Obituary of Michael H. Mullane

Surrounded by his family, Michael Hugh Mullane, age 60, passed away peacefully in Hants Community Hospital on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born in Halifax, and raised in Bedford, he was one of five children of Lexie Mullane (Keddy) and the late Hugh Mullane. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Mullane (Gilby); his daughters, Jennifer (Trevor Floyd) and Lindsay (Conor MacIntyre) and five adoring grandchildren, Anie, Carter, Addison, Violet and Wesley. In addition, he is survived by sister, Kathy Mullane of Coburg, Ont.; brothers, Tim (Henry Shiskoski) of Toronto, Ont.; Stephen (Colleen Seymour) of Halifax; Greg (Jennifer) of Bedford; mother-in-law, Marion Gilby; brother-in-law, Stephen Gilby (Sandra); sisters-in-law, Shelly Gilby and Sharra Lawrence (Tim) and 12 nieces and nephews. Besides his father, Mike was predeceased by his father-in-law, Aubrey Gilby and nephew, Graham Wash. Mike’s greatest joy was his family. High school sweethearts, he took the best of care of Sherry – they shared so much fun over the years and he was by her side day by day with her MS diagnosis. Mike was so immensely proud of Jennifer and Lindsay – he would move mountains for them both and often did. The addition of Conor, Trevor and the five grand babies filled his heart with joy and ushered in the “Boppy” chapter of his life. Dad/Boppy always had a listening ear to offer and could easily help put things in perspective; the wisdom he imparted and principles he instilled will never be lost. Although a good Bedford boy to start, he made a seamless transition to being most at home in his Beaver Bank tartan. He spent a lot of time in the woods with the Gilbys in his early Beaver Bank days. More recently, he could be found tinkering or singing tunes and playing air guitar in his shed or socializing at the Lions Club. Mike always knew what to say and how to bring a smile to absolutely anyone’s face – whether a close family member, a friend or a complete stranger. So incredibly selfless, Mike was ever ready to lend a hand on any project, from toy/home/car repairs to horse jumps and home renovations. The love and support of so many family members, friends and health care providers over the course of Mike’s illness has been so very much appreciated. In particular, Greg and Louise Redden, Mark Leadlay and Keith O’Brien went out of their way to help again and again. The family would also like to recognize his oncology nurse, Susanna, and the excellent care provided in Mike’s last 24 hours by the compassionate nursing staff at both the Cobequid Community Health Centre and Hants Community Hospital (palliative care). Visitation will be held Friday, January 18th from 6-8 p.m. and a Funeral Mass celebrated Saturday, January 19th at 11 a.m., both in St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 1288 Bedford Highway. Reception immediately following the Mass in the Church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Atlantic Division. A memorial account in Mike’s honour has been created for the 2019 Annapolis Valley MS Bike Tour. Donations can be made online or by calling the MS office at 902-468-8230. Funeral arrangements have been placed under the care of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Bedford (902-835-4212). Online condolences at: www.tjtracey.com.