A Legacy of Kindness: Honouring Micah Baerwald

A photo of the late Micah Baerwald.Micah Jay Gettel Baerwald embodied kindness, compassion, and community spirit.

Born on September 14, 1993, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Micah’s journey was destined to make an enduring impact on Kingston and beyond. Growing up near Brockville, Ontario, Micah attended Meadowview Elementary and TISS High School, where he cultivated friendships that would last a lifetime. Sports played a significant role in his life, particularly football. Beyond winning or losing, Micah valued sportsmanship, fairness, and camaraderie. He epitomized the ideal teammate, always prioritizing collective success over individual accomplishments.

Micah’s love extended to animals and the great outdoors. He had a deep respect for all living creatures, but his affection for dogs was especially notable. Micah found solace and joy in the serene landscapes that surrounded him, forging an unbreakable bond with nature.

After completing his first year of the Journeyman Electrician program in Ontario, Micah ventured to Saskatchewan, where he achieved his Journeyman Electrician designation while working in the oilfields. This journey allowed him to spend cherished moments with his family and beloved grandparents.

In 2016, Micah returned to the Brockville area, where he would meet Shannon Greer, the love of his life. Micah’s adult years were marked by virtual gaming, socializing with friends, adventure-filled trips, and working as a maintenance electrician at the Novelis Kingston facility. He was known as a valued colleague and a cherished friend.

Micah’s character was his true legacy. He lived by a code of kindness, caring, and inclusivity.

“He was the embodiment of the best in all of us.”

                                                                      Tannis and Jason Baerwald

His family and friends will forever cherish the moments they shared with Micah, where his smile lit up rooms, his laughter was infectious, and his competitive spirit created everlasting memories.

Sadly, Micah tragically passed away in 2021.  To honour Micah’s enduring legacy, his family and friends established The Micah Baerwald Legacy Community Fund in partnership with CFKA. The fund reflects Micah’s core values of kindness and community.

Through the Micah Baerwald Legacy Community Fund, Micah’s legacy continues to flourish. It supports local charities dedicated to nurturing the potential of youth and children in our community, a testament to Micah’s unwavering belief in the power of giving back. This fund serves as a living tribute, ensuring that Micah’s kindness and compassion live on, forever brightening the lives of those who need it most. Micah’s legacy reminds us all of the profound impact one individual can have when they live by the values of love, kindness, and community.

Community Foundation for Kingston & Area