Ottawa Festivals volunteer and crime victim Mike Armstrong passes away

February 12, 2010 · Filed Under Blog, Community, Festivals and Events, Ottawa

Excerpted from an article by Kelly Egan
The Ottawa Citizen

On the evening of March 23, 2009, Mike Armstrong, a stubby, middle-aged man with a plucky underdog spirit, was pumping gas at an independent outlet in Bells Corners.

His life was about to be irretrievably changed.

Just before 9 p.m., a vehicle he had just served sped away without paying, sending him reeling to the ground, where he banged his head.

Last Friday, nearly 11 months later, he was found lying on the floor of his living room — dead — never again the same man.

What the thieves could not have known was Armstrong’s history, nor his resilience.

Armstrong worked at the Bank of Canada for 15 years before his department was outsourced, then downsized. He began working at Sunys on Robertson Road about five years ago, often working the 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift.

He was a dedicated volunteer, with stints at Meals on Wheels, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Tulip Festival and Canada Day celebrations. He worked with Big Brothers and the Ottawa Folk Festival.

“I’m very angry about this,” said his sister Pat, 57, a nurse.

“I want them to recognize all the good things Mike did with his life. He was a good man. He never complained,” said Pat.

To read the full article, click here.

Tags: canada day, Mike Armstrong, Ottawa Festivals, Ottawa Folk Festival, Tulip Festival, volunteer