Michael Gergen

Michael (Mike) Gergen was born November 7, 1930 in Rudolfsgnad, in the former Yugoslavia. He passed away on December 4, 2023 after undergoing hip surgery due to a bad fall at South Lake Village Residence in New Market. Michael was 92 years of age.

He is predeceased by his father Rudolph Gergen and mother Barbara (nee Kirchner). Mike lost his beloved wife of 55 years, Mavis Diane (nee Regan) in March 2020. Although they had no children of their own, they were dearly loved by their 13 nieces and nephews, their partners and their 19 great nieces and nephews. He is also predeceased by his brothers in law Joseph Gross, William Regan, Percy Miron and sisters in-law Jean Campkin (Reno) and Ruth McMann (Mel). He is survived by his sister Anna and sisters in law, Barbara, Hazel and Dani. He will be dearly missed by his best buddies, Michael and Verona Velasquez.

Mike was a trail blazer and best known for his sense of humour, artistic expression and his love of fine and not so fine wine. He loved to fish was a bird watcher and an avid gardener. The backyard at Sabrina Drive was always in bloom and many got their gardening advice or a jury rigged gardening tool from Mike.

When he wasn’t hanging out at the greenhouse or gardening, he was likely regaling someone with his many stories of the homeland, telling a joke to the mailman or entertaining the neighbourhood with his accordion. He was self taught and played to his last days. During Covid lockdown at South Lake, residents safe distance danced in the hallway to the many waltzes in his repertoire or sang along to Clementine. 

From the banks of the Danube to the shores of Lake Ontario he made the best of life. Whether driving cancer patients to and from appointments or in the stands at a Blue Jays game… Mike always made a friend! He will be missed by all who knew him and we wish him happy trails with much love on his final journey! 

A memorial for Mike and Mavis will be held in late spring.