Obituary of Michael Joseph Simmons

WO (ret’d) Michael Joseph Simmons MMM CD and Bar (1936-2024) Lyons Brook After a life well lived, Michael peacefully left the confines of earth on September 15, 2024 (88), to be with his God. Michael was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to the late Heber and Ellen (Downey) Simmons. Survived by wife, Beverley (Bent) Simmons; sister, Patricia Robertson; daughter, Jacqueline Buckley; son, Derek Simmons (Denyse); grandchildren, Brandon (Mallorey), Teresa, Caitlin, Tommy, Ryan, Joshua; great-grandchildren, Molly, Mason, Heaven; in-laws Angela Simmons, Betty Simmons, Wayne & Ley Cheverie, Hal & Ruth Bent and much loved nieces and nephews. Predeceased by beloved son, Rick; sister, Mary; brothers, Jack, Jerry and sister in-law, Judi. Michael joined the Military in 1953 with the Nova Scotia Highlanders/Black Watch, Royal Canadian Air Force 1955 as a fighter control operator and then the Air Force Police, serving in Europe, Middle East with NATO and many bases in Canada. Further, doing peacekeeping duties in Egypt he and his comrades received the Nobel Peace Prize in the late eighties. After retiring from the military in 1980, Michael worked as Safety Supervisor in various industries across Nova Scotia. In Yarmouth he entered the Lay Ministry Program of the United Church of Canada, completing the Theology requirements at the Atlantic School of Theology, Halifax, St Andrews College in Saskatoon and Prairie Christian Center in Fort Qu’Appelle. His first charges were in Pasadena and Howley, Newfoundland. He served as Chair of the West District and other committees within the Newfoundland and Labrador Conference. After retiring to Pictou in 2001, he served as “pulpit supply” for numerous churches throughout Pictou, Antigonish and Guysborough Counties. He was the Chaplain of the Sutherland Harris Memorial Veterans Unit and Treasurer of the Veteran’s Association Comfort Fund, Chair of the SHMH Foundation and for a short time, a Member of the Board for the planned new Emergency extension at the Aberdeen Hospital. Michael was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Pictou and their Chaplain, Honorary Member of Admiral Murray Branch Assoc. and the Overseas War Veterans Assoc. Michael proudly received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation in July 2016 that says, “for giving generously of himself and so both benefitting Veterans and making manifest the principle that Canada’s obligation to all who have served in the cause of peace and freedom must not be forgotten”. Michael enjoyed each day to the fullest and was thankful for each moment. He enjoyed going on journeys, exploring new places, motoring across Canada twice, travelling to Florida and Brussels with daughter Jacquie, and a wonderful tour of Israel and Jordan, just to mention a few. Usually on a Sunday afternoon, he would say, “Let’s go for a little drive.” He loved these “little drives” which often amounted to at least 100 kms before returning home. Anyone who knew Michael knew he had a serious side when something needed to get done but he also had a wonderful sense of humour and he loved to make people laugh. This was most evident when he interacted with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He had a way of connecting with them because really, he was a big kid at heart. He would make up nonsensical words to describe things or situations that kids loved, and other adults even adopted. Michael made friends everywhere he went because he showed a genuine interest in others’ lives. He had a way of quickly finding commonalities with people he just met that would put them at ease. This is a skill that some people learn over time, but others have naturally. Michael was definitely in the latter category. Then of course, there was his welcoming smile that warmed hearts and assured people that he could provide comfort and love where and when they needed it. His strong faith in God carried him through many difficult times. He will always remain in our hearts, a constant reminder of his enduring love. In summation, Michael was a man that contributed and made a difference in his community. He will be sorrily missed. Visiting will be held from 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Pictou United Church with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity officiating. There will be a Family committal service at a later date. Family flowers only by request. Donations may be made in Michael’s memory to: Pictou United Church, POB 995, 47 James St. Pictou, NS B0K1H0, Heart & Stroke Foundation 110-1525 Carling Ave. Ottawa, Ont. K1Z 8R9 CA, Or a charity of your choice