Michael Milburn
Passed on: November 27th, 2016
Michael Milburn died peacefully at home on November 27th 2016, age 76.
He had a good life, enjoyed good health, and kept his memorable sense of humour until the end, having maintained his normal activities right up to the day of his death.
Michael had a lifelong love of learning and was a top student, having won many academic honours before embarking on a 34 year career as a math and science teacher. He graduated from Morrison High School in Glace Bay in 1956, winning the Memorial Scholarship for highest standing, and was a standout player on Morrison's hockey team that won the Nova Scotia Championships that year. At the tender age of 16 went on to UNB where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1959, and Acadia University where he completed a Bachelor of Education in 1960. He continued studying at summer schools at Acadia where he completed M. Ed. courses, and then at the Atlantic Institute of Education.
He began his teaching career at Riverview High School in 1960, then taught at Lorne School in Saint John N.B., Vocational School in Sydney, and Churchill School (as the principal from 1965-69) before returning to Riverview, where he spent the remainder of his career. Mr. Milburn touched the lives of the students he taught and is described by many as a memorable character, who inspired them to further education and made school fun for them. He took early retirement to make way for a younger generation of teachers who were in need of work, but he always recalled his teaching days with fondness and remembered every student he taught - as they remembered him.
Michael loved his family more than anything, and was happiest when surrounded by his wife Inga, his children and grandchildren. At family gatherings, he would often be seen strumming his ukulele or guitar and stomping his feet, entertaining the younger children with tall tales and jokes, or sparking a spirited conversation about politics.
Michael is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Inga (Wessman), whom he first met in 1959 when they were both students at Acadia and by their five sons, Michael Peter (Kathy), Douglas (Michelle), Tim (Tara), Chris (Julie Curwin) and Ned (Maki); as well as eight grandchildren ranging in age from 7 to 21. He is also survived by sisters, Mary (Jala) and Ann (Jack Billard); sisters-in-law, Karin (Jerry Allen) and Maja-Lisa (David Thomson) and brother-in-law, Erik Wessman (Joan); Aunt, Eleanor Mack, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Margaret (Hull) and father, Michael ‘Chuckie’ Milburn; brother-in-law, Thomas Jala and only recently by his stepmother, Flo.
Michael was a man of many passions and interests. His love of music ran deep and went back to his teen years in the 1950's, when he was inspired to learn Hawaiian slide guitar, becoming proficient to the point where he was asked to be an instructor. He loved music ranging from Mozart to John Allan Cameron and passed that love on to his sons. He will be remembered as being the instigator of many a music session at family gatherings, first at Mira Gut and in more recent years at the family bungalow in Ross Ferry. He enjoyed many years with the Ukulele Strummers, and in recent years was part of ‘The Band’ who played every Saturday morning with the Kiwanis Golden K at Harbourstone. He played there with great gusto the day before he died.
Michael loved playing bridge and was a founding member of the Ashby Bridge Club, which has been in operation since 1967. He also enjoyed skating and spoke fondly of his many skating friends and acquaintances. In the summers he enjoyed golf and was a member of the Lingan Golf and Country Club for many years. In his quiet time, he was an avid reader and could often be found perusing the latest science magazine or a large print mystery novel. He was a curious soul who never stopped learning.
He was also active in volunteer work over the years, serving in various positions in the teachers union (including president of the Cape Breton County Local) as well as serving on the board of the YMCA, where he was chairman of the camp committee and was instrumental in reviving the camp. He also served on the board of the Mental Health Association, where he served as the coordinator for family day. When his boys were younger, he was very active in Sydney Minor Hockey and particularly enjoyed the years he spent as ‘Squirt’ coordinator. He enjoyed his summers (and one winter) in Ross Ferry and loved the annual Pork Chop Barbecue, especially his time spent as coordinator of the event.
A true Cape Bretoner and a lover of life, Michael will be fondly remembered by friends, family, former students and even those who knew him only briefly, but whose days were made brighter by his legendary humour.
Visitation for Michael will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. In the SW Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St. Sydney. Funeral service will be held the following day, Thursday December 1, at 11 a.m. With Rev. Thomas Whent officiating. After the funeral service a reception will be held at St. George’s Hall on Nepean St.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's honour may be made to The Whitney Pier Boys and Girls Club, Kiwanis Golden K, the Cape Breton Regional Library, or the Family Resource Centre in Sydney.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.chantfuneralhome.ca.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of...
