It is with great regret that we announce the loss of Dr. Michael Duncan Colterjohn on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, after a determined battle with brain cancer. Michael is predeceased by father Duncan and younger brother Nigel, and survived by Moira Gunn and their son Duncan, mother Libby, brother Richard, sister Shaenie, sisters-in-law Angela and Meighan, and adored nieces and nephews Ian, Andrew, Brock, Tristan, Nicola, Ainslie, Rebecca, Colin, Connor and Annabel. Michael was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1956, and after living with his family in Malaysia, England and Zambia, immigrated to Canada at the age of 11 to Lindsay, Ontario where his father Duncan accepted a position as a family physician. Michael grew up surrounded by horses, fostering a passion for show jumping and fox hunting which inspired a career as one of Canada’s top equine reproductive veterinarians. Michael joined Gardiner Farms in 1987, and his Presidency developed the Gardiner Farm name into one of the most respected and successful thoroughbred breeders in the industry. Following the deaths of George and Helen Gardiner, subsequently Michael and Moira Gunn, and farm manager Sherry McLean built Paradox Farm Inc. into one of Canada’s top thoroughbred breeding stables. Michael was also an extraordinary athlete, holding distance running records at Lakefield College School, finishing numerous marathons and triathlons, including Ironman USA in Lake Placid in 2001. Michael will be fondly remembered by his many friends in the racing and Caledon communities as a man driven by passion, integrity, and friendship. We give special thanks to Dr. Whitton, Dr. Hirte, and Dr. Kis, for their expertise and compassionate care.
All visitors will be welcome at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213), Sunday afternoon 2 – 4 o’clock and Monday evening 6 – 8 o’clock. Memorial service for family and friends will be held in the chapel on Tuesday, April 3 at 4 o’clock, with a reception to follow from 6 – 8 o’clock at Woodbine Race Track in the Northern Dancer Room.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael’s memory to Juravinski Cancer Centre, 699 Concession Street, Hamilton L8V 5C2 or www.jccfoundation.on.ca.
Condolences may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Sally Cairns
Moira, Duncan and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I will always remember Mike. He was a very inspirational man.
Sally Cairns
debbie godfrey
Dear moira and duncan
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss of mike. I was an ovc classmate of mikes and remember him as an outstanding man with loads of talent and charisma. My thoughts are with you both and mikes mom, sister and brother.
Bonnie Kirkwood Peavoy
My deepest sympathy to Mike’s family as well as his extended
business and farm family .
Mike was part of the foundation of the Thoroughbred industry as we know it today for so many reasons What he leaves behind is
truly a legacy
Susan McCardle nee Chambers
I am so sadden to hear this tragic news.
John & Joanne Davis, Davis Feed & Farm Supply and former teacher of Duncan
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Colterjohn family at this time.
Jim and Vicky Day and family
Our deepest condolences at the loss of such a wonderful man, father, and horseman. Mike was the most helpful, sharing vet, and stallion manager to us as breeders. He will be greatly missed.
Liana Bagworth
To Libby, Shaenie, Richard, Moira, Spike and all the Colterjohns, my extended family, I am so so saddened by the passing of Michael and share in your loss. He was an extraordinary man, part of an equally extraordinary family, and I feel honoured to have known him and experienced his presence in life. At this time, I hope you all feel the energy and love of those of us around you who love and adore you. Michael lives on, in his wonderful son Spike (Duncan), in his family and friends, and in the way he touched the world. Our love to you,
Liana Bagworth, Marli & Erica Fearnall
Dr. Neil Pothier
My deepest sympathies to the family, from one CJ’s East Coast Classmates.
Susan McCardle nee Chambers
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss to all of Michael’s family and friends, my heartfelt sympathy. I knew him when he was a teenager living in Lindsay, Ontario. He was a very accomplished rider and I always thought that one day I would see him riding in the Olympic Games. My grandfather (Albert Chambers) worshipped Doc Colterjohn Sr. , who spent countless hours talking horses in the doctor’s office. The Colterjohn family was extremely well respected in the Lindsay area and this is devastating news to everyone who knew them. Having lost a dear sister a few years ago I know the pain is always there, but the kind words and thoughts of others helps with the healing.
Thoughts and prayers,
Susan McCardle
Kathy Heys
Dear Moira,
I am so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to you and your son. God bless.
Sincerely, Kathy Heys
Rhonda Turley
Dear Sherry:
I was deeply saddened to hear of Michael’s passing. This must be very diffcult for you. You are in my thoughts.
