Michael “Big Mike” Acton - Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral & Chapel

Date of Funeral

May 21, 2025

“Big Mike” – Michael James Acton, at the age of 54 years young, passed peacefully at his home in Oliphant on May 7th 2025, surrounded by love, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of laughter, warmth, and unwavering support. He was a dear partner of Sharlene Kelly. Forever loved father of Ainsley Acton and Vanessa Acton, and by Sharlene’s children, Jacob Kelly (Becca) and their daughter, Wren, and Harrison Kelly. Dear son of Mary Lou Lukey (nee Smith), and the late John Lukey. Brother of Heather Acton and Bill Acton (Gina), and Sharlene’s siblings, Eugene Kelly (Kristy), and Sean Kelly. Sadly missed by Sharlene’s parents, Michael and Annabelle Kelly.
To his daughters, he was the best dad anyone could ask for — a steady hand, a guiding light, and a true protector. His love for his girls was evident in everything he did, from quiet moments of advice and comfort to loud cheers from the sidelines of their lives. His pride in them was boundless, and his support never wavered.
He shared a beautiful life with his partner, filled with love, laughter, and true companionship. The two of them were a team in every sense of the word. They were known for their banter and inside jokes, the kind of playful teasing that comes from deep connection and true comfort. Their home was often filled with laughter. Their love was steady, strong, and built on mutual respect, friendship and love for their kids— a partnership that brought joy not only to them, but to all who witnessed it.
Summers were his season, and the water was his home. He could always be found on his boat — lovingly nicknamed his “floating living room” — cruising, relaxing, and soaking in the sunshine. Boating wasn’t just a hobby for him; it was a way of life, a place where laughter was shared, stories were told, and memories were made.
A master in the kitchen and behind the grill, he found joy in feeding those he loved. He had a special gift for cooking, but barbecuing was where he truly shined. Whether it was a perfectly seared steak or his signature ribs, his meals brought people together — a reflection of the warmth and generosity that defined him.
Sgt. Mike Acton was larger than life in more ways than one. His imposing stature was only overshadowed by his friendly and infectious personality. In 2005, Mike helped build the foundation of a liaison program that would eventually have a national influence. Relying on his incredible ability to foster relationships of trust, during the most challenging of situations, Mike would always emerge with new friendships for life. Mike was the ‘go to’ liaison officer in countless local, provincial and national events that often spanned months at a time. For a man that spent more time working than resting he seemed to have a never-ending supply of energy, always making himself available to his colleagues, his team and his valued community contacts 24/7. Mike’s true passion was leading an incredible group of colleagues and being a mentor to many. His legacy will be felt in the Provincial Liaison Team (PLT) program of the OPP’s Indigenous Policing Bureau for generations to come. His sincere and genuine connection to Indigenous officers, the diverse cultures and his closest friends was evident in the outreach of support and the gifting of sacred items.
Family wish to express their gratitude to Dr. Fenn and Dr. Tara Somerville, and the staff of Care Partners in particular Nurse Tammy for the wonderful care given to “Big Mike”.
Private family arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Byron-Springbank Legion Branch 533, in London, Ontario, on Wednesday May 21st, 2025, from 11:00AM – 3:00PM. Donations to your local Children’s Hospital or charity of your choice would be appreciated. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Byron-Springbank Legion Branch 533, in London, Ontario, on Wednesday May 21st, 2025, from 11:00AM - 3:00PM.

Condolences(21)

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Roxy McGahey says
May 9, 2025 at 3:52 pm

Rest easy Sgt. Acton, condolences to the families. We will always be grateful and remember the work he did in the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.
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Cheney Venn says
May 9, 2025 at 8:36 pm

Michael, my brother. How do you describe a journey of a life well lived in a few words? You don’t. I’m devastated, but I know you don’t want those left behind to be sad. I will remember fondly the memories we made together. I’m selfish wishing there were more. Ainsley and Vanessa; you know what your Dad meant to me and I send my heartfelt condolences. You are and will always be family. If there is anything I can do, please just ask. Sharlene, thank you for reaching out during an incredibly difficult time. That means a great deal to me and I will never forget it. To the Big Guy’s extended family; I have no words that will ease your pain other than to say that Mike touched a lot of lives in the positive, infectious way in which he lived life. Gone too soon, but never forgotten. ❤️‍🩹
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Sheri Doxtator says
May 9, 2025 at 11:16 pm

Mike was a very special person. He gave his heart to his work. And the love of his girls was paramount. We had many a conversation on community safety, policing and law and justice. He was always so supportive and positive. We had great times and shared laughter. The Indigenous communities that he supported have suffered a huge loss. Much love and light to all who loved him. Rest easy my friend. 💜🤍🙏🏽
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Monica Martin says
May 10, 2025 at 7:47 am

I remember Mike from high school- he was fun and kind and a friend to everyone. He had an easy, gentle nature and I was thankful for his friendship. So sorry for your loss.
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Mike Smith says
May 10, 2025 at 9:29 am

So sorry for your loss. Mike was the best brother in law (ex) you could ever ask for.
He loved his niece and nephew so much.We had a great conversation just last summer. He will be missed.
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Adrienne Baxter says
May 10, 2025 at 2:12 pm

I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I remember having Mike in my kindergarten class at Johnston Memorial school. He was a delightful, kind ,smart student. I was honoured to have Bill and Heather as well ….Sincere sympathy to Mike’sfamily. ….he sounded like an exceptional family man. God bless you all!😢.
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John Thrasher says
May 10, 2025 at 6:50 pm

