Cormican, Michael

MICHAEL JOSEPH CORMICAN, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully with family by his side at home on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at the age of 75 years. 

Michael was born in Co. Tipperary, Ireland to Thomas and Kathleen "Kitty" Cormican. He is the oldest of his four siblings (Christopher 'Christy', Bridget 'Bridie', Patrick 'Paddy' and Mary) and is survived by his wife, Gloria Cormican (née Thielen); his four children: Sean (Sandra), David (Kristina), Aileen and Richael Lawrence (Shane); his six grandchildren: Neala, Skylar, Seamus, Brenna, Nenagh and Rosemary (with a seventh due in September); his brother Christy (Breeda); sisters Bridie Whelan (Lar) and Mary Moloney-Meaney (Donal); brother-in-law Derek Thielen (Karen); sisters-in-law Rae Schmitke (Glenn) and Agatha Cormican; his goddaughters Maura Brennan and Kiera Bouchard; and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents; mother-in-law Margaret Thielen; his brother Paddy; and brother-in-law Martin Moloney.

Michael studied with the Carmelite Novitiate in Ireland, entertained brief stints in hotel and supermarket management before deciding on a career in psychiatric nursing. He graduated with a degree in Social Sciences from Cork University in 1971 then immigrated to Canada in 1972. In 1975 he graduated the University of Lethbridge with a degree in Psychology, Sociology and Political Science. He then became a proud Canadian citizen in 1977.

Throughout his career in Mental Health, he pioneered community nursing best practices and culminated as the Mental Health Programs Contracts Coordinator for the Chinook Health Region. He chaired and held countless positions across numerous organizations including, but not limited to, the Provincial and Regional Mental Health Councils, Parish Council, church ministries, the Knights of Columbus, Boy-Scouts Canada, the Liberal Party of Alberta and Canada, Habitat for Humanity, Social Housing in Action, Southwest Alberta Coalition on Poverty, Sik-ooh-kotoki 'Friendship Society', Aboriginal Housing and the Royal Canadian Legion. He also founded the Irish Society of Lethbridge.

In late 2021, Michael had to regrettably step back entirely from his community engagements to focus on his family and his own health, as he fought an inspirational battle against an aggressive brain cancer known as GBM, or glioblastoma multiforme. He recently made medical history in Canada as the first Albertan to be authorized and receive the groundbreaking and potentially life-changing Autologous Dendritic Cell Vaccine treatment for brain tumours.

Most recently, he published his memoirs entitled 'A Long Way From Tipperary'. The book is available for purchase through Brain Cancer Canada's website with 100% of proceeds being donated to fund crucial research for brain cancer.

After a tragic struggle from hospital-related complications, Michael passed away in his own home with the good fortune and blessing to have his entire family surrounding him as he took his final breaths. He lived a rich life full of deep friendships, community and love; he was surrounded by the same in his final hours.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Sharon Hagel officiating. 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Boulevard West, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Roque Periera celebrating. 

The Prayer Service and the Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Michael's obituary on the Cornerstone website. 

Michael will be laid to rest in a Private Interment at Mountain View Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory of Michael to Brain Cancer Canada (braincancercanada.ca).