Obituary of Michael Munroe Last

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Munroe Last on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 in Ottawa, with family by his side.  He leaves behind his beloved wife of 68 years, Lesley (née Marjorie Allen).  Loving father to Peter (Barbara) and Kim (Al).  Beloved grandfather to Brayden and Cameron Last.  Son of the late Nora (née Stevenson) and late Ken Last. Predeceased by his dear brother-in-law, Murray Allen. Loved and greatly missed by his niece Suzanne (Ken) Mayhew, and nephews Drew (Nancy) Allen, Tim (Hélène) Allen.  Lovingly remembered by his cousins Tony Last and David (Linda) Munroe, extended family and many family friends.

Michael (Mike) was born in Ilford, Essex, England, on March 22, 1929, the only child of Nora and Ken Last.  He served in the British Merchant Marine for 4 years from 1946-50. In 1953, Mike married his wife, Lesley, and they moved from England to Toronto, Canada.   

Mike worked as a sales representative with IBM Canada, a career that lasted for 29 years.  In 1970 he moved to Ottawa with his family, where his IBM sales territory included the Parliament Buildings and government offices.  He won many awards, including Salesman of the year in 1962, and many years in IBM’s 100 Percent Club, and Golden Circle Club for the top 10% of salesmen in North America.  He established many life-time relationships during his career and he will be missed by many of his friends from IBM.

Mike enjoyed travelling and many winters during retirement in Panama City, FL playing golf, bridge, cards and meeting new friends.   He enjoyed volunteering with the Bay County Public Library in Florida teaching English as a second language for 5 years.    He always enjoyed “milk and cookies” after a round of golf with friends.  He had many fond memories of holidays and vacations spent together with family friends, including the late Lloyd and late Norma Paul and their children, at cottages, having lobster parties, Christmas caroling, and playing many hands of bridge.

The family members wish to express their deep gratitude to the Geriatric and Palliative Care teams at the Civic Hospital in Ottawa, whose service, expertise, and caring are deeply appreciated.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Cole Funeral Services at a later date followed by interment at Pinecrest Cemetery. In memoriam and in lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Care Ottawa https://www.hospicecareottawa.ca/donate.html or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.