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TARBUCK, Michael John - Peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sunday January 8, 2017 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. Michael was born on October 28, 1935 in Buckhurst Hill, London England. He was the son of Thomas Tarbuck and Vera Tarbuck (Head, Watson) and brother to Sheila (Chester-Smith), all of whom pre-deceased him.
As a young boy living in London during World War II, Michael was a child evacuee during the Blitz and was sent to the countryside to live life on a farm. It was during this time that his life-long love of animals took root. Growing up during the war made an impression on Michael, who grew up to be a military history enthusiast. He was a member of the Royal Air Force and served in Germany in the Signals Intelligence section. After leaving the Air Force, Michael worked for Barclay's bank in London, and from there he was recruited by the Bank of Montreal. In 1970 Michael made the move to Canada to begin the next chapter of his life.
Michael settled in Oshawa and was a manager at the Bank of Montreal at the Oshawa Centre. Being a very charming man, it did not take long for the ladies in the branch to set up a blind date for their British bachelor, and that is how he met Barbara (Rose). This was the beginning of a 45 year marriage, during which time they had 3 daughters, Sarah (Tarbuck), Kirsten (BRUCE), and Katrina (McADAM). Michael was transferred to London Ontario, where he attended the University of Western Ontario and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1982. Shortly thereafter Michael was transferred to head office in Toronto, and the family returned to Oshawa to live once again. Michael remained with the Bank of Montreal for 35 years until his retirement in 1995.
Despite having the official title of retiree, slowing down was not something Michael intended to do. He worked as a driving instructor before joining the Corps of Commissionaires as a security guard. His final post was at City Hall in Oshawa where he took great pride in his job.
In his spare time Michael was passionate about his hobby of historical military re-enacting. He was an active member of many re-enacting groups, and participated fully until he was no longer physically able. Michael spent a large part of his life re-enacting and it brought him immeasurable happiness and lifelong friendships that meant the world to him. Michael was also a proud member of the Canadian Legion where he and Barbara were founding members of the Sir William Stevenson Branch.
The most important role that Michael ever filled was that of husband and father. His family meant the world to him and he was tirelessly devoted to being the best husband and father he could be. This included coaching soccer teams and many camping trips with his 3 little girls. Michael enjoyed the great outdoors and was keen to experience everything that Canada had to offer: hiking, canoeing, fishing, hockey...even downhill skiing! He loved to live life to the fullest and loved to share these experiences with his daughters. Later in his life, Michael was thrilled to finally have some men in the family with the arrival of his son's in law Colin McADAM and Randy BRUCE. He also embraced the role of grandfather and was affectionately referred to as Pop. He will be greatly missed by all of his grandchildren: Rowan, Callum, and Euan Bruce; Beatrice, Fiona, and Isla McAdam; and Jack and Alice MacDougall.
Michael kept this love of life and "never give up" attitude right up to the time of his passing. He was ever optimistic that he would conquer melanoma and kept his spirits high right until the end.
His passion for life, love for his family and fabulous sense of humour will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
The family would like to thank Dr. Myrehaug, Dr. Wright and Dr. Petrella of the Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Hospital; Dr. Chang, Dr. Ngo, Dr. McAllister, and Dr. Viera of Lakeridge Health Oshawa; and the wonderful nursing staff on 4F for their excellent care and compassion throughout Michael's illness.
Family and friends may call at the ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME, 124 King Street East, Oshawa on Thursday January 12th from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Funeral service in the chapel of the funeral home on Friday January 13th at 1pm. Interment Thornton Cemetery, Oshawa. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society or the Humane Society in memory of Michael.