Obituary of Michael John Dempster

DEMPSTER, Michael John (Mike) – (1945 – 2023) It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Michael John Dempster, age 78 of Timberlea, N.S. He was a loving husband, a cherished brother and brother-in-law, wonderful uncle and great-uncle and a true gentleman. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Born in Halifax, he was the son of the late Francis James and Marianna (Purcell) Dempster. He grew up in the North End and attended St. Stephen’s Elementary and St. Mary’s Boys School. He graduated from St. Pat’s High School in 1963 and from St. Mary’s University in 1978. Mike had many hobbies. In his early teens, he loved to spend summers at lake Echo, fly-fishing with his buddy John Chapman. He had a love for Volvos and drag raced them in his late teens. So in later years, his pride and joy was his white ’63 Volvo 544, “Helga”, which he imported from Sweden. He took up golf and was a member at Granite Springs and Ashburn. He had a great love for music, and could be found Friday nights playing acoustic guitar with the Jammers at the Prospect Road Community Centre. Mike will also be remembered for his love of knowledge. He was an avid reader who enjoyed Joseph Campbell and Olver Sacks, among many others, a student of languages (French in particular), and an intellectual who enjoyed spending time debating with friends. Mike’s career in the federal public service spanned more than 33 years. He started as a clerical assistant and retired as the Director General, Atlantic Region, Public Works, Government Services Canada in 1997. He then went to work for the provincial government of Nova Scotia where he oversaw the Institutional Abuse Program, and went on to become the Project Manager for the Nova Scotia Jail and Forensic Hospital. He mentored many people over the course of his career, and could always be found with an open door, ready to help and advise. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Bonnie (Kiley); his brother, Frank (Cathy); sisters-in-law, Anne (John) Chapman, Carmel Young, Vicky (Brian) Holland, and Marie Kiley (Dave Hobson); 11 nephews and nieces; 6 great-nephews and nieces. A special thanks to his angels: Adele, Mary, Barb and Carmel for taking such good care of Mike. We would have been lost without you. Also to John, his brother-in-law and best friend for always being there when we needed you. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. The family will hold a graveside service at a later date. Donations can be made in memory of Mike to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or a charity of your choice. “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are” Joseph Campbell