Hendrikus "Hendrik, Hank" Theodorus Michels

Born in Arnhem, the Netherlands, on June 5, 1938. He immigrated to Canada in the fall of 1953 at the age of 15, with his family, eventually settling in Fort Lawrence N.S. A bricklayer and stonemason by trade he worked on many construction sites throughout the Maritimes.

He moved to Dartmouth in the early sixties and after marrying Rebecca (Becky) Chapman of Amherst in 1965 he changed career paths to involve less travel and provide more stable employment for his growing family. He worked at the Volvo assembly plant and Autoport before joining the Dartmouth Housing Authority (now Nova Scotia Housing Authority) when it was first formed, where he was responsible for the oversight of maintenance for multiple housing sites; the Dartmouth Work Activity, where he served as an instructor teaching basic construction, and finally the Dartmouth Sportplex where he was the first employee hired by the board after the General Manager. He held several titles while at the Sportsplex from Head of Maintenance to finally retiring in 2002 after 20 years as the Director of Projects and Safety, with his final project the large pirate ship that graced the pool deck for many years. Post retirement, he kept active doing renovation projects for friends and neighbours, and built theatre props for school dramatic productions. Most of these projects were done free of charge.

In his personal life he was a part of the congregation of Northbrook Bible Chapel in Dartmouth for more than 50 years. He served as a Trustee and Deacon, he was a leader for the Awanas program and he also helped with Sunday School, many years of VBS and the early days of the Rejoice club. He was a greeter and was the first welcoming smile for many as he manned the door and often had a sweet treat for the children (and adults) making sure he always had a tub of candies on hand. He began helping with cleaning the building in the early eighties before handing it off to his children and then after retirement he took over the basic building maintenance to keep himself occupied.

He obtained his Canadian citizenship on January 28, 1974 a proud moment for him and his family; however, he still cheered for the Dutch national football team in World Cup competition.

He was also a life long learner. Coming from a different education system, he earned his Canadian GED and then went on to take any course he was offered. Technical through work, personal improvement for things like public speaking and his extensive Bible study materials.

He is survived by his wife Becky, children David (Janice), Stephen (Samantha), Margaretha and Daniel and grandchildren Elizabeth, Victoria, Benjamin, Andrew, Jonathan and Hannah. His siblings Grace (Frank) Fraser of Shubenacadie, Rudy (Theresa) of Porters Lake and Billy (Sally) of Amherst and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents Gijsbertus Michels and Albertha Michels (Hutjes) and brothers Bert, Peter, John and Archie.

The celebration of life service is to be held at Northbrook Bible Chapel on Saturday July 25, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Soul’s Harbour Rescue and Diabetes Canada.