It is with heavy hearts that the family of Michael Strain announces his sudden passing on Friday, April 12, 2019, in his favourite place. Michael was born July 7, 1962 to Deidre and Gordon “Bud” Strain. He grew up in the North End, a spot that was near and dear to his heart, and continued to live there all of his life. Growing up he enjoyed playing hockey, dirt biking, and causing trouble with the “North End Boys.” ‘Cools cabin was one of his favourite places to be. He was united in marriage to the love of his life Kim (Shyiak) on June 6, 1987. Bones and Phoebe had a relationship that we all aspire to have. Their love was one of a kind. Together they happily raised their daughter, Holly, the apple of Michael’s eye. He was proud of everything she accomplished and was always by her side supporting her in all of her ventures. Michael was one of the hardest workers around and would do anything for anyone. There was nothing that he couldn’t fix. He was a talented bodyman, starting his career at Don’s Auto Body. He then moved on to West End Motors, and then to Pinewood Sports & Marine where he enjoyed many years. After Pinewood he did a short stint with Ron’s Auto Body before going to work for D. McCool Transport. We all know the shop will never be the same without him. Michael, or “Bones” as he was know to many, was an avid outdoorsman. He spent many a weekend on the lake fishing, camping, boating, hunting, and snowmobiling. He always knew the best fishing spots and knew the area lakes and country like the back of his hand. When you were with Bones you didn’t need a GPS. His garage door was always open and was everyone’s favourite hangout. The drinks were cold, the garage was warm, there were no shortage of stories and the laughs were never-ending (especially on Thirsty Thursday). If you were lucky, he would bring you in the house and play you a record. Most likely Trooper, Prism or Head East. He especially enjoyed his “business meetings” in the garage with his best friend, Don McCool. Michael was overjoyed the day that Holly brought James home to meet him. He and James were inseparable and had so much in common. James was such a blessing in his life and was “the son he never had.” Although his time as a grandfather was short-lived, he was the best Grandpa Avis could have asked for. From the day Holly said, “It’s a boy” the smile never wiped off his face. He often talked of all the things he and Avis would do together and everything he would teach him. We will always see a bit of Bones in the twinkle of Avis’ eye. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Kim; daughter and son-in-law, Holly and James Kaemingh, and grandson Avis. He is also survived by his siblings, David (Terril) Strain, Cindy (John) Krukoski, and Lori (Lance) Brown. Mother-in-law and Father-in-law Sheila and Joe Shyiak, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Shelly and Len Van Uden. Uncles Bones will be greatly missed by Jeremy, Josh, Mary and Sarah Strain, Jamie (Diana) Krukoski, Lauren (Steve) Hanson, Miranda (Rob) Paterson, Carlee (Mason) Gallinger, and Brady and Tyler Van Uden. There was a special place in his heart for “Lilly-Pad,” Amellia, Sawyer, Ella, Ryder and Sylas. He was predeceased by his parents Gordon “Bud” and Deirdre Strain. There wasn’t a person who met Bones who didn’t love him. He will be greatly missed by his hundreds of friends. You all know who you are. Cremation has taken place. A come and go celebration of life will take place on Saturday, April 20 from 1pm-3pm at the Fort Frances Legion. Come, have a drink, share a story and have a good time. Wear your jeans and your favourite blouse, in typical Bones fashion. If friends so desire, in memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation,c/o Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, ON P0W 1E0. One of Michael’s favourite songs sums it all up, “We’re here for a good time, not a long time, so have a good time, the sun can’t shine everyday.” He will forever shine down on all of us.