MICHAEL ROBERT DESCHAMPS
January 31, 1956 – May 26, 2026
Michael Robert Deschamps, 70, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, due to complications following a cardiac arrest.
Born on January 31, 1956, in Ogdensburg, New York, Mike was the son of Helen and Lawrence “Pete” Deschamps. He was predeceased by his parents and by his sister, Patty Lawson.
Growing up along the St. Lawrence River, Mike developed a deep connection to the outdoors that would shape the course of his life. As a boy, he spent countless hours helping his father and grandfather as fishing guides, learning the waters, wildlife, and values of hard work and stewardship. Time spent at the family hunting camp on Cranberry Lake further nurtured a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and the natural world. Mike was a gifted athlete whose talent and competitive spirit earned him numerous local and state titles during his youth.
Mike attended Cornell University, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. His technical and problem-solving abilities became hallmarks of a distinguished career in manufacturing and earned him several patents.
An accomplished outdoorsman, Mike earned recognition throughout the hunting community for his achievements and dedication to ethical sportsmanship. He received honors from Safari Club International and the Pope and Young Club and was proud to have taken numerous record-book animals during a lifetime spent pursuing his passion for hunting.
For much of his life, Mike was a confirmed bachelor. Then he met the love of his life, Christine “Chris” Metz McLeod and Mike found himself joining a household that included three teenagers. He embraced the role wholeheartedly, marrying Chris in 2005 and discovering one of his greatest joys: family life.
Mike became a devoted husband and a loving stepfather to Jordan McLeod, Ian (Stephanie) McLeod, and Cara McLeod (Norah Friar). He took immense pride in their accomplishments and found great satisfaction in supporting and encouraging them through every stage of life. One of Mike’s most cherished roles was that of “Grandpa Mike.” His grandchildren, Meredith McLeod, Logan McLeod, and Florence Friar-McLeod, brought him immeasurable joy.
Mike was a man of many talents. He was a gifted waterfowl carver (who taught carving at Cornell’s School of Ornithology) and knife maker whose artistry earned awards and admiration. Mike was an excellent cook who loved entertaining and had a gift for making people feel welcome. He believed that good food, good company, and a full glass were among life’s greatest pleasures. He often raised a toast to “these are the good old days”!
In retirement, Mike and Chris spent more time at their home on Keuka Lake and traveled extensively, creating treasured memories and embracing new adventures. They also established a vibrant new life in The Villages, Florida, where they quickly formed new friendships and became active members of their community. Mike especially enjoyed golf, and although he often found the game more challenging than he preferred, he relished the camaraderie, competition, and laughter it provided.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Chris Deschamps; his stepchildren, Jordan McLeod, Ian (Stephanie) McLeod, and Cara McLeod (Norah Friar) and his cherished grandchildren, Meredith McLeod, Logan McLeod, and Florence Friar-McLeod. He is also remembered by John O’Connor, Patty’s longtime partner and a cherished friend who remains a valued part of the family.
Mike will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be planned for later this year.
19 responses to “Deschamps, Michael R.”
Mike will be missed.
He always made sure the people around him were happy and having a good time. He always had good things to say about his family and friends. It was always fun to listen to him about his Hunting and fishing adventures. It didnt matter if it was hunting or fishing, It was always fun swapping outdoor stories and our different adventures in the wild.
RIP Mike
You always offered me a cold beer or bourbon. Your freindship, smile and laughter will be missed. A couple weeks ago I was wondering when you’d be coming through the door to say hi after getting ɓack from Florida, that will have to wait for another day my friend. Say hi to all our friends that went before. RIP pal
Over the years I lost touch with my cousin Mike. One day, out of the blue, I got a call from my brother Chris Dishaw saying Mike & his wife Chris were in town & would like to stop by. I was working, looked up & there was Mike & his wife standing there. He had a big smile on his face & looked exactly the way I remembered him for nearly 40 years ago. We gave each other a big hug & spent the next hour chatting. I loved hearing him talk about his life’s ventures. He was so happy. I wish we had spent more time together. Now he’s in Heaven reunited with his family that went before him. Give everyone a hug for us Mike. Until we meet again….My heart goes out to Chris, the children, & grandchildren. May God comfort all of you during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I will always remember how he made it his mission to reconect with the Dishaw side of the family from Ogdensburg. He introduced us to Chris and you could tell he was happy.
