Obituary of Michael Kamad

February 19, 1930 – Kenora, Ontario

July 12, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Michael Kamad was born in Kenora, ON, on February 19, 1930. Mike was predeceased by his oldest brother Basil Kamad, his wife Louise Kamad, his brother Nick Kamad, his sister Catherine Kamad, and his cousin Rose Kamad Matson. Michael is survived by his nieces, Lynn Kamad Fowler and Jacquiline Lorrie Kamad; and cousins, Nick, Terry, and Janice Matson, and their families.

He was the fourth child of a local barber and pool hall owner. During his school days, he showed a natural talent for sports, excelling in track, baseball, football, and hockey. Although his dad wanted him to become a concert violinist like his older brother, Michael’s true passion was sports.

Michael’s first skates were old ones left in his father’s pool hall, which his mom stuffed with socks so they would fit. The rest would be history. His talent shone locally, catching the attention of scouts Joe Primeau (Leafs) of the Toronto Saint Mikes and Phil Watson (Rangers) of the Lethbridge Native Sons. However, his dad insisted he stay home and finish school, missing the opportunity to play alongside Red Kelly in Toronto.

In 1950-51, Mike played for the senior Norman Bombers, where the legendary Vince Gallagher was a player and coach, and Mike won the A.J. Houghton trophy for leading scorer. He went on to coach the local juvenile Jay Cees team from 1951 to 1953.

At the age of 23, Mike left Kenora for Toronto to work as an accountant and to practice the fine art of marriage to Teresa. He never put skates on again until the age of 63.

At 63, Michael moved to Calgary to work for Canada Post until retiring in 1993. While vacationing in Scotland, he was talked into going for a skate, resulting in long-lasting friendships and rekindling his love of sports.

Upon returning to Calgary, Mike bought a pair of skates and spent the next three years public skating. At 65, he started playing hockey in the Calgary 55+ league, never missing a game for the next 25 seasons. He accumulated 1,652 assists and 1,348 goals, totaling over 3,000 points in 1,153 league and tournament games. On his 90th birthday, Crowchild Black 55+ honoured him with a plaque and visits from CBC, CTV, and Global TV; a local television star in the making.

In his off-season, Mike played men’s slow pitch, helping his team win gold in the Calgary 55+ Division A. He played a significant role in the team’s success with an on-base percentage of over 75 and pinch running for teammates 10 to 20 years his junior. Calgary Senior Men’s Softball 55+ awarded Mike with the Bob Sanderson Trophy, presented each year to the Division A player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance and sportsmanship in his continuous efforts to improve."

Mike was a dedicated athlete and an inspiration to us all. He always said he was not special, just that he played hard and with a lot of good players. However, Mike was indeed special and will be deeply missed.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens (24223 Township Rd 242, Calgary, AB).  

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Michael’s family here.

In living memory of Michael Kamad, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.