Michael Gerard Almond

1934-2011

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael ‘Mike’ Almond, 76, an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Mike passed away at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney on Saturday, March 26, 2011.

Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Strickland and Julia (Whalen) Almon.

A true gentleman, Mike’s kindness extended to everyone around him. It began at an early age when he took in and cared for his mother and that kindness continued throughout his entire life. He was a role model to his entire family and extensive circle of friends always demonstrating the true meaning of respect and compassion.

Handyman, painter, gardener, practical joker and pilot – just a few of the words used to describe Mike over the years. He had the same variety in his working career which spanned from Sydney to Boston and from a barber to the Sydney Steel Plant.

He was blessed to have captured the heart of his true love, Alice, more than 50 years ago. Together they made a remarkable couple and complemented each other in every way. They lived life to its fullest especially enjoying their Saturday night dances, events with the gang and their jaunts to the casino where Mike always said the bells and whistles made his steps feel lighter.

Mike’s children were his greatest joy. He turned what was supposed to be his retirement home for two into a mini hotel to make sure his children and their families were comfortable when they came to visit. Christmas holidays, birthdays and summer vacations provided Mike with an opportunity to spend much loved time with his family and to impart words of wisdom to each. He will be remembered for his frank (and often unfiltered) advice but it was part of his charm that his children enjoyed not unlike the random newspaper clippings each would receive containing subtle hints on topics from health to home improvement after he read through a variety of newspapers each day. Mike was never – ever – without a notebook and was meticulously organized.

He loved his role as Papa to his grandchildren and provided them with whatever they needed at the time – a funny face, an ice cream float or a hug. In recent years Mike expanded his family to include Bella, his trusted dog, who never left his side from morning to midnight.

Hockey and skating were a big part of Mike’s life. He was an avid Montreal Canadians fan and looked forward to his many hockey chats with his son Michael. He was a beautiful skater and cherished his time with the skating gang who he counted amongst his many friends. It was there he met his dearest friend Milton. Mike’s grace on the ice carried through to the dance floor where he was a joy to watch.

Mike is survived by his loving family including Alice his wife and dance partner for the past 50 years and five children: Charlene MacKinnon (Kevin), Halifax; Natalie Paris (James), Sydney; Deanna Gallaway (Dave), Halifax; Allison Donovan (Blair), Halifax and Michael Almond (Krista) Halifax. He was also proud Papa to his nine grandchildren – Sara, Clara, Destiney, Jarrod, Lauren, Matthew, Taylor, Brad and Julianne.

He is also survived by one sister Genevieve (Walter MacKinnon).

Michael was predeceased by his brother Daniel Almon and sisters Theresa MacDonald and Evelyn MacDonald.

Visitation for Michael will be at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Tuesday, March 29 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. with a funeral mass on Wednesday, March 30 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson Society Maritime Region or the Cape Breton Cancer Treatment Centre. The family extends its sincerest thanks to Dr. Paul Murphy, Dr. Yassar Chakfe and the nurses on the 4th Floor of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital who provided exceptional care to Mike during his most recent stay at the hospital and tremendous kindness and compassion to his family.

On line condolences to www.twcurry.com