Mchael will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He has passed on to a better place now. You can take comfort and strength from the wonderful times you and he had together. Please call me at 905-789-2461 (work)or my home number 905-230-8530 if there is anything I can help or do for you.
Rhonda
James C Meyer DVM
My sincere condolences to Mike’s family and friends. He epitomized the words of Robert Burns
“Princes and lords are but the breath of Kings. An honest man’s the noblest work of God”
The VanDuzer Family
Moira, Spike & Libby,
We are so very sad to hear the news of Mikes passing.
Our most heartfelt and deepest sympathies to you and the rest of the family.
Karen, Doug, Caitlin, Rachel & Noah
Sandy Zelmer and friends at Park Lane Ranch
My deepest condolences to Mike’s family and to his right hand, Sherry – my thoughts are with you all. He was a great man in the horse industry and will be deeply missed but I remember him most as a man of incredible kindness.
My fondest memories are him taking time and helping us with our new stallion “Yellow Creek” when we couldn’t figure out his breeding habits at first, or getting up in the night to hand out colostrum for our orphaned foal. He always had time to help people.
The horse world will miss you greatly!
Roger Pozzo
Very sorry to hear of Doc.’s passing. Only knew Doc for three years, but he was a true inspiration to myself . My thoughts and prayers are with the Colterjohn family and the staff at Paradox Farm.
Bill & Janet Martyn
Dearest Libby & Family
We looked for you & Michael in Ajijic alll through Feb & March to no avail;.
No one seemed to know where you were even at your old house.
We are devistayed to hear the tragic news and our thoughs & prayers are with you all at this time.
Hope to see you in Mexico next March.
Get in touch if you can. When you can
Michael touch the hearts of many.
Bill & Janet Martyn
Janet & Bill Martym.
Susan Whelan
Moira, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Whelan
Patrick Hearn
Dear Moira and Duncan,
I was very sad to hear of Mike’s passing. My condolences. He was an excellent equine reproductive vet and a good colleague.
I am sure that he will be greatly missed by everyone in the horse business. If you ever needed help at any time, day or night, all you had to do was call Gardner Farm and ask.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Alison Kirk (Whyte)
Our sincere sympathies, thoughts and prayers for such a tragic loss to Moira, Duncan, Libby and all of the Colterjohns.
With much love and fond memories,
Ali, Robert, Sophie and Emily
Robert K. Waxman Family
Moira:
Saddened to hear this news, I hope that you will be comforted by the outpouring of support for you and your family
Doug and Debbie Dawson
Very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He opened us up to a world we otherwise would not have known for which we are grateful. We enjoyed a fantastic trip to Lexington KY which Mike organized .
Beyond the horses I have great memories of spending time with him at Bob’s fishing camp and golfing at the Paintbrush and Pulpit .
Our deepest sympathies to Moira and Spike.
Doug and Debbie Dawson
Sandy and Gen keith
To Moira and Duncan
We knew Mike only slightly through our two children working at Gairdnair Farms. I know they loved it there and looked to Mike as a person to highly respect and admire. Justin even helped Mike coach Duncan’s soccer team. We had heard about Mike’s cancer and we all were worried and are now very saddened to hear of this
regrettable outcome. As evinced by the messags left and our and our own small connection may you both know that the life he led had a positive impact on so many that it may be a comfort to you at this time.
Sand and Gen
Tracey Chenier
Dear Moira:
My most sincere sympathies to you and your family in the loss of Mike. He will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Emily Hencz-Thornton
I have such fond childhood memories of summers spent on the farm in Lindsay and I clearly remember Michael as an impressive horseman. It was an honour to even be near him and his beautiful black horse Dalmally.
I thank the Colterjohn family for giving me those memories and I wish you all strength in this very sad and difficult time.
Val Grogan
Moira, Spike, family,
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Mike suffered a long & hard battle with his illness. Our thoughts are with you a this sad time.
Val Grogan and family
Sally Morris
To Moira and Duncan,
Harry passed on this sad news and we read the obituary in today’s paper. Your husband/father sounded like a wonderful man – our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
The boys seem to have a wonderful circle of friends at NJC – I am sure they will help Duncan through this sad time.
Sally, Bill and Harry Morris
Gary P. Jaeckel
My deepest sympathies goes out to the Colterjohn Family. I knew Mike through the breeding of race horses at Gardiners Farm. He was the most knowledgeable person I have ever come across in the field. He had such a passion for what he did. He worked with such honesty and integrity I was envious.
My fondest memory of Mike was when I first met him. He invited me to his home where we shared dinner and he so proudly told me his stories behind his triathlon medals. Of course in the true manner of Mike, he told the stories humbly.
Humanity has truly lost a great man.
