Michael David Race

It is with great sadness that the family of Michael David Race announces his passing at his home in Grand Falls-Windsor, NL on October 17, 2021, surrounded by so much love. We are most grateful that he was able to defy all odds by surviving 19 full and rewarding years after his brain cancer diagnosis in 2002. Mike has always had a great passion for music. He started playing trombone in elementary school in Dartmouth and only laid it (or his conductor’s baton) down when his hearing loss became a real impediment. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Music, and a diploma in it’s new Jazz Studies Program. After moving to Newfoundland and Labrador he taught music in the Bishop’s Falls school system until his retirement in 2012, leaving his many students with fond memories and experiences. Some highlights were the band trip to NS, “Fiddler on the Roof” and of course, the production of “Annie” in 2009. In 1984, Mike co-founded the Exploits Jazz Band and was proud to say that the group has remained together ever since. He also conducted the Grand Falls-Windsor Concert Band for more than 30 years. The longevity of both these community groups is a testament to Mike’s musical leadership. On a community level, Mike was involved with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, a member of CNVAS, and a former member of the Cathedral Choir. He was artistic, kind, loved to joke around and make people smile. He had a heart of gold. Mike is predeceased by his parents John (Jack) and Margaret Race, his brother Mark, and parents-in-law, Arthur and Margaret Griffin. Leaving to mourn with the fondest and loving memories are “his girls”: wife of 37 years, Laura and daughters Amanda (Adam) of Cumberland Bay, NB and Maria (Paul) of Conception Bay South, NL. Also left mourning are his brother John Race (Marie), sister Patricia Belgrave (Michael), sister-in-law Donna Race, and their children, as well as the Griffins: Tom (Shannon) and Dennis, and many special friends. His family would like to gratefully acknowledge the help we received from the Palliative Care team, the nursing staff of 3A, the care workers from Horwood’s, and “our” Joann. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, or the Lionel Kelland Hospice. If you are attending the funeral mass, we invite you to wear a grey ribbon for brain tumour awareness. “God so loved the world He created the trombone…and the purple p-bone” Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ryan Peddle of Central Funeral Homes. https://www.braintumour.ca/ways-to-give/giving/ The Funeral Mass of the late Michael Race will be livestreamed on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 11:00am. The stream will begin approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled start of Mass. www.YouTube.com/c/ImmaculateConceptionCathedralParishGFW