Dr. Michael William Gurney was a soldier of health and one of the toughest people alive. His patients were always his top priority and he practised to the very end.
Michael attended St FX University and then went on to attend New York Chiropractic College. He celebrated over 40 years as a Doctor of Chiropractic; 23 of those years practising in Connecticut.
At the age of 50, he decided it was time to move back to his beloved Nova Scotia. When asked why he decided to do this, he said "because of love". So that is what I still hold dear to my heart...it sounded like a movie, so to me, a movie it was.
Michael grew up on McKinnon Street in Antigonish, the eldest of eight children to parents Eddie and Dolly. Seven boys and one girl…."Michael-Eddie-Joey-Ricky-Bobby-Jerry-Kathy-Freddie". Michael LOVED his siblings dearly, but he especially loved his ‘favourite sister’, Kathy.
His favourite pastime was listening to music from his vast collection of vinyl. Michael was a music lover from the start and during high school he played drums in a band called ‘Thrill Bridge’, the members of which became life-long cherished friends.
Michael had two speeds, flat out and asleep. He loved the great outdoors, from hunting (he was a crack shot) to working in the yard (weeds were his enemy)…trying to get him inside for supper was an enormous challenge. He also took great pride in restoring our century home. Making it new again was his mission.
When Michael walked into a room, a good joke was never far behind. True to form and never missing a beat, he said recently, "No one gets out of here alive"...well sadly, the fight he was so bravely fighting ended on August 11, 2025 when he said his final farewell surrounded by many of those who loved him.
He was predeceased by his parents, Eddie and Margaret (Dolly), brother Bobby, and brother-in-law, Bobby Kyle. He leaves behind his partner of 18 years/wife of five weeks, Jean Pearcey; step-daughter, Emily Gillis (Kevin Day), and his dearly loved grandchildren, Layla and Alec; they were the light of his life, he just loved making them laugh.
Also leaving behind, his siblings, Eddie (Jean), Joey (Cindy), Ricky (Caroline), Jerry (Martha), Kathy Kyle, Fred (Barbara), and numerous nieces and nephews and their children who meant so much to him. Also, his dear aunts and uncles, and his extended Newfoundland family, especially Gale and Paul...Michael loved you both so much. Also, countless life-long friends.
We would like to sincerely thank our angels, Dr. Ania Kwasnik, nurse Susan and the many other doctors and nurses of the Palliative Care Unit and Emergency Department for their professionalism and compassion.
To Dr. Gurney’s patients: You all meant so much to him. He truly enjoyed helping each and every one of you. Thank you.
Cremation has taken place and we will gather in Michael’s honour at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow on Thursday, August 14th, 5-8pm. Thank you for maintaining a scent free environment.
Donations may be made on Michael’s behalf to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Unit c/o Aberdeen Health Foundation.