John Michael Black

Died at the age of 79 years of lung cancer at the Veterans Memorial Hospital, Halifax, NS. Born in Fredericton, NB, he was the son of the late Bertha Marjorie Lee and Lewis Dick Black.

Michael graduated from RMC Kingston, ON in 1961. After Pilot Training, he was posted to bases in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the USA. He was commanding officer of 404 Training Squadron, Greenwood, NS and received the Order of Military Merit at Government House, Ottawa, ON, in 1982.

In civilian life he was employed with Commerce and Technology Department, Fredericton, NB; was co-owner of Connell Beverages, Middleton, NS; a member of Probus Club, Halifax. As an accomplished writer, he co-authored articles to Action Station Canada Magazine.

He was a sports enthusiast and gardener, spending many happy days relaxing at the cottage by the sea at Victoria Beach. He will be missed by his wife of 56 years, Joan; daughters, Catherine (Bruce) Dodge, Margo Ford, Mary Beth (Jon) Giesler; grandