Michael James Costello

Michael James Costello

January 16, 1950 - April 3, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael James Costello after a long battle of illnesses related to his diabetes.

Michael was born January 16, 1950, in Vancouver, B.C. His father was in the Canadian Armed Forces, so he spent his early childhood on a number of army bases. His family left Vancouver to the army base in Chilliwack, B.C. where they lived for one year. In the summer of 1958, his father shifted operations to Ottawa where they remained.

Michael attended St. Pius X High School and then transferred to Laurentian High School. He enrolled in the four-year Business and Commerce course and felt that this was something he enjoyed and was able to apply himself.

In Grade 12 Michael graduated from Commerce and was awarded a scholarship. He entered Algonquin College in the fall of 1970.

After completing the course at Algonquin College Michael left Canada and travelled around the world for a period of two years.

As a boy Michael was in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from age 9-13. At the age of 16 Michael enrolled in the Naval Reserves at H.M.C.S. Carleton and spent three years with the reserves. He was in the Communications Division and attained the rank of Leading Seaman.

While in High School Michael participated in hockey, football, volleyball, and wrestling. His hobby that was most near and dear to his heart was fishing. He spent many hours fishing on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa when he was a young boy. Michael enjoyed many years fishing on Lake Diefenbaker and salmon fishing in British Columbia. He enjoyed snow skiing in his younger years. Michael was an excellent Bridge player as well as playing many types of cards and board games. He enjoyed listening to music, especially 60’s music.

Michael also was an excellent amateur photographer, especially photographing birds, landscapes, and portraits.

Michael spent 20 years working for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation rising to the role of manager of finance, human resources and IT before leaving to work for the City of Saskatoon. He moved to Edmonton from Ottawa in 1976 and to Saskatoon 5 years later. Michael retired from his job at Saskatoon Light and Power in 2015 where he worked as inventory office supervisor. He received his CGA designation in 1990. He went on to receive his FCGA designation which recognizes exemplary service by the member to the Association, the accounting profession and the community at large. He was president of CGA-Saskatchewan from 2000-2001.

Michael also volunteered his time to serve on the Provincial Fish Advisory Board and was a founding member and Treasurer of The Fishing for Tomorrow Foundation

Michael met the love of his life, Patty, in 1998 and they were married in 2005. They have spent many years together, travelling to China, Arizona, Texas, Alaska, and Newfoundland. He enjoyed much time together at the lake every summer with Patty.

Michael loved animals, especially his shelties, Kilby and Checkers and his miniature longhaired dachshunds, Abby and Bitsy. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He always enjoyed meeting people and carrying on a conversation. His good nature and amiable personality seemed to make people feel at ease when around him.

Michael is pre-deceased by his brothers, Brian and Terry, his parents, Edwin and Doris. He is survived by his wife, Patty, step-children Emily (Drew), Alyssa, and Katelyn (Ben) and step-grandchildren, Max and Jax, Sisters Aileen (Jack) Visser, and Sheila Martin, many nieces and nephews across Canada, as well as many friends from across Canada and the United States.

Many thanks go out to the staff at St. Paul’s Hospital and especially for the loving care he received from the nurses and care aides and others while living at Oliver Lodge Special Care Home in Saskatoon for the past 18 months.

Michael will be cremated. There will be no service at this time. A memorial service will take place at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saskatoon SPCA or to the charity of the donor’s choice.