Michael Emerson Dunphy

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving husband and father Michael Emerson Dunphy at the age of 63. He passed away peacefully in Halifax on October 11, 2016 surrounded by family. Born on June 30, 1953 in Bridgeport, Connecticut he was the son of Dr. Emerson and the late Margaret (Campbell) Dunphy.

Mike’s greatest joy was his family. He married his high school sweetheart Sheila (MacDonald) and after 41 years, 3 kids, 4 grandkids, their union remained spectacular. Mike and Sheila’s genuine love and devotion for each other was admired by everyone. Together, they loved to travel - dividing their time between Fort Lauderdale, FL, Scottsdale, AZ and the family cottage in Ingonish, NS. Mike was known for his prowess on the golf course, his knack for a deal, and an uncanning ability to weave through travel sites to uncover the best restaurant, hotels or chicken wings.

He spent his early years in Antigonish but left home at the age of 15 to play junior hockey with the Cape Breton Metros. He was inducted into the CB Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 as part of the 1971-72 Metro Bees hockey club. He attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana where began his lifelong passion for the Fighting Irish. He always looked forward to his annual football trip with his sons and closest friends, and to cheering on his team Saturday afternoons.

Mike completed his MBA at the University of Western Ontario before pursuing a law degree at Dalhousie. He was admitted to the bar in 1982 and has enjoyed a distinguished career at Cox & Palmer for over 3 decades. He took great pride in his firm and considered his colleagues family. Mike was a leading civil litigator in Atlantic Canada and was recognized by the American College of Trial Lawyers, Lexpert, Best Lawyers and Benchmark and most importantly by his peers. Mike conducted himself with class and dignity and was widely respected within the legal community for his insight, judgment and kindness.

Despite Mike’s successful work and athletic career, perhaps his greatest talent, and the one he was best known for was his eagerness to listen. He made time for everyone, answered every call, and valued his relationships deeply. One of his greatest simple pleasures was the nightly phone call that he consistently had with his father. He could often be found in his red chair, still in his work shirt, but having managed to slip into his pj bottoms, lending an ear, and sharing advice. Those moments will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his sisters Susan (Michael) Canavan, Anne (Dr. Dan) McKenna, Joan (Ed) Grant, and brother Dr. Rob (Nancy) Dunphy, as well as sons Paul (Robin) Dunphy and Robert (Erica Bowie) Dunphy and daughter Kelly (Jeff Michelin) Dunphy. He was a loving Papa to grandchildren Emerson, Charlie, Duke and Bowden.

Mike leaves us much too soon and will be deeply missed by the many, many people he has touched throughout his life.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 14 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm in J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Funeral Service will be Saturday, October 15 at 10am in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1725 Oxford St. Halifax.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mike can be made to KidSport Nova Scotia or to the Canadian Cancer Society