MICHAEL MAIOLA September 27, 1937 – December 16, 2012 It is with profound sadness that the family of Michael Gerrard Maiola announce his passing on December 16, 2012. After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Michael died peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice with his family by his side. Michael was born in Hamilton, Ontario on September 27, 1937 to the late Jean and Guerino Maiola. Growing up, he tried his hand at many jobs before he enrolled in Hamilton Teachers’ College to pursue his dream of teaching. After gaining experience in the Hamilton Catholic School system, Mike embarked on a new venture, moving the family to Thunder Bay where he accepted a contract with the Lakehead Public School Board to teach a special education class at Vance Chapman School. Within a short time his leadership potential was recognized with his appointment as vice-principal then principal. His professional passion was special education, with emphasis on inclusion, the integration of special needs students from separate classrooms into mainstream settings. His early work centred on Twinhaven School, the KinArk educational program, and the school at the Northwestern Regional Centre. Along with a few committed colleagues Mike established “satellite “ classes in several elementary and secondary schools and developed the Avenue I and Avenue II for young adults having high needs. He was also very instrumental in founding the Lakehead Regional Family Centre, an outstanding resource for children and their families in our community. He retired from his teaching career as principal of St. James Public School but continued to be active in the school for several more years volunteering and assisting his grandsons. Michael had confidence in the abilities of others to find their purpose and place in life. His vision and effort in his own life led to countless children finding satisfaction and happiness in others. He lived the motto that he learned from his professional development as an educator: `Trust every individual you meet to be honest and honourable. Only when someone proves to be unworthy of this view should your opinion be revised`. Besides his family and his teaching career, Michael’s other passion was fishing. Whenever possible, he would escape with his friends Larry and Eric to his favorite fishing spot, the Pearl. Michael is survived by his wife Lita, daughter and son-in-law Heidi and Don Porter, daughters Bobbi, Jaci and Dawn Washington, and sons Jerry and Bill Washington; Grandchildren Justin and Matthew Porter, Cassandra Domineck, Alex Beeby, Lee Washington, Michelle and Jason St. Onge; Great Grandchildren Kade Washington, Jenna, Tayah and Cole Perron and Jaron and Jasmine St. Onge. He is also survived by his sister Valerie Hennings (Hamilton, Ont) and nephews John Brady, Rick and Ron Cameron (Hamilton, Ont) and niece Arlene Cameron (Hamilton, Ont), as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends. Michael was predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law Roger Hennings. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 11:00 am in St. Thomas Anglican Church, 1400 Edward Street, South with Rev. Doug McClure officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, December 19, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 North Court Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Foundation – Hospice Unit, or the charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com. Thank you for giving us your strength and your love. Rest in Peace Papa.

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