My thoughts and prayers goes out to his loved ones.
Gary P. Jaeckel
Clemens van Zeyl & Laura LaMantia van Zeyl
Dearest Libby, Richard, Shaenie, Moira and family,
We are very saddened to hear of Michael’s passing. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to you at this time.
Clemens and Laura van Zeyl
Jennifer Rice
Dear Moira, I was so saddened to hear about Mike. He was a big part of the fun and passion of of vet school class. I know that he will remain loved and very much alive in the memories of all those who’s lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers go out ot you and your son. Warmest thoughts Jennifer
Leslie Buckland
Dear Colterjohn Family
Please accpet my condolences. I am a classmate of Mike’s from OVC 85 and I have fond memories of him from school. What I remember best is his sense of humor and of course that special little wry smile. Your sadness is shared.
Dr. Leslie Buckland
nina diamond
Angela & Richard-so sorry to hear of your loss. I do remember meeting Michael.
Nina Diamond
Ali White and Julian Lee
Dear Libby, Moria, Richard, Shaenie and family
We were saddened to hear the news of Michael’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.
Ali White and Julian Lee
Leslie Cowan
To all of the extended Colterjohn family I send my love. You are an extrodinary family who suffered too much loss. As Shaenie’s friend I have been privileged to see the Colterjohn family in action and what fun that always is. Micheal will be remembered and missed. His determination and courage was inspiring.
Leslie Cowan
Pat Gaviller
Dear Moira, Duncan, and the rest of the Colterjohn family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Mike. I was an OVC ’85 classmate as well, but through my own struggles with cancer didn’t graduate ’til ’86. I wish I’d got to know to CJ better – in vet school and beyond – as he obviously garnered respect and admiration throughout his life and career. But I do remember that wry smile of his, and his swagger in those cowboy boots. And I remember his soft spoken ways around horses and people – he struck me as a gentle soul. You’re in my thoughts and in my prayers,
Pat
Steve and Kathleen Kemp
To Mike’s family and staff
We are truly saddened by the loss of Mike, he has been a true friend and mentor to us at Ballycroy. In the past five years Mike has been visiting us at the farm several times a week to help with our breeding and foaling program,often making our farm visit the last call of the day and stay for a beer and talk. Even when there were no mares to check our phone would ring at 4 o’clock and Mike would say “are u having a beer” and we would get together at the end of the day and talk. Mike had an incredible insight on our industry and we looked forward to his visit to the farm at the end of the day. Mike has encouraged and guided us on improving our broodmares and introduced us to the sales at Keeneland where we have lots of fond memories of dinner at 7pm sharp. Mike will be sadly missed.
George and Nancy Kee
For Libby and all the wonderful Coulterjohn family, we offer our deepest sympathy for this tragic loss. Our thoughts are and have been with you as you coped with Michael’s heroic battle with cancer. May he now be at peace and may you all be comforted by that thought.
With much love,
George and Nancy
Marlene Jackman
Libby,
So sorry to read of Michael’s passing in the Globe & Mail. Other than these major bumps in the road of losing close family, we hope that you are doing well. We remember fondly our years at ReMax. Marlene & Howard
Grace McDougall (Butler)
Dear Libby, Moira, Spike,Richard,Shaenie, and family;
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. We have remained friends since high school keeping up on each others lives every couple of months or so. After all these years, we now have a horse and I have taken up riding again, Michael gave me my first lessons at his beautiful home in Lindsay. He was truly a wonderful man, always kind, thoughtful and upbeat, his love for animals was heartwarming. I will miss him terribly.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you all,
Grace
Carolyn Chesterfield
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike’s family, staff & friends, He will be missed.
From: The Chesterfield Family
Gus LaMantia
Dear Libby
It is with a heavy heart that I write this note on behalf of myself and your friends and colleagues at Re/Max Lindsay.
We are so sorry that your son Michael has died. You now endure yet another great loss. Such a heavy burden of grief must reach that deep core of your very being.
Please know that all of us are with you in spirit.
You have my deepest sympathy
Gus
Alex Keith
To Moira, Duncan, Sherry, and the extended family,
My deepest condolences, my thoughts are with you all.
I was truly shocked and saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Mike was an amazing vet and person, and in the few short years I worked at the farm, he taught me so much. His integrity, amazing work ethic and wondeful insight into the industry has left a lasting impression and legacy. I have wonderful memories of my time at Gardiner, and of Mike, and how he made everyone there feel like family.
Alex Keith
Lorna Lee
Warmest thoughts to Mike’s family and close friends from another ’85 classmate.. Mike had that “it” factor and will be greatly missed.
