MICHAEL JOHN PROUDFOOT

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MICHAEL JOHN PROUDFOOT March 27, 1967 - December 17, 2006 In Edmonton, from complications following an unsuccessful heart transplant, Michael, beloved husband of Joan and dearly loved father of Madeline and Spencer, ended his lengthy and uncomplaining battle with his failing heart. Michael also leaves to mourn parents, Sandra and John; brother Clifford (Karen); nephews, Alec and Bruce; parents-in-law, Douglas and June Hanton; brothers-in-law, David (Nicky) children, David and Euan; Timothy (Donna) children, Tynan, Callum and Rhonan; Magnus (Daralee) daughter Ailsa; Dhugal (fiancée Leslie); many aunts, uncles and cousins. Born in Winnipeg, Michael attended Montrose, River Heights and Kelvin Schools, where he established himself as a musician, actor and singer. Following graduation from the University of Manitoba with a B. Comm. (Hon), B. Mus (voice), and B.Ed. (Elem. and Choral), he began a career in teaching and developing wonderful skills in choral leadership. As well, he performed with the Winnipeg Singers for several years and appeared with Canzona, and was a church soloist for over 10 years. He also performed with Rainbow Stage, the U. of M. Opera Workshop, The University Singers and CBC's Hymn Sing. His teaching career included five years in St. James Assiniboia School Division, and latterly Elementary Music Specialist at St. John's Ravenscourt School. He was particularly proud of the choirs he led in the Pembina Trails School Division. Michael was a devoted family man who worked with Joan to surround Madeline and Spencer with love and a wide variety of activities. They enjoyed travel and introduced the children to cultural, athletic and musical events and opportunities. All the family reflect the same joie de vivre, and Michael's life was full of laughter. His attention to detail for parties, invitations and decorations was legendary. On top of this, he was an adventurous gourmet cook, always trying new creations on his delighted friends. Michael enjoyed a close and deep relationship with his parents, who raised him to believe he could do anything he set his mind to. This approach showed throughout his professional and personal life. His connection with the family cottage at Falcon Lake was also important, and he loved his time there. Only a few months ago he captained his own boat and worked to get Madeline up on water skis. He never gave in to increasing problems with heart function. Even these specific details do not capture the essence of Michael's engaging personality and exceptional ability to draw beautiful music from young singers. His sense of humour and mischief might not always have been appreciated by his teachers, but it added a delightful element to his choral style. His boys and young men's choirs especially rose to great heights under his leadership. He had the ability to motivate, educate and inspire in a way that brought out the best in his students, Michael approached life with flair and energy, using his many talents with enduring panache and laughter. With his wife Joan, he would light up a room, liven any party, enhance a kitchen, and carry it all off with apparent ease. For the last seven years, Michael fought with a rare and ultimately relentless heart disease. Few people knew of this, and he faced every day with the possibility of lacking the physical energy to continue. When he was finally placed on the waiting list for a new heart it was with the hope that this would renew his life and be the ultimate Christmas gift. Sadly, the procedure, for complex reasons, did not offer this, and his life ended peacefully in Edmonton's University of Alberta Hospital. Michael's legacy includes a remarkably wide circle of friends who will always cherish his sometimes acerbic wit, his warmth and exuberance. As well, there are hundreds of young people who have been exposed to the joy of choral singing, and this gift from Michael will resonate on through the generations. In time, his young children will know that their father was a special man who gave much to the world in his too short life. It is a remarkable gift to share music, and both Michael and Joan have filled their lives proving that statement. He will be missed, but we will all sing on. A memorial service will be held at Westminster United Church, N.W. Maryland at Westminster at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 21. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. When words fail, music speaks. Hans Christian Anderson

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 20, 2006