For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

DWYER, Michael Laird - age 57. Just before 10 a.m. on September 6, 2019, the Chief went to Stand Easy one last time. Mike passed away surrounded by family after a short, but hard fought battle with cancer. He was second son of Elsie and Laird Dwyer of River John. Mike joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in 1981 and dedicated 35 years to Canada. He served on two classes of ships, his favorite being the Tribal Class Destroyer. As well, he completed occupation training on both East and West coasts. Mike rose through the ranks in the RCN and was well-respected by those he touched both as a mentor and through his comradeship. His final posting was the MARLANT Fleet Technical Authority Chief where he mentored many of the fleet's sailors and engineering department personnel. Mike had many highlights in his career, including OP Apollo in 2001 after 911, many NATO deployments, humanitarian missions and a deployment as a Military Technical Advisor in Sierra Leone in 2004. Mike is survived by Sandra (McLaren), his wife of 27 years; daughters, Caitlin (Brendan), Jillian, and grandson, Dawson. He will also be truly missed by his Mother, Elsie; brother, Steven (Mabel); and sister, Kim (Scott); many, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Laird, and nephew, Kyle. Mike's determination to serve and contribute to the protection of Canada's interests, at home and abroad, was mainly due to his support network, he always put the service before himself. Sandra, the one person he cherished the most, always provided him the support to deploy while she attended to the home front and cared for their girls. She was his best friend, his partner and the foundation of his success! Mike was an easy going guy. To those who knew Mike well, knew he would just smile, shrug his shoulders and wave his right hand to those things outside of his control. He was relentless in solving any and all problems, he never gave up. Sadly, this latest fight was one he could not win. Though this last fight was not within his control, he supported and comforted family and friends until the end, he had a heightened sense of humour, one which gave us all great comfort and relief given his circumstance. He fought, he fought real hard. He is our champion! His dedication to the RCN never wavered, his support to the fleet and desire to ensure the safety of sailors and platforms continued after his retirement from the RCN through his employment at SNC Lavalin. Mike was a proud man, yet he was also very private. Towards the end Mike would have loved to shake a few hands, share a few laughs and reminisce with his many friends and colleagues. He chose not to do this so we would remember "Mike" as the "Mike" we knew, not what a sickness can do to us. He was fortunate to finish his working career with his many friends at SNC Lavalin and was truly appreciative of their support. He was also very pleased with the many comments, messages and well wishes from the Stoker and Sailor communities. All of these kind gestures and support were very comforting to his family. He will be sadly missed by his very close network of friends and family. Dawson, Grampy Dad would want you to know that although you won't grow older together, he is walking by your side and he is watching over you. Very many thanks to friends and colleague's for honoring the family's wishes for privacy during this very difficult time. In his final days, Mike was blessed with an Angel in his company, Jeff Dwyer, his cousin who sat vigil with Sandra and the girls, day and night, and he provided personal care to Mike and critical relief support to Sandra and the girls. Jeff, words can't express how important you are to this family. The family would also like to thank Barb and Brian Howie. Our long-time friends who supported and comforted us throughout Mike's illness. Sincere thanks and gratitude to all the Doctors and Staff of the Emergency Room, ICU and 8.2 Floor of the Halifax Infirmary who gave such compassionate amazing care to Mike and support to Sandra and the girls. Thank you so much from all of Mike's family and friends! In keeping with Mike's wishes, no formal celebration of life will be held. In the alternative, from 2-4 p.m. on September 21st, friends and family are invited to Mike's favourite hangout. This will be held at Brian's garage at 67 Cavendish Dr., Lower Sackville. This will be our time to remember Mike and share a few stories with his family and close friends. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. Donations in Mike's memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the IWK Health Centre Foundation. (Halifax Chronicle-Herald 13 Sep 2019)

Ships served in:

HMCS FRASER - Served in Fraser as an LS.ER