Born in Halifax, May 18, 1943. He was the eldest son of Anthony (Tony) Doyle and Edna (Tobin)Doyle and husband of 38 years to Patricia. As a young man he ventured to Montreal and Toronto to begin his career as the Director of Artists and Repertoire for London Records. In that position he promoted Canadian talent such as Ginette Reno and the Poppy Family.
After returning to Nova Scotia, Mike began a career in sports promotion, which was no surprise, as his grandfather, "Tee" Doyle was not only a hockey player but the pitcher for the Cdn Army team during World War I. "Tee" was known in those years as "one of the best pitchers ever" and is a member of the NS Sports Hall of fame.
In the early eighties Michael, true to his roots, took up his grandfather's enthusiasm for sports through his engagement with hockey marketing and administration. His determination to make the NS Voyageurs (Montreal Canadian's AHL farm team) number one for attendance in the American Hockey League inspired many innovative promotions and community engagement. He worked tirelessly for the players and fans to keep Halifax front and center in the American Hockey League.
In 1982 the Quebec Nordiques sought his expertise for their AHL farm team, the Fredericton Express, a move that saw him win the prestigious Ken McKenzie Award for the best marketing and public relations for his team. In that same year Mike became the first Canadian to hold a position on the AHL Marketing Committee.
In the early nineties Mike's desire to innovate, always ahead of the times, took him away from the ice and into the warmth of the basketball experience through the World Basketball league. Through his impetus and that of his partners, Halifax was introduced to pro basketball. The Hfx Windjammers became a Halifax favorite.
Although not a politician, while living in Windsor, he saw the merits in Vince MacLean's Liberal vision for NS and therefore, he began a two year campaign as the Liberal candidate for Hants West. His early training for the political debate probably stemmed from his many discussions at the Hyland dinner table as his father-in-law, Da (Edward Hyland) held court and aptly challenged every theory. Michael loved Nanny and Da. Many a night after his heart attack, Nanny (Marion- mother-in-law) called him to share her wisdom and encouragement.
Mike loved to travel and he and Patricia had many adventures from Florida, to Europe to Panama as well as on the golf course. He also loved cooking gourmet meals and he found great joy in grocery shopping! He and Patricia were gracious Hosts and nothing delighted them more than good wine, good food and good friends. Whether it was helping Patricia decorate their turn of the century-home or planting an English garden or caring for Patricia's Uncle Alf Fougere, Mike was present. One of his favorite memories was the Christmas he dressed up as Santa for three-year old Liam and almost pulled it off until his signature leather shoes gave him away and Liam declared. "You are not Santa you are Uncle Michael". No matter what Mike did, he gave it his unique energy and commitment.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Hyland; daughter, Kelly Doyle Brown (Chris Allen, Kayla and Nathan) and grandson, Benjamin Brown; brother, Doug, (nephew Kevin and niece Melanie); sisters-in-law- Debbie Doyle, (nephews, Mark and Joel); Nancy Hyland (Roger Megeney) (nephew Liam Hyland (Reagan Hyland) great niece Nya and great nephew Quinn; sister-in-law Linda Hyland (Graham Dube), brother-in-law, William Hyland (Darlene Hollingshead), In addition to his parents , he was predeceased by brothers, John, Christopher and Dennis.
Special thanks to the Palliative Care Team and Dr. Andrew Cumming for their kindness and care.
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