George Mikkelsen
Born In: New Waterford
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: May 16th, 2013
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of George Bernard Mikkelsen, beloved father, grandfather and uncle, of Sandfield, on Thursday, May 16, 2013, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, after a brief illness.
Born in New Waterford, he was a son of the late Thomas and Kristine (Nielsen) Mikkelsen.
In 1932, at the age of 10, George moved to Sandfield with his father and several siblings to start farming full time. George remained on the farm, working hard for many years and making his home there.
A “jack of all trades,” he could put his hand to anything. Over the years, George worked for Malcolm Munroe Trucking and the Department of Highways, retiring in 1987 from the CBRM, where he worked at the Woodbine landfill site.
George enjoyed gardening, taking pride in his vegetable gardens and working around the farm on his 1956 tractor. Over the last 22 years, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments.
He was a member of St. Columba Presbyterian Church.
A kind and gentle soul, George was a devoted husband, and a proud and loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed listening to music and the company of friends and neighbours.
Surviving is his only daughter, Willena; son-in-law, Joe Nemeth and grandchildren, Florie-Beth and Scott, with whom he resided with for the past 16 years in Sandfield. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kay Mikkelsen; longtime friends and neighbours, Muriel and Leonard Doncaster; and numerous nieces and nephews.
George was predeceased by his wife, Flora (MacKeigan). The last surviving member of his immediate family, George was predeceased by his sisters, Ellen Dewaepenaere, Alvilda Cole, Alma Hanrahan, Alice Donovan and Karen Huntington and brother, Harold, stepmother, Christene MacLean and best friend and brother-in-law, Peter MacKeigan. He was also predeceased by his longtime friend and companion, Louise MacLean.
Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Sunday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at St. Columba Presbyterian Church, Marion Bridge, on Monday at 2 p.m., with Rev. Lydia MacKinnon officiating. Interment in Sandfield Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Marion Bridge Volunteer Fire Department or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
