McDonough- Peacefully at his home on the shores of Lake Huron surrounded by his loving family on Saturday May 3, 2025. James William Michael “Mike” McDonough, age 62 years of Lambton Shores. Loving husband of Lisa (Mayer) McDonough. Treasured bonus father to Olivia and Tucker Mayer. Much loved son of Margaret “Peggy” McDonough and the late James William McDonough (1991). Mike will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Annemarie McDonough. He was the dear son-in-law of Robert and Janice Haycock and Ross Warden and brother-in-law of Mike Haycock, Chris (Lisa) Haycock and Becky Haycock. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Jake Haycock in 2019. Mike was born in Strasbourg, France and raised in Sarnia since the age of three. Mike attended McMaster University, excelled in his academics, and graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Commerce degree. He was a highly qualified professional accountant, having achieved his Chartered Accountant, Certified General Accountant and CPA (Michigan, USA) designations. Mike’s passing is a major loss to the business community of Sarnia-Lambton, from his 19 years at the SLBDC (formerly BDC) to his current public accounting firm, JW Michael McDonough Professional Corporation. As a proud CPA, Mike had a deep love for his work. He brought precision, integrity, and an enthusiasm that colleagues and clients alike admired. He found true joy in solving complex problems, helping others, and making small business ownership just a little bit easier for everyone he served. He will be deeply missed by his dedicated, hardworking, and fiercely loyal staff, Lindsay, Laurie, Mary Anne, Patricia, Jane and Yesha, who not only admired him as a leader, but truly adored him as a person. He created a workplace filled with respect, humor, a few cusswords and heart—and that kind of magic is rare. To those of us who knew him loved him and will miss his dry sense of humour, his insanely detailed memory, his frankness about “death and taxes” and all the fun he had to offer along the way. Outside the office, Mike embraced life with a youthful spirit. He was a die-hard NFL fan, a devoted NASCAR enthusiast, and a self-declared connoisseur of Diet Coke. He rocked out unapologetically to Taylor Swift, proving you’re never too old to shake it off. His greatest joys, though, were found at home. He treasured every moment with his beloved wife Lisa, and took immense pride and love in being a bonus dad to Olivia and Tucker. He adored his “Golden Girls”, Ash and Ellie, and his two cats, Ping and Cheeto, who all brought endless joy and comfort to his everyday life. His lakeside home in Lake Valley Grove, Lambton Shores was his sanctuary—a place of peace, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Mike lived fully, loved deeply, and worked with purpose. His legacy will live on in spreadsheets carefully balanced, tailgate Sundays, lakeside sunsets, and every joyful note of a Taylor Swift song. Friends will be received at the Knight Funeral Home, 588 St. Clair Parkway, Corunna on Tuesday May 6, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. where the funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday with Pastor Tim Brown officiating. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers sympathy may be expressed through memorial donations to the Sarnia and District Humane Society or to the Bluewater Health Oncology Department. Messages and condolences may be left online at www.knightfuneralhome.ca Knight 519-862-2845
Mike McDonough
Visitation Information
Tuesday May 6, 2025 from 4-7 p.m.
Donations
Sarnia and District Humane Society Bluewater Health Oncology Department
Funeral Date
Wednesday May 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
22 thoughts on “Mike McDonough”
There are no words to console Lisa,Peg, Janice and Anne Marie. I believe Mikey is in heaven probably has Toby Keith singing him his favourite songs. We are going to miss all the dinners, all the beach days and late night bon fires. Going to miss you like crazy until we meet again. Rest in peace my friend you truly deserve it.
Love always John and Missy
It’s sad and painful to lose a loved one.
Those feelings are amplified when it’s someone who, under different circumstances, would still have had so much to give.
My deepest condolences to all his loved ones. You were all blessed to have Mike in your lives. Cherish all your memories. Those will console you in sad times and will keep him close to you, always.
We are deeply saddened to learn of Michael’s passing. Although we hadn’t seen Michael in many years, we fondly remember all the fun we had with him and the neighborhood kids. From running through the backyards in the summers to skating on the rink in the winters, Michael was a huge part of our little crew and we will never forget him. To Lisa and family, Peggy and Annemarie we send healing hugs during this difficult time. And for you Michael…cheers to a life well lived.
My condolences to Mike’s family on his passing. I only knew him briefly from my mom (Laurie), but I heard of his impact through many stories. I have no doubt his legacy will ring through the community. All the best.
My deepest condolences to Lisa and the family of Mike. Though I only had a brief chance to meet him, his presence left a lasting impression. Wishing strength and warmth to all who knew and loved him.
Rest in peace Mike.
Words can’t express the profound sense of loss I feel by the news of Mikes passing.
My sincere condolences to Lisa and family.
