Obituary of Michael David Cavanagh

Michael David Cavanagh, July 16 1961 - March 13 2024 It is with the deepest sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend, Michael Cavanagh, from leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a rare complication of bladder cancer. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Mike’s innumerable life adventures took him across the globe. His career as a world-renowned opera director reached its pinnacle in Stockholm, Sweden, where he was the Director of Opera for the Royal Swedish Opera. Though his innovative, ambitious and often-comedic work has been celebrated on stages across the globe, his true heart lay at home with his family in London, Ontario, Canada. Mike was the athletic guy in the arts world and the artsy guy in the sports world. He was a true sports fan, an avid golfer and enjoyed endless home renovation projects. Though he may be mostly remembered for his brilliant oeuvre of artistic work, his adoring family will hold him in their hearts as their one and only “Mikey”: beloved son and brother, adored uncle, special Grancha to Alden, the most encouraging and supportive dad to Amelia, and devoted spouse and soulmate to Jackie, his Truelove. Deeply mourned and gone before his time, Mike will be fondly remembered by all who had the good fortune of meeting him - whether on the rugby field, the golf course, the rehearsal hall, or anywhere in between. Michael is survived by wife Jackie Short, daughter Amelia Pipher Cavanagh, grandson Alden (Bram), his mother Angela Stevens, brother Carl Cavanagh (Arlene), sister Christine Morley, step siblings Sandy Stevens (Ron de Gaust) and Brad Stevens (Hemmy) and by his in-laws, Matthew and Karen Short, Doreen Totten, Lisa Short, and many nieces and nephews who adored him. Sincere thanks to the wonderful doctors, nurses, PSWs and staff at Victoria and University Hospital and St Joseph’s Hospice during this devastating time. Celebration of life to be held later this spring in London, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund in his name has been created at TD bank Branch 00066 Account 6741347 Branch Address, 1055 WONDERLAND RD N, LONDON, ON, N6G 2Y9. Online condolences may be shared on Mike's tribute wall at www.mpcemetery.ca.