Michael Joseph Patrick Gerald McKenna. It is with deep sadness and loving gratefulness for a life fully lived that we announce Michael's passing at home on Monday, September 5th 2022, New Glasgow, at the age of 80.
Mike was born on April 27, 1942 in Ottawa and was raised on the MacEwan farm in Osgoode, Ontario. As a young lad, Michael trekked uphill to SS#5 to start the fire to heat the one room school house; thus began a lifelong pastime of long walks. Michael enjoyed many hobbies while attending Osgoode District Township High School including football, radio DJ and body building. His strong physique made him a natural fit for the RCMP, which he joined in 1961 at the age of 19. Following graduation, and for the next 33 years, he served Canadians across the country including many small outposts of Nova Scotia, a posting in the far North, Newfoundland and several stints in central Canada. His career culminated with a UN Peacekeeping mission in Bosnia in 1991 where he was given the nickname "Mike Canada' by the citizens impacted by the civil war for whom he worked tirelessly to assist in their war-torn country. He earned a United Nations Peacekeeping medal for his service. Mike married the love of his life, Barbara Fraser McKenna, in 1966 and together they raised 3 sons. They were married for 54 years until her passing in February 2021.
Michael and Barb returned to Pictou County in 1996 where they enjoyed 26 years of retirement. Mike could often be spotted walking the beach near the cottage in Chance Harbour, beachcombing for various trinkets and treasures and recycling the precious aluminum he found. He prided himself on keeping the beach clean. He enjoyed sharing the fruits of this labour with his grandchildren.
Mike was a long-time member of St. John the Baptist Parish in New Glasgow. He was a member of the New Glasgow Gyro Club and followed Barb to many social events, making many new friends.
Michael is survived by his sons: Mark (Angela), Belgium; Paul (Kate), Toronto, ON, and their children, Isabel, Patrick, Teddy and Rory; Peter (Kerry), Ottawa, ON, and their children, Madison (Davis), Cody, Fraser, Rowan and Quinn. Mike was overjoyed to meet his new great grandson, Everett, in the months before his passing.
Many thanks to "Super Cheryl" who provided care to Mike and Barb with the compassion of a family member during the last few years during both Mike and Barb’s affliction from Dementia.
Funeral mass 11am Tuesday September 13, in Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, New Glasgow, with Fr. Tom MacNeil officiating. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. The service was recorded. A link to view the service is below. Family flowers only. If desired, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.