Obituary of Michael Joseph Ricketts

We are sad to announce the passing of Mike Ricketts on January 21st 2020, at the QEII Health Sciences Center in Halifax with family by his side. We take comfort knowing that he is reunited with the love of his life, wife Shirley, whom he missed deeply. Born in Knight`s Cove, Bonavista Bay, NFLD, he was the son of the late Edward and Alice (nee Angel) Ricketts.

Mike served as a member of the Princess Patricia`s Canadian Light Infantry in Korea and was an active member of the West Nova Scotia Regiment. He thoroughly enjoyed the comradery and attending many regimental events. Mike was employed at the Nova Scotia Sanatorium from where he retired. He was a member of the NS Sanatorium Fire Department and was also an honorary member of the Kentville Volunteer Fire Department.

Mike was a skilled woodworker and an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. He loved the time spent making trips to Labrador with his wife, Shirley.  When his children were young, he was involved in the Minor Hockey Association. In Mike’s later years, he had an extensive social life and remained active.  He took pleasure in riding his bicycle, skating and playing guitar with his friends.  Mike volunteered his time at the Evergreen Home for Special Care, where he truly appreciated spending time with all the residents, young and old.  But, his most treasured time was spent visiting with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a remarkable man with many talents. His family, friends and all who knew him will miss him greatly.

Mike is survived by his children Ann (Bob) Myles, Kentville; Robert (Mel) Ricketts, Toronto, ON; David (Julia) Ricketts, Lumsden’s Pond; Patrick (Sharon) Ricketts, Kentville; Heather Jordan, Forteau, Labrador; grandchildren Daniel Myles, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Rachel Myles, Smith’s Cove; Jessica (Ryan) Leggett, Windsor; Nathan Jordan, Halifax; and Matthew Jordan, Forteau Labrador; great-grandchildren Eli Leggett, Windsor and Natalie Leggett, Windsor; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Mike was predeceased by his loving wife, Shirley (Mills) Ricketts and sister Adele (Ricketts) Laframboise.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 2:00 pm in the Berwick Funeral Chapel with reception to follow. Private family interment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of choice.   Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Berwick Funeral Chapel, 192 Commercial Street, Berwick, NS, B0P 1E0 (902-538-9900).