Michael Totté

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Totté on May 16, 2024, at the Russell Health Centre with his loving family at his side.  He was born in Shoal Lake, MB, to Josephus and Baatje Totté.  His family had recently immigrated from The Netherlands, and he was the first to be born in Canada. Mike grew up in St. Lazare, where his family owned the town bakery. He attended school in St. Lazare until Grade 12 and graduated from Birtle Collegiate at the age of 16.   He continued his education at Brandon University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and began his teaching career.

In 1971, Mike met the love of his life, Jayne (Honey) and they were married in 1975, in Russell, MB.  Mike started teaching in Arborg and moved to McCreary, where their daughter Cheri was born.  The following year they moved to Russell where Mike began his tenure at Major Pratt School teaching a variety of subjects; French being his favorite.  In 1981, Marc was born, and their family was complete. After many years of teaching, Mike moved on to administration, becoming Principal of Major Pratt School.  He retired from Major Pratt in 2008, but never completely stopped being an educator as he continued as the French Coordinator for the Division and took on many substituting positions.

Mike loved his sports.  He enjoyed coaching many different sports with volleyball being his favorite. After stepping away from coaching, he began refereeing volleyball. His reffing career encompassed many levels of volleyball, including high school, Club as well as the occasional college game. His other passion was golf.  He was an avid member of the morning club, who could be found at the golf course daily.    

His greatest joy was being a Papa to his grandchildren, Lucy and Freddie.

Michael is survived by his wife Jayne, daughter Cheri (Jodie) and son Marc (Lindsay) and their children Lucy and Freddie; mother-in-law, Rita Honey; brothers Peter (Carol), Nick (Joyce), Jim (Laurie), Doug (Diane) and sister Roseanne (Roy) and numerous nieces and nephews.

To continue Mike’s legacy, a Memorial Bursary has been set up in his name to be given out to a deserving graduate of Major Pratt School. Donations can be made out to “Michael Totté Memorial Bursary” and sent to: Box 1673, Russell, MB, R0J 1W0 or an e-transfer can be sent to asessippichiro@mymts.net and NOTE: bursary.