In memory of

Michael Lawrence Banks

May 1, 1944 -  May 31, 2021

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Michael on May 31, 2021 at Ajax-Pickering Hospital in his 77th year.

Devoted husband of Betty de Jonge. Proud and loving father to Alison Banks. Predeceased by his father, James and mother, Vera. Brother to Elaine (Derek) Thompson, uncle to Sean and Cameron (Tracy & Charlie). Loving brother-in-law and uncle to nieces & nephews.

Michael was born in Woking, Surrey, England and moved to Toronto with his family as a young boy. He pursued a rewarding career in architecture and lived his best days in the GTA. In 1995 Michael married his beloved wife Betty de Jonge and together they raised and cherished their daughter Alison Banks.

Michael lived a full life. As his sister says, “he really packed in”. Whilst always working on his career, Michael made sure to find time to enjoy the pleasures of life. Some of his favourite hobbies included grabbing a beer after a great soccer game with the boys, sailing with his buddies on their boat at the National Yacht Club and across the Caribbean, playing on the Toronto Nomads Rugby team, running marathons and skiing to name a few.

Michael’s love for travel and adventure also took him to many destinations around the world, a favourite being Barbados.

He was also a family man, very close to his mother, and devoted deeply to his wife and daughter - his special girls.

Michael will be dearly missed, not only by his family, but by the many close friends he touched over his lifetime.

Special thanks to the folks at Bay Ridges Long-term Care and Ontario Shores. We cannot express enough the care and attention you have given to this wonderful man.

A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future when restrictions ease.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to The Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Condolences may be expressed at The Simple Alternatives Funeral Home - Pickering.

Guestbook 

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Gail Porter (old friend)

Entered June 4, 2021 from Toronto

Hello Betty,

My deepest condolences to you and your family with the passing of Michael.

I knew Michael a very long time ago and treasure the memories.

He was a wonderful man.

Regards,
Gail Porter

Carol and Robert morley (Old friends)

Entered June 6, 2021 from Niagara on the lake

We are very sorry to hear of Michael’s death , we have lots of fond memories of him myself from our first meeting at Pearson airport in 1974, Robert and Michael watched many football games with Michael in Nottingham and Stratford on Avon. We lost contact when we moved out of Ontario. Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.

Robert Morley (Friend)

Entered June 6, 2021 from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

I knew Mike from our teenage years in Nottingham, England. We hung out together and went to watch Nottingham Forest FC (soccer). After the family moved to Stratford on Avon, I used to drive down to watch the FA Cup Final on TV. An event always highlighted by Vera, his mother, vacuuming the living room during the match! Great memories.
Then when Carol and I immigrated to Canada, we found ourselves both working for the same engineering consultants. He visited us in Simcoe soon after our daughter Andrea arrived.
Love to Elaine.

Paul Nelson (Long Term Work Pal !)

Entered June 7, 2021 from Beaverton, Ontario

Met and worked closely with Mike at Proctor & Redfern in the 70s/80s and continued our friendship connections for many years thereafter. A fine, caring professional and a "top drawer" person; good listener, always helpful, both technically and personally. Always good to see Mike with Tom at the P&R Christmas Luncheons to swap tales and share a friendly beer, with good cheer. Rest well friend Michael !! Paul Nelson & Many Other P&R Colleagues

Dave Carter (Good Friend)

Entered June 7, 2021 from Collingwood

I met Mike over 40 years ago and he has been one of my best friends ever since. We have done so much together over those years with a lot of fond memories and stories. We spent a lot of time together sailing, skiing and drinking. He was with me when I met Susan, my wife and was my best man at our wedding.

I will dearly miss him, he was a good friend to me and others and always had a good word for everyone and a sense of fairness.

My heartfelt condolences to his wife Betty and their daughter Alison.

Photos 

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