Mike was a large part of a very special bunch of guys I was lucky enough to coach.I still have the toque his mom knitted for the team.He was a gentle giant and as Steve Martin said “A wild and crazy guy”.Love you Mike, Coach JT
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Bob and Nancy Rushton says
May 11, 2025 at 7:38 pm

“Big Mike” will be fondly remembered by residents of the Lucan community where he lived and worked for a many years. Our sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
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Sabrina says
May 11, 2025 at 8:23 pm

Rest easy Big Mike 💕 you will be beyond missed by so many people . Always making us laugh and smile and as I always said when you asked me if I was behaving , no still not hahah 💐lots of love ❤️
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Sue Stevens Smith says
May 11, 2025 at 8:39 pm

Please accept my heartfelt condolescences on the recent passing of Mike. I learned from my son Scott of the very sad news. Scott was active in track events and knew Mike from high school sports events.
I also remember Mike well. He was a former student at Lakeroad Public School and in my grade 3 class. Mike was not ‘short’ on character (or physically) … and he was bright and very athletic. He was fun and fun- loving, a caring individual and well respected by his peers. Without doubt, these few mentioned qualities and so many more of his positive attributes would lead him to his wonderful successes and achievements in life. It was not a surprise to read that his accomplishments were great. I am sure he will be missed terribly so many, but he will never be forgotten. I have Mike’s family in my prayers…….and am thinking about you dear Heather. Sue Stevens (Smith)
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Shantal Cochrane says
May 12, 2025 at 9:17 am

My heartfelt and sincere condolences to Sharlene and to Mike’s family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Shantal & Rick Cochrane
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Brad Cotton says
May 12, 2025 at 3:33 pm

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mike. I had the privilege of working with him at the Brantford Police Service. I was always impressed by his big heart, his sense of humour, and his kindness. It’s not surprising to hear that true to form, he continued with these traits and positively affected so many in his roles with the OPP. My condolences to Sharlene and to the entire Acton family.
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Jeff & Michelle Page says
May 13, 2025 at 9:22 am

Ainsley, Vanessa and Sharlene please accept our deep condolences. As part of Mike’s extended Marina family we were very saddened to learn of the recent passing of (Dad) Mike.

Perhaps one of the best boat dockers I know, a champion beach bocce ball player, one of the few people that could lift me over his head and always there when you needed help. I have fond memories of Mike bringing the family to the marina, your big smile was contagious and an important part of what it meant to have fun and enjoy the day with friends.

We will miss you Mike, rest in peace and please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love you buddy

Pager & Michelle
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Zvonko Horvat says
May 15, 2025 at 1:16 pm

My sincere condolences to the family. I worked with Mike on many occasions. He was a true leader and a gentleman! My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time!
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Caroline Kennedy and John Periversoff says
May 15, 2025 at 5:01 pm

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
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Josie, Cale & Mikaela says
May 19, 2025 at 4:51 pm

Rest in Peace Mike. Our condolences goes out to the family. Sorry for your loss.
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Sharron Willock says
May 21, 2025 at 10:00 am

Although I haven’t seen Mike in many years, I remember while the high school times with him and Doug and Steve hanging around the house with Rob Mike always had a smile on his face and a fun word. I remember well when Rob lost his dad he was there and they reminisced the whole bunch of them. They laughed and cried and told many stories of the keys sorry, Keith.
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Joanne Graat says
May 21, 2025 at 12:32 pm

Big Mike has always had a special place in my heart and especially Uncle Lenny’s heart.
Mike would walk in the water over to our boat where Len would sit on the swim deck. Mike would say ‘come on Lenny, let’s get you to the beach’! Len had been badly injured in a construction accident, loosing a leg and reliable use of the other. Len would climb on Mikes back, Mike carried him to the beach, lowered him in a chair, gave Len a beer and Len was in heaven ❤️❤️
Len did go to heaven in February 2023💔
I hope then can find each other up there, but now they can walk that beach together 🙏
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Jay Kaul says
May 23, 2025 at 10:19 am

Mike was a teammate of mine at Northern for 2 years and helped me with my move from SCITS to Northern. He was a mentor to me on the team as I was new to Northern basketball and he worked with me during and after practice on post moves and rebounding. Off the court, he was just a great guy that was always making us laugh with funny comments or goofy antics. He was a natural leader and motivator on the basketball and volleyball court and guys listened to him. Although we drifted apart over the years, it was great to see what an impact he had on others and that he was such a big part of the OPP brotherhood. There are so many great memories from those high school years that Mike was a huge part of. I’ll miss him and keep those memories alive. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
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Ed Jackson says
May 28, 2025 at 10:40 am

I want to express my deepest condolences to the family for their heartbreaking loss. He was taken too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Bev Dayman says
June 17, 2025 at 8:02 pm

To all of Big Mike’s family
Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. We were shocked to hear about this. Mike was always friendly, welcoming and truly an all round nice guy. He was a friend to many while he lived in Lucan and he shared some wisdom and reminders to my girls while growing up in Lucan. Whenever we saw him he would ask how the girls were. They loved being at Tim and Mel’s when Mike lived beside them-he was a giant swing set or down for goofing around. He was a giant kid at heart.
Thinking of you all
Rest in peace Big Mike,

Shawn and Bev Dayman
Maggie, Tessa, Leah and Jocelyn

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