December 19, 1954 – December 14, 2016
Groom, Deran Joseph Michel “Mike” – Passed away suddenly on December 14, 2016 at Hamilton General Hospital. Beloved husband of Sylvia Groom (nee Lanznaster). Loving father to Patrick (Anne-Marie) & Emily (Lauren) and treasured Grandpa of James & Paul. Loving son of Gilberte & Harry (deceased) and brother to Rose-Marie (Pierre). Loving son-in-law to Irma & Herbert (deceased). Loving brother-in-law to Suzie (Roman) & Evi (Julian), and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St. Dundas, ON, from 2-4pm & 6-8pm on December 16, 2016 with a prayer vigil starting at 8pm. Cremation to follow. Family and friends are welcome to gather at 7 Lennard Crescent, in Dundas, after 8:30 pm. Donations to the Workers Arts & Heritage Centre would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Patrick – So sorry to hear this news. My condolences to you and your family.
Patricia
I am so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. We had just reconnected via FB and went to see a play together. He proudly took me to Emily and Lauren’s bar, but unfortunately, Emily wasn’t there. We shared a nice brief meal at the Burnt Tongue instead. So happy I have this memory. Mike and I spent a lot of time together doing plays when we were teens. He’ll be sorely missed.
To Mike’s family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was always a strong advocate for the labour movement. I enjoyed working with him and we spent many days on the golf course over the years. He was always happy go luck and loved to laugh. He will be missed.
Rob Butler
Patrick; My condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. Take care, Jan
This is awful news, my sincere sympathies to Mike’s family. Mike and I worked together for many years, and he was a great teacher–and also a great friend. RIP Mike.
Mikey! You were an inspiration and a book of knowledge!! I’m sooo gonna miss you buddy!! Nice time to leave… I suspect you had enough when you heard who was president and once Fidel left. xoxoxoxo You will never be forgotten!! <3
Sylvie and Family I am so sorry you have had such a loss – there are no words to make it any less painful just know and rely on the loved ones who are there for you.
Grief is like the ocean, it comes in waves; sometimes the water is calm and sometimes it is overwhelming.
All we can do is learn to swim.
Many happy memories of the past. Thinking of You.
Patrick,
Please accept my condolences to you, Anne-Marie, and your two boys.
Stephen
Sylvia, Patrick and Emily – Mike loves you all, so very much. His love will live on in you and the grandchildren and your memories of him will make you cry and laugh, sometimes at the same time. Please know that my thoughts are with all of you at this incredibly difficult time.
Patrick and Anne-Marie
Bre and I were both very sorry to hear of the passing of Patrick’s father, our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Our thought’s and prayers are with you both at this time.
Ian
Sylvia and family, Nicole and I are very sorry for your loss.
Sylvia and family, just got word of Mike’s passing, although we had not seen each other for a while we were always close and had a lot in common, it is so difficult to put in words the feelings one has when a good friend leaves without warning and there is no second chance to remind each other of all the good times and struggles we participated in during our lives. Patrick and Emily your dad was the best, what more can I say. Goodbye Comrade
Barry and Marg Fraser
I am very sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. My condolences to his family, friends, and many union brothers and sisters. I have fond memories of discussing classic rock with Mike at the Phoenix and playing golf with him at several McMaster tournaments.
I met Mike the first day he worked in Yard Services at Stelco in 1977 or 78. Mike invited me to his apartment the next day to cook dinner for me. He was taking cooking lessons and wanted to test out his skills. While he was in the kitchen cooking, I was looking over his balcony and saw two beautiful girls walking down the street and decided to invite them to join us for dinner. Mike heard me and came and looked at who I was talking to. Mike said, “I know those two and they are nothing but trouble.” The two beautiful girls joined us for dinner and Mike married the one girl, Silvia Lanznaster and I married the other girl, Bridie Fallon.
Me, I proceeded to fall in love with Bridie, Silvia and Mike.
Patrick and Anne-Marie
I am so sorry that you have lost your father (-in Law). it is hard to know what to say, but keep strong and focus on the good memories you had and the loss won’t feel as bad.
I would like to express my deepest condolences to Mike’s family. I worked with Mike at the opposite side of the grievance table and I always found him to be a very professional and judicious man. He was a strong advocate for his members and he would always aim for a fair resolution. I truly admired that quality. Mike took pride in his family, and of course we swapped stories about our grand-children. He will be missed. May he now rest peacefully.
Suzanne Crosta
We have many fond memories of Mike including several memorable vacations. The highlight was Mike being our private tour guide in Havana over four wonderful days. Rest in peace Mike you will be sorely missed! Our thoughts prayers are with Sylvia, Patrick, Anne Marie, Emily and Lauren.
So sorry for your lose. “Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where love of our lost ones pour though and shine down apron us, to let us know they are HAPPY”
I am sorry for your loss, my condolences to his family and friends. I only knew him briefly though he was great help to me. I remember playing billiards with him or seeing him on a computer listening to some old music. He would chat with me about life problems and he would help me out.
I was so sad to hear of Mike’s passing. My sincere condolences to Sylvia and family. I fondly remember golfing with Mike in our early years at Stelco in the 12-10 mill and #1 Bar Mill. In the golf tournament, it seems like we stopped at the end of each hole for either some liquid refreshments or other substances. I worked with him for a number of years and he was such a great guy! In one of our after work “sessions”, I took Mike home to his place and then went home myself. Then I noticed that he had forgotten his ever present knapsack with his puffers in it. I had to make another trip back so he could have the puffer. Lots of great times with Mike! He was also deeply committed to the union movement and did his most to make all our lives a little better. Great guy and such a shame to see him go so young. He will be sadly missed by many that his life has touched.
To Mike’s Family,
Sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. A great fellow and a dedicated trade unionist will be missed.
Herman Rosenfeld, Toronto
To the family,
Please accept my deepest condolences for Mike’s untimely passing. He was a wonderful fellow and a dedicated trade unionist.
Herman Rosenfeld, Toronto
All the time that I knew him Mike was a great defender of working people and lesbian and gay rights.
He was in advance of the average labour activist in the gay rights area. He also spoke fondly of the
struggles and successes of the Cuban Revolution and enjoyed his visit(s) to Cuba. Like many of us, he
was a fan of the music we heard during our generation’s formative years such as Black Sabbath.
While he worked for us at the McMaster University Staff Association after we became unionized, we learned
much from him. His was candle that burned brightly.
Barry from MUSA / CAW Local 555 / Unifor Local 5555
I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a tireless advocate for the rights of others. He taught me, and many others at McMaster, a great deal about the importance of a just workplace – and always did so with good humour and a smile. Sincere condolences to you all at your time of loss.
Alison
I know this is late, but I think of him from time to time. We had many laughs together and I learned much from Mike. He had a very dedicated approach to winning rights for workers.
Blessing to all that loved him. We will meet again someday.