It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Bert Michels. Bert passed away at the QE II hospital in Halifax, NS on May 31st, 2015.
He was the oldest son of the late Alberta (Hutjes) and Gysbertus Michels.
Born and raised in Holland (Arnhem), Bert was directly impacted by the German Occupation of his home and was profoundly influenced by his early experiences. In high school, Bert studied draftsmanship and as a young man, he proudly served in the Dutch army from 1951-1953. He came to Canada in 1953 before his 21st birthday and eventually settled with his family in Fort Lawrence. Bert lived in Moncton from 1954-1957 and then joined the Royal Canadian Army. He lived in Chilliwack, BC and served until 1960. For the next 29 years, Bert resided between Amherst, Moncton, and Hillsborough. During this time, he became a certified carpenter and a union representative of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (local 2401) and a Commissioner of Oaths. An avid farmer and outdoorsman, Bert hunted, fished, and raised various animals on his beloved hobby farm in Hillsborough. He also raised three beautiful daughters of whom he was very proud. In 1979 he added three sons to the mix when he married the woman he would spend the next 35 years with. From the beginning to the end, Bert was an independent, self-sufficient, and capable man. A survivalist, adventurist, and story-teller of "years ago", he went sky-diving at age 70 and did not tell a soul until after he had survived it. Bert enjoyed a good drink of cognac or brandy and an occasional glass of lemon gin. He will be greatly missed and always admired by those he leaves behind.
Bert is survived by his wife Shirley (Dobson, Black), his daughters Rose Rommens (Con), Valery Hamilton, Laura Michels (Ton Goedman), his sons Stephen Black (Vonnie), Michael Black (Chrissy), Rick Black (Cherie), Grandchildren Nolan, Courtenay, Liam, and Kenzie (Black), Sarah, Andrew, Nathan, Nicholas, and William (Rommens), Zackary Black, and Brandon Prendergast. He is survived by his brothers Pete, Archie, Hendrick, Rudy, Billy, and his sister Grace.
Bert was predeceased by his brother John.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Furlong~Jones Funeral Home, 70 Church St., Amherst, NS (902-667-8777) where visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 3rd 2015 and followed immediately at 2 pm by a celebration of Bert's life.
Those wishing to make a donation in Bert's memory may do so to CRHCC in honour of the excellent care Bert received.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Bert's online memorial at www.furlongjones.ca or through the funeral home Facebook page.