My thaughts and prayers are with his family.
My cousin, Michael, was like a brother to me. My heart is broken.💔. Praying for Chris and her family.🙏🏻✝️
Beautifully written and truly captured all of the Unique and great qualities and talents of my cousin Michael. Thank you Chris and Family.
Hi Chris…I’m just saddened to hear of Mike’s sudden passing. He was always kind, interested, fun, and happy. After reading the obituary, I learned what an accomplished man he was…certainly humble. Thinking of you and wishing you peace. You are loved by your beautiful family and friends.🙏🏻🙏🏻😇😇
Chris and family; may you experience the peace of our Lord in this time of mourning.
Mike was a true gentleman and it was a priviledge for me to have known him. We met on a hunt in South-Africa where we spent numerous hours in blinds, waiting for the trophy animals to appear…and they did. A beautiful steenbuck as well as a magnificent kudu bull…two great hunts shared by ourselves and the memories to proof it.
Mike invited me to the States where I stayed with him in his cabin and met his hunting friends. Great fun and good food!!!
Happy hunting (and fishing…and golfing..) in the fields of gold.
Mike loved life and life loved him back. He was a gentle soul with a heart of gold, who truly enjoyed a good conversation. With all of his accomplishments,his family,especially you,Chris,brought him the most joy and made his life complete. You will truly be missed, my friend. May you now rest in God’s peace.
My parents, Bob and Dottie Dow were close friends with Mike’s folks, and as kids, our families spent a lot of fun times together. As adults, we kept in touch on FaceBook, looking forward to having a good visit sometime when I was at Boyd Pond. I’m sorry we never got the chance. I’m sending love to his wife and family.
Robin Dow Hopper, Chugiak Alaska
I’m so sorry for your loss, Chris. Mike was such a great guy and an all around sweetheart. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My heart goes out to you and your family. Rest in peace, my friend.
We’re so sorry for your loss. Mike was a good friend with a lot of memories throughout the years. Will always remember our times hunting. We could write a book from the times at Lil Art’s, building the cabin on the hill in Spencer, and the many times with myself, the Woodin’s and others having fun after a long day of hunting. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I will always remember the great time he spent with us on Santa Rosa Island hunting. Mike was a great guy with a smile and laughter one can never forget he was a sweetheart . My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest in peace my friend.
Mac and I are very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We are happy that we got to know him during our time at Keuka Lake. We always enjoyed hearing Mike talk about his hunting excursions and appreciated his passion he had for the sport. Please know we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Phil and I send our deepest condolences. Mike was a great guy,so easy to talk to and always welcoming. He truly will be missed.
Chris, we are so shocked and saddened to hear about Mike’s passing. We have known him since the 1970’s when he worked with Nick and started hunting at our place. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So very sad to hear of Mike’s passing. He was such a nice guy who was always very welcoming. He was so easy to talk with and I learned what a smart and very talented guy he was. I loved listening to his hunting stories and learned he was ann extremely talented athlete. He was humble and always greeted you with a smile. I will miss our talks and his warm smile. I am blessed to have known Mike.
Our love and prayers for strength to Chris and the family.
Chris, I am so sorry to hear about Mike. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Aunt Chris & Family-
So sorry to hear about Uncle Mike’s passing. My heart truly goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept my deepest condolences as you navigate this loss. I’m holding you all in my thoughts and wishing you strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead. May you find moments of support, gentleness, and healing as you move through the days to come.