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Mikael (Longe) Baranyi
August 13, 1991 - November 26, 2022
It is with the heaviest of hearts we share that Mikael passed away on November 26th after a long, hard-fought battle with addiction.
A Kenora resident, born and raised, Mikael had a deep appreciation for lake-life. Mikael enjoyed activities like swimming, golf and fishing, and as a kid, spent a lot of time playing outdoors with his brother, cousins and friends. Family was important to Mikael. He loved the big gatherings but also the low-key times, like watching NFL foot-ball with his brother, reading books with his nieces, or having a movie-night with his mom and step-dad or his partner, Shelley.
As a kid, Mikael attended Keewatin Public School, St. Thomas Aquinas and then Beaver Brae. Mikael played hockey throughout his youth and tried his hand at football in high school. After graduation, he completed his diploma in Broadcasting and Television Production at Confederation College in Thunder Bay. Mikael loved movies and acting, and dreamed of getting into film making.
Mikael had a strong work-ethic, starting with cleaning fish barrels for his grandpa’s commercial fishing business and moving onto places like Pinewood Lodge, Cornerstone, the Grace Anne and KACL to name a few. No matter the job, Mikael always developed a name for himself with his charismatic nature and dedication to his work. Personal fitness was very important to Mikael. The Cross-fit gym often became a second home for him, and over the years he enjoyed MMA and boxing.
Mikael always had an event or a project on the go and liked to keep busy. When something peaked his interest, Mikael wouldn’t rest until he had learned all he could about it…and then talked about it with every person he saw the next day. Mikael had a thirst for knowledge and understanding. This extended to people as well. Mikael valued connection and had the rare gift of being able to make every person he talked to feel special. Mikael’s authenticity, helpful-nature and great sense of humour made him fast-friends with everyone.
In addition to many wonderful friends, Mikael (and his distinctive laugh and infectious smile) is remembered by: mom and step-dad, Leanne and Tim Davidson; brother, Davis Longe (Carollyn); 2 beloved nieces; grandmother, Shelagh Longe; partner, Shelley Johnson and Shelley’s 3 beloved children; a large number of extended family from the Longe and Davidson clans; and mentor and close friend, Dan Anderson. Mikael is predeceased by grandfather, Stuart Longe.
Mikael never gave up on his recovery. His strength to always keep trying, even when the pull of his illness became overwhelming, was inspiring. Gone too soon, we find comfort in knowing that Mikael is now free of pain, free of his struggles and at peace with God.
A Celebration of Mikael’s Life will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 4:00pm at Lakeside Baptist Church in Kenora. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mikael’s honour to Mental Health and Addictions services through the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation or to the Kenora Youth Wellness Hub.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Baranyi (Longe) family.