April 5th, 1949 – June 14th, 2021
Mike passed away peacefully at Hospice Georgian Triangle with family by his side after recent acceleration of his heart and lung disease. He is survived by his son, Mark Brownlie (Erin), ex-wife Heather Cartwright (Scott), his cousins Herb Hammer, Barb Finnie, Bill Boyle, Peter Boyle and their families. Mike will always be remembered for his generosity, love of life, loyalty and crazy sense of humour.
Mike was born in Etobicoke, Ontario and proudly attended Richview Collegiate. Following his love of planes, he majored in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Miami, Coral Gables. He became a member of the Canadian Professional Sales Association and Founding Member and Director of the Mississauga Waterfront Festival Association, and a member of the Port Credit BIA.
Mike’s early career developed through an in-depth knowledge of international transportation, working for Air Canada, as well as selling commercial freight services with Transair and Korean Airlines. He purchased a tourist site and restaurant bar on a Greek Island, IOS. He travelled extensively during off-seasons and developed many friendships across the globe. Mike worked in the film industry location scouting, casting, prop-securing, and transportation services.
Returning to Canada, Mike became a Yacht Broker for Telfer Yacht’s and Clift’s Marine for several years. Always the entrepreneur, he managed the restoration of a 1966 55 ft. Chris Craft for a former US Naval Submarine Commander in Port Credit which landed about a ¼ mile inland during Hurricane Katrina in Pensacola, Florida.
A driving force in numerous business ventures, Mike’s achievements include helping major clients in the automotive industry realize their business vision through innovative marketing and sales programs for Ford Canada. He participated in an early-stage startup in the building renovation business, based on using reclaimed wood from barns.
In 2001, with such diverse business experience, Mike became the Recruitment Services Practice Leader for Logixsource Consulting Ltd. and for fifteen years, specialized in hiring information technology, logistics and supply chain resources nationally for a diverse set of corporate clients. Mike placed many people from all over the world into their first job in Canada and helped build their careers. He significantly contributed to both Logixsource and client success over the years.
In 2015, Mike retired and moved to Collingwood, where he put many miles on his mountain bike, enjoyed golf and skiing, and spending time with friends. As a tireless volunteer, Mike celebrated 20 years with the Mississauga Waterfront Festival managing in-water events, helping build the festival quality and award-winning success. Mike’s extensive love of food included hot wings with hot on the side, he travelled to over 50 countries in search of the perfect hot dog and thin crust pizza. Many hospitality industry personnel have benefitted from his extensive customer service skills and hospitality expertise which he unsparingly shared.
A small family Celebration of Life will take place later due to COVID restrictions. Donations to Hospice Georgian Trianglein his honour would be gratefully appreciated.