Michael Victor Rafuse

It is with a heavy heart I announce the death of my husband and best friend Michael Victor Rafuse, of White’s Lake, at home. Mike was born in Bridgewater, the son of Mary (Hirtle), Bridgewater and the late Victor Rafuse.

Mike is survived by his wife Rev Cheryl Rafuse, step-daughter Sandi (Neal) Henderson, Brookside, Mark (Amanda) MacDonald, Port Hawkesbury, and cherished grandchildren Logan and Lara Henderson, Anthony MacDonald and Emilie MacKinnon; brothers Danny (Arla), Bridgewater, Steven (Debbie Conrad) Dayspring, Susan, Bridgewater, Lynn (Mike Snyder) Rhodes Corner as well as one niece and two nephews.

Mike had been employed with Nautel Ltd, Hacketts Cove, in the Engineering Dept as a Production Support Technician.

Mike was a devout Christian and he shaped his life accordingly. He was a powerful role model of a committed Christian man, who served the Lord with love and faithfulness. Mike was an essential and respected leader in ministries at St. Timothy's and at St. Paul's. His giftedness in music ministry - playing guitar, singing, leading the mixed choir, men's choir, Praise & Worship team and as a member of the rock band - were instrumental to shaping the worship life of the faith community. He had an insatiable appetite for Christian contemporary music and he used his God given gift for God’s purpose offering a fresh vision for our celebrations. He also possessed spiritual gifts in prayer ministry - healing teams and dynamic prayer.

A humble, loving, loyal, and gentle person he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be on Friday March 25 from 2-9 pm in St Timothy’s Church, Hatchet Lake with the service for celebration of Mike’s life to take place at 2 pm on Saturday also at St Timothy’s with Rev Lisa Vaughn officiating.

In honour of Mike’s memory donations may be made to: St Timothy’s Church, Hatchet Lake; QEII Foundation, Palliative Care 7A; or the Greater Halifax VON.

“The Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from another.”

Genesis 31: 49