Memories & Celebrations - Obituary

Michael William Kenneth Gervasi

It is with extremely heavy hearts we mourn the loss of our son/brother Michael “Mikey” Gervasi and his dog Philly, who were taken so suddenly and way too early from our lives.
Michael is survived by his parents Jennifer Blanchard, Tony Gervasi and sister Katie Gervasi (Tyler Gysbers), grandfather Franco Gervasi (predeceased by his nanny Edna Gervasi), Nanny Luciel Blanchard (predeceased by his papa Larry Blanchard), numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and his beloved dog Cheddar.

Michael was born and raised in Sioux Lookout. He completed all his schooling in Sioux Lookout, attending Sacred Heart School and Queen Elizabeth District High School, where he graduated with a Transportation Specialty. While attending school Mikey entered the workforce as soon as he turned 14 years old. He started his working career at Fresh Market and after 1 year he obtained his dream job as a 15 year old, working with “family”, Cory and Ronnie Lago, at Al Sports. This job highlighted everything he loved to do; fishing, hunting, and hockey.  

After graduating, Mikey decided to stay in Sioux Lookout, but he was ready for a new challenge and worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) as a forest fire fighter. This is where he developed his devoted passion for firefighting. Mikey never was so happy than he was when working a fire out in the bush. His favourite line was he “was saving the province one tree at a time”. Mikey worked for the MNRF from 2018 - 2023 before leaving the MNRF to work at Evolution Mine in Red Lake. He made the hard decision to leave the MNRF to better his life and follow his fathers footsteps and eventually obtain a trade. As Mikey did wherever he went, he made countless friends and enjoyed his time there, especially the legendary Thursday wing nights and Sunday night pool with his crew and father. 

However, Mikey’s passion for fire fighting never left him, so he decided to join the Sioux Lookout Municipal Fire Department in January 2025. On his days off from the mine he spent countless hours training at the fire hall. Mikey absolutely loved that he was a part of this organization and the way he was accepted by the brotherhood of his fellow firefighters.   
When Mikey was not working or fire fighting, he spent his downtime in the bush hunting, fishing, or trapping with friends and family. He obtained his trapping license in 2018 and developed a passion for the hobby as he learned from his papa Larry Blanchard and his father Tony Gervasi.

If Mikey was not out at our camp he was out at “The Brunton’s Camp” who were his second family. Mikey has countless adventures with the Brunton’s, but his greatest adventure with them was watching his best friends, Andy and Jaime, become parents this past summer. He loved going to visit them and their baby and he could not wait to find happiness and love like they did.

Mikey not only had an incredible work ethic, but he had a heart of gold. He was kind, loving, and selfless. He would drop whatever he was doing to be there for his family and friends for whatever they needed his help with or just to be there for them when needed. He not only was a devoted son, but the BEST big brother. He was someone you could always count on no matter what. It was extremely rare to see him without a smile on his face or making you laugh. He brought the good vibes and party wherever he went and was never afraid of having a good time.

Mikey was one in a million and his passing has not only left a huge hole in his families and friends hearts, but the hearts of many others. His impact and legacy on others will never be forgotten.   

Mikey, we will love and miss you forever and always, 
Mom, Dad, & your favourite nerd Katie   

Oh, and one last thing.....
Go Caps Go! #theGreat8!