Michael David Lalande was born June 16, 1992 in Ottawa, Ontario, to his loving mother Sandra Parker-Lalande, Dave Lalande, and his proud big sister Amanda. Mike was a happy kid who was always making people laugh. He grew up playing hockey, soccer and baseball, and attended South Branch Elementary, Kemptville Public School, and North Grenville District High School. Mike was an active student known for his strength in math and computer science. He was well-liked by his peers and teachers for his upbeat personality and friendly face. He later attended the University of Waterloo for post-secondary education.

 

Although Mike faced some personal struggles throughout high school, it was when he returned home from university that things really started to get tough. At a time when most of us are facing major life changes and trying to figure out who we are, Mike's mental health led him astray. He experienced paranoia and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, facing episodes of depression and mania. One of Mike's biggest fans, his mom, passed away in April 2016. She was his major source of support, and without her, there was a void Mike was unable to fill. Mike struggled to accept that there was something wrong and fought everyday to live the way he thought others would approve of. Maybe he was fearful of the stigma attached to what he was facing? In denial of his illness, Mike avoided medications. Although he reached out to many friends and family to share some of his pain, Mike knew how to distance others from his situation to minimize their worrying.

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Tragically, after suffering for years, Mike's fight ended November 28, 2018. Mike will be remembered for his smile, his wit, his sense of humour, his big heart, athleticism, and so much more. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He touched the lives of everyone he met along his short journey.