I feel truely blessed to have known Mike professionally for over 20 years. A gentleman with a big heart, great sense of humour and zest for life.
His guidance, professionalism and willingness to Suport all my endeavours has been a Pilar in my working life.
We must all honour Mike’s life by doing small but great things in our lives.
Rest in peace Mike, I’ll miss our talks.
Mike was a fantastic Accountant, and really cared about his clients. He will be missed for his professionalism, and caring. He above all put the person first in his work, and life. He will be missed.
Our hearts are heavy with pain, but Mike is flying pain free. We are thinking of Lisa, the family and all his staff at this difficult time. Mike wasn’t just our accountant, he was a true friend who always had your back. He was the master of true honesty. Rest in Peace Mike…we love you.
Mike was always a consummate professional and represented his craft, and that of the financial professionals, with dignity and integrity. I have fond memories of my first meetings with Mike 20 years ago @ the BDC and our frequent touchpoints thereafter. I wish his family grace and peace in this difficult time along with sincere condolences.
Ohhhhh
We are shattered to hear this news.
Mike was our US/CAD accountant for so many years. We thought the world of Mike and everyone at the office.
We’ve shared so much life over the years with Mike.
Always appreciated his advice, professionalism, insight and humour
We will miss him terribly.
Rest in peace Mike – you will always be Awesome in our minds and hearts
Sincere condolences to Lisa, family and everyone at the office. We know this is a devastating loss to all of you personally
Wish we were in Sarnia to pay our proper respects to everyone.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Paul and Debra Gingrich
So sorry to hear
Mike was a true professional. Spent time with him as I sat on the Board of The Lambton United Church Camp. Smart dude. Quaffed a couple of beers from time to time , and of course chats along the way over the years. You’ll be missed sir… Fondly remembered.
Mike Farmer – Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance
It was my privilege to have known Mike . He was always there for his clients and beloved by his office staff- such an honourable and good man. He faced his illness with bravery and dignity. He will be missed by everyone he touched. My deepest condolences to Lisa and family.
We are deeply shocked to hear of Mike’s passing. He has been our account for many years and was always such a professional who cared deeply for his clients. Please accept our condolences to this sad news.
Heartfelt condonlences to Lisa and family. Although we didn’t know Mike very well, Gen, Cy and kids were very fond of him. Mike seemed like a great guy and he will be missed.
From Don and Myrna, your neighbours at the cottage, Don and Myrna Scott.
I am so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Fresh out of university at only 21 years old, Mike hired me as the Business Consultant at the SLBDC. We worked side by side every day (and many nights) for over six years. Over that time, we weathered a number of storms both professionally and personally. Mike always had my back in every decision I made and I had his.
Never one to clip his employee’s wings, Mike promoted me to Manager of Entrepreneurial Programs, handed over responsibility for smaller loans, and (despite me being the Marketing and Management major and not the Accountant)…entrusted me to write the course content and teach Accounting to all of our small business clientele.
Mike was incredibly intelligent, and a consummate professional who had a heart of gold. When my dog died, he gave me the day off and had a card and donation to the Humane Society waiting for me the next morning. When I found myself in an unhealthy relationship, Mike praised me for my strength in escaping it and thanked me for devotion to my work throughout.
When I was asked by the Federal government to open a sister organization to the SLBDC at 27, I went to Mike for advice. When I told him what I thought was my weakness in being able to handle the role, he responded “You have no weaknesses” and wrote me a letter of recommendation… despite being sad to see me go.
Mike is quite literally the reason I have had such a wonderful career in business and economic development for the past 30 years and I will be forever grateful.
Though we haven’t connected over the past few years, I am so happy to hear that he was enjoying life with family in the place that he loved. He deserved nothing but joy.
Thank you Mike… for everything. Rest in Peace.
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Mike. My condolences to his family and friends.
Lisa and Mike hired me at the firm for my first job after graduating university. I learned lots from them while working towards my CPA. We also had lots of laughs and good times at the firm! Especially tax parties and special events!
My deepest condolences.
Lisa and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to all.
My condolences to Mike’s family. Mike and I were old friends from Northern Collegiate days and student summer jobs at Centennial Park. I moved away from Sarnia and we lost touch. I am so sorry to learn of Mike’s passing.
It was so sad to hear about the passing of Mike. He was our accountant for years. We loved his dry humour, and appreciation of good profanity. I loved his picture with Stephen Harper, who was also my favourite prime minister (with a few faults). It was nice to hear that he loved his job, and we all know that he was really good at it. He loved and was devoted to his family, pets, and all who worked with him.
Our deepest condolences.
Lisa, we were so saddened to hear about Mike. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences.
My condolenscences to Lisa, family, and professional staff. I have been Mike’s client for over a decade and am so sorry and saddened with his passing. Such a great loss to his family and the community. RIP Mike 🌹