The prizes were wrapped silver dollars with the date and reason for winning written on them. They were also given as incentives for learning other things and sometimes simply as gifts for birthdays and Christmas. I have a collection of at least 10 (I really liked memorising township names!) - countless students have collectively many more. When I think back about how much money he spent from his own pocket to reward our learning, I am in awe of his generosity and dedication. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I hope you are comforted in knowing that he is remembered fondly by many.

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Heather (Gulley) Ritchie posted a condolence

Friday, January 18, 2013

It has been many years since Mr. Horrigan taught me at OLA but I never forgot him. He was one of my favorite teachers and I have some great memories from his class. He sparked my passion for coin collecting, with all the silver dollars he handed out as rewards in class. I always think of him when I hold one of my old coins in my hand or when I see an old square dance! My condolences go out to his family.

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Sara Benjamin posted a condolence

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Through the wonder of technology, I have just learned of the passing of Michael (who I called Mr. Horrigan). Let me begin by expressing my condolences to his friends and family. My name is Sara Benjamin and Mr. Horrigan was my grade three teacher (at least for some subjects) at Our Lady of the Assumption, in New Lowell, Ontario. Recently, a reunion was organized for this little rural school, to celebrate it's 50 year anniversary. I was asked to write about my memories of my time there as a student, and then later as a teacher (I taught grades 5 and 6 at OLA for 6 years). Among my memories was Mr. Horrigan. I recalled what a warm and welcoming teacher he was. I recalled learning about the Native/Aboriginal People of the area, in social studies, and memorizing the townships of Simcoe County (still in my long term memory are Adjala, Tecumseh, West Gwillumbury, Tiny, Tay, Flos). As a teacher myself, I learned from Jim Scharlach (former teacher and then co-worker at OLA) that at age 20, I was living in Mike Horrigan's old apartment in Stayner. What a small world. As I grow older and I try to recall memories, I realize just how few memories from childhood are actually vivid and secure. Added to this, is the knowledge that memory is often specious. When I ask my husband about his childhood and former teachers and classmates, his memories are few and far between. I can only hope that when I am 77 years old, one of my former students will a memory or two of me. As a student, then teacher, and now parent, I look at teachers from all three perspectives. I do not have one negative memory or feeling about my time with Mr. Horrigan. And to me that is quite something. I recall Mr. Horrigan being warm and caring, devoted and invested, all qualities that a parent and student would hope for in a teacher. I am thankful that I had such a wonderful elementary school teacher. Warm Regards, Sara Benjamin

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Shirley Cook posted a condolence

Thursday, January 17, 2013

My sympathy to the Horrigan family. I taught along side Mike at Our Lady of the Assumption School in New Lowell for three years. He was a warm, good natured man. I have fond memories of him. Cherish your memories1

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Karen & John Hawkins posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Horrigan family at this time.

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Ernest and Deborah Herrfort and Family posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Horrigan Family ot their time of loss of a loved one.

In loving memory of

Michael

1935 - 2013