Tony and Leslie Russo
To All of Mike’s family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of one of our industries greatest heroes. His loss will be felt throughout this industry all over North America. There was no kinder, more generous or knowledgeable horseman in our industry. Mike was always the first to lend a hand, jump in to help with a tough horse or happy to help with a problem be it advice or hands on and the hole his passing has caused will never be truly filled. He was true to this industry and his beloved farm until the end and he well and truly died “with his boots on”. May his soul be happy and at peace for all eternity-till we meet again Mike! XOXO
John Brooks
So sorry for the loss of a wonderful and caring Horseman, Veterinarian and Friend, My condolences to Moira and their son Duncan, their family and the Gardiner Farm Family.
Mike will be greatly missed.
Marilyn & Mike Horodelski
Dear Libby, Moira, Richard, Shaenie and Family
Needless to say we were shocked to learn of Mike’s passing. We still remember him as a young lad who was fearless on horseback, as witnessed when for whatever reason he came loose on his horse (not hard to do), during during a gallop at one of the hunts with the Bethany Hills Hunt Club. He regained hmself in mid air, hit the ground running and leaped back into the saddle without batting an eyelash. We know this is true because we were there!
Another time, he leaped over that wide creek (river?) at the Lindsay farm. When we saw the movie War Horse when the lead animal leaped across that formidable trench, we were reminded of Mike. Can’t remember if the movie horse made it but Mike did!
We have fond memories of hunts and breakfasts at the Colterjohn’s and riding with members of the family. We especially remember the remaining buckshot pellets in the the freshly served pheasant.
We are truly saddened at the loss of such exuberant life in the family at such young ages. To us, Mike, Nigel and Duncan Sr. will be in our memories forever.
Marilyn and Mike Horodelski (former members of the Bethany Hills Hunt)
Laverty Family
To Moira and Duncan,
We are very sad to hear about Mike. Mike has been a big part of our family for the past 17 years.. We will miss his great smile, jolly laugh and all the great memories we shared with Mike… But most of all we will remember what an amazing dad he was to Duncan..
Rest in peace Bud……….
Debbie Sewell
Moira,Duncan and family
I was very saddened to hear of CJ’s passing. I was an OVC 85 classmate and had the pleasure of having CJ as a friend. I will always remember his sense of humor and charisma-he seemed to just draw people to him. There was always a smile on his face and had you wondering what he was up to next. OVC 85 boat race teams,woodmans teams were that much more fun because of him. I greatly admired his skill and knowledge of horses-there was no one better with them. A tremendous loss felt by so many people-no better way to know how much he meant to everyone he touched. PLease take care Debbie Sewell
Carol Mueller-Wilm
My deepest condolences to all of Mike’s family.
Mike’s unique combination of intellect, charisma and wit are unparalleled. He will always be fondly remembered and sadly missed.
Kit and Grace Pullen
Dear Libby and family
It was with very heavy hearts that we followed the news, via Tom and Linda, of Michael’s illness and death. Our thoughts have been with you as you have gone yet again through this valley of the Shadow of Death. No one can possibly deserve to have to do what you have done.
Words cannot begin to suffice to bring solace for such a tragedy. We have been unfortunate in not having met either Nigel or Michael as adults, but see from the above photo that Michael was a very fine looking man, reflecting a strong reminder of Duncan.
I well remember my visit with you all in Cambridge so many years ago, pre Shaenie, when I got to know your three delightful little boys, who grew to reach such amazing heights in their careers at such early ages. Canada and the world have suffered a great loss as well as you, your family, friends and colleagues.
I assure you that amongst the “Heavenly Host” now surrounding Rozzi, Duncan, Nigel and Michael are a number of, I’m sure, admiring and welcoming Pullens and Youngs.
Much love to you all. So sorry we cannot be with you.
Kit and Grace
Jerry McCabe
Dear Moira, Duncan, Libby and all of Michael’s loved ones:
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Michael’s passing. Much too soon.! Hopefully time will heal the pangs of grief you must be feeling now. Wishing “C.J.” eternal peace and hoping all of you can share in that peace as he lives on in your hearts and the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
sincere condolences,
Jerry McCabe
former classmate at OVC.
Audrey Brown and family
Dear Libby, Moira, Richard, Shaenie and families,
We are so saddened to read of Michael’s death and wish to extend our sincere condolences to you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Stephen Brown
Moira and family, Libby, Richard, and Shaenie;
My deepest condolences from down under in Guayaquil, Ecuador. I remember him from the good ole days in Lindsay and on the farm. Our families shared among other things immigrating to Lindsay from the U.K. the same year. I’ll light a candle, say a prayer, and meditate for him. Surely he’s joined Nigel and Duncan on an even greater mission.
