D. Michael (Mike) Caughey
(July 1, 1935 – November 29, 2025)
Mike Caughey died peacefully on November 29, 2025, with the love of his life, Sue Hamilton, by his side. By his own account, he lived a full and rich 90 years.
Born and raised in St. Andrews, NB, Mike was happiest on the water. He began in a small dinghy and soon discovered sailing—a passion that followed him throughout his life. He later owned two sailboats, first on the Ottawa River and then in the Thousand Islands.
A Beaverbrook Scholar at both the University of New Brunswick (Electrical Engineering) and later for his PhD at Imperial College London, Mike laid the academic foundation that would serve him throughout his life. He was a pioneering figure in Ottawa’s high-tech sector, spending 14 years at Bell Northern Research, where he launched its microchip design and testing lab. A highlight of this era was a two-year exchange at Philips Research Lab in the Netherlands—a professional opportunity that doubled as the launchpad for many epic family camping trips across Europe.
He later held senior leadership roles at Mitel during its period of rapid expansion. As the founding president of the Ottawa Carleton Research Institute (OCRI) and a co-founder of the company that evolved into Kinaxis, he helped unite and accelerate the region’s innovation community. He remained a lifelong mentor to startups, notably running a monthly Technology Venture Dinner (TVD) to match entrepreneurs with investors.
In retirement, Mike settled in Almonte, a community he deeply loved. Connecting people was a lifelong passion for Mike, and he delighted in organizing a monthly gathering of technology executives known as the “TEA Party” (held at the local pub, with no politics or tea involved). He and Sue enjoyed five glorious years sailing, then traded the boat for a 20-foot “land-yacht,” embarking on seven cross-continent road trips while also enjoying many memorable international travels.
Mike will be remembered for his sharp mind, warm generosity, and deep interest in others. He was always ready for a thoughtful conversation about politics, world events, technology, or sailing, and had a gift for making people feel truly heard.
His gratitude for the blessings in his life—and the grace and cheerfulness with which he navigated his later years—were an inspiration to all who loved him. Even as his mobility declined, he cherished his Thursday men’s coffee group (always trying to fix the world’s problems) and relished any chance to go out for a drive or dinner—especially if oysters and a Manhattan were involved.
Mike’s family was very dear to him and nothing delighted him more than their impromptu visits and big holiday gatherings. He was deeply proud of his seven grown grandchildren—occasionally challenging them to do “more and better”—and he welcomed Sue’s grandchildren as “the icing on the cake”.
Mike will be deeply missed by his wife Sue; his sister Sheila Washburn; his children Sharon (Fred), Al (Heather), and Dave (Stella); his stepchildren Julie (Sandy), Shannon, Will, Marie (Mike), Patrick (Amelie), Tony (Danielle), and Sheila (Oz); and many grandchildren, as well as one great-grandson.
A celebration of life will be held at the Almonte Civitan Club on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 12:30 to 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to Home Hospice North Lanark would be appreciated (https://hhnl.ca/donate-now).
Funeral Arrangements Entrusted Into The Care of
C.R. Gamble Funeral Home and Chapel Inc.
127 Church St., Almonte ON. 613-256-3313
Condolences & Tributes: www.crgamble.com
