Michael Julien

October 28, 1946 – December 28, 2025 

Michael Julien, also known as Michael Aird, passed away on December 28, 2025. He was born on October 28, 1946, in St. George’s, Grenada, a place that forever lived in his heart.

Michael will be deeply missed by his loving children, Debbie (Howard), Beverly, Michael John, Charlene, and Jacquie; his grandchildren, Chanelle (Jerome), Marszel, Daeshon, Sanniyah, Declan, and Chozen; as well as his great-grandchildren Aiden, Nathaniel, and Jeremiah. He is also lovingly remembered by many family members and friends throughout the Caribbean and North America.

A special mention to dad’s family, Anna Julien, Bernadette Julien, Dennot Julien, Royston Aird, Orandal Benoit, Diane Benoit, Monica Jackson, Merle Aird of Trinidad; Norman Aird, Osbert Benoit, Bernard Benoit of Grenada, the Ventour family in Morne Jaloux, Beaulieu and the U.S., the Boyd family of New Hampshire, Grenada, and many nieces and nephews in Grenada and the U.S., and Canada.

Michael was predeceased by his mother, Marie Julien, his father, Norris Aird, his siblings Lenny, Trevor, Barbara, Angela and Winston.

Up until the end of his life, Michael fondly recounted memories of Grenada in a way that made you feel as though you were living those moments right alongside him. His stories were rich, vivid, and filled with warmth. Just like him.

Gardening was one of Michael’s great passions. When he moved to Canada, one of the very first things he did was rent land on the outskirts of Winnipeg to start a garden. He would harvest his crops and donate the produce to those in need, a gesture of generosity he carried throughout his life. This spirit of giving extended to his love of cooking, where he often prepared large, extravagant meals and personally delivered food to those less fortunate.

Food was not just a passion; it was his calling. Michael began his career as an executive chef at the Grenada Beach Hotel, and later continued at the Gordon Hotels in Winnipeg, where he worked for over 40 years. Sunday dinners were a cherished tradition in his home. He would prepare a full Caribbean feast, opening his doors to family and friends to share in his creations, laughter, and love.

Michael was a strong man, a quiet man, full of humour and heart. His laugh lives on in our minds and hearts, as do his silly jokes, which he loved to test out on strangers passing by or cashiers at the checkout, always leaving smiles in his wake.

In 2018, Michael’s health took a difficult turn, yet he remained resilient, fighting with strength, dignity, and grace. During his time at St. Norbert Personal Care Home, Grace Hospital, and Riverview, he became a favourite among staff, known for his sweet, calm demeanour. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at S.N.P.C.H., Grace Hospital, and Riverview for the compassion and love they showed our dad. We are forever grateful for the extra time we were given with him.

The family would like to recognize the care and medical teams at S.N.P.C.H., Grace Hospital and Riverview for the dedication, tenderness and love they gave. We especially thank the doctors Joshua, George, Goulet, and Sochocki at Grace Hospital, and Dr. Blom at Riverview, for every intervention that gave us more time with our beloved father.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba or the Riverview Health Centre Foundation.

We picture Dad standing at his bar, raising a glass, cheersing us all with his familiar words: “To Long life and happiness.”

We love you, Dad. You will be forever missed and forever cherished.