Jim Fisher
Moira, Duncan and Family:
My deepest sympathies. I remember fondly the memories of our school days in Guelph. Mike was well respected. He was one of those people who have a lasting effect on you. A very sad day to loose such a wonderful person so early. I am so saddened for your loss. jf
Rick and Vicki Craig
Moira, Spike, Sherry:
Our thoughts are with you at this time, we are very sorry to hear about Mike, his memories our entrenched in our minds forever.
Rick, Vicki, Breanna and Connor Craig
Therese Washtock
I was shocked to recently hear this terribly sad news. My condolences to Dr. Colterjohn’s family.
I fondly remember him treating my horses, while I was out east in 1992 with the CET. He made such an impression upon me – his integrity, his passion, and his veterinary ability were obvious. I felt very lucky to have met him and shared stories of horses.
I just asked an aquaintance about him tonight – and received the shocking news.
My impression of him was that life was to be lived fully and completely and I bet, he lived with little regret. He will certainly be sadly missed.
I always felt lucky to have had his help with my horse and I knew he had done all he could for her. It is how he did everything.
I am sorry for your loss.
David L. Adams
Mike Colterjohn family;
It was a great opportunity to have gotten to know Mike and his memory will be apart of me thru out the eternities. I am saddened by his loss but I have great happiness in knowing where he is…”And it shall come to pass that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise..a state of peace..a state of rest, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care and sorrow.”
That will be where Mike is now.
God bless
Patrick and Yvonne paul from Chateau Kentucky Ranch
My deepest sympathy to the Colterjohn family. I remember him treating my mares, getting them ready for breeding. He made such an impression upon us. His integrity, his passion, and his veterinary ability were obvious. I felt very lucky to have met such a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike’s family
Sandra S. Bolin
To Mike’s family & farm family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mike has been a true friend for many years – we met 25 years ago at the Keeneland sales and I have enjoyed his friendship ever since.
I always looked forward to the sales for the stories he loved telling of Spike’s adventures and accomplishement. His love for you, Spike, was always there for everyone to see. Of all the many “hats” that your Dad wore, the “hat” of Father was the most important to him. I’ll never forget the joy in his voice when he called to tell all of us in Kentucky at the sales that he was a Father. He always burst the buttons off his shirt whenever he spoke of you.
Mike touched many lives and will be missed by all.
May the Lord bless all of you and keep you, may the Lord lift up his countence upon you and give you peace.
Good Bye, my dear friend – you will be missed.
Penny Perkins
Hi Moira and Spike and Colterjohn Family
Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort at the loss of Mike. I worked at SEAH Farms in Caledon East and remember visiting at your home quite a few times. What stuck in my mind were the size of your Hostas around the pond…monsters! I always looked forward to Mike coming to look at our horses because I knew they were in good hands. The few times that I would get up to the barn from the office work, I remember that Mike would always take time to show me different things that he was doing to the mares. He was such a kind, gentle man who will be missed. I’ve since had to move back to Kitchener and I am sick now with Pulmonary Fibrosis, on oxygen 24/7, but hanging in there. It’s a shame that it is such sad news that bring people back into our lives. I’ll always remember the fun I had for the 2 years that I worked for SEAH Farms and had the priviledge of knowing Mike Colterjohn.
Mike you are missed but you are in a better place and at peace and will always be in our hearts.
Josephine Palma Law
To Moira and Duncan (Spike)
I am so very sorry to hear about your father’s passing away,
Spike. I know he will stay with you in spirit as you continue on
your journey in life.
Moira, again my condolences to you keeping in mind the many
years you shared with Michael.
With Deepest Sympathy
Josie
Ken Founs
Libby and Family
I’m sorry to hear about your loss.
My sincere condolences.
jill jasper
wow. this is too much of a loss. this horse/gentleman was what all should aspire to be. his embrace in business was in this horse crazy industry…quite astonishing……his compassion for the horse….equal…..
he never judged…..and always embraced….business opportunities…for the benefit of his clients….but was always mindful…of the stud…the mare…THE HORSE.
his passion drove his success. his success drove his passion.
timid but smart….shy but forthright….cautious but generous…..A VERY VERY kewl guy!
you are somewhere with all of those wonderful horses you shared so many years with…..whom adore your presence….and rely on you….as you do them….. keep looking after them……as they will you…..we will all see you soon.
Syd Burrows
I think I knew the Senior Duncan Colterjohn.
Did he live in White Rock, BC., Canada during the WAR?