The maestro took his flight on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, age 88. Beloved husband of Josie Farrar. Loving father of Simon (Melanie) of London, and Wendy Pillar (Ron) of Detroit. Fondly remembered by Josie’s sons, Aaron and Adam Bogle, both of Williamsburg. A Celebration of Thanksgiving will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church, Picton. Michael had a productive life from the beginning to its end. He played French Horn and piano as a young man, and started his career early, loading his horn on his Vespa and travelling around London environs to play with amateur orchestras, beginning age 15. He joined the Welsh Guards Band and spent three years playing horn as part of his conscription duties. Afterwards, he graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama as a French Horn player and accompanist. He played Horn professionally in the BBC Concert Orchestra, the London Symphony, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and the Sadler’s Wells Opera. Michael moved to Canada in 1966, freelancing in Toronto, working with the Canadian Opera and National Ballet orchestras, and with Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass. When times were tough Michael drove a bus, and sold real estate. He could turn his hand at anything and was skilled in home renovations. He moved to Ottawa and became Principal Horn with the National Arts Center Orchestra. He founded and conducted The Ottawa Winds as a specialized chamber group arising from The Ottawa Wind Ensemble. In his late forties, Michael bought a farm, took a sheep raising course and began farming, a 13 year stint which he adored. During that time he continued to play for students at the Ottawa School of Dance, conducted the Cornwall Ecumenical choir and the Seaway Valley Singers, as well as founding an early music group, The Renaissance Voyces. He spent 9 years with Lakeshore Drive United Church, as organist and choir director. Moving to Perth Road Village, Michael accompanied students at Queens, and sang in various choirs there. In 2004 he accepted the position of organist, choir director at St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church in Picton, a position which he truly loved, being back once again in the Anglican musical tradition. He composed music for the choir, and put on benefits to help to purchase the grand piano. He founded the Ecumenical choir here in Picton which performed many large sacred works over the years, sometimes with orchestral accompaniment. He founded and conducted the County Chamber Choir which became the choir that he most loved over his years of choral conducting. Michael cherished his life in the County, his friends and loved ones, and took special joy from his rescue dog, Maudie. Michael had a huge love of life and a capacity for endless love for people, animals and nature, especially trees. His last gig was on May 31st. If desired, donations in memory of Michael to Glenwood Cemetery would be appreciated by the family.   Arrangements entrusted to Rushnell Funeral Homes – Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street (613-476-2450)  Online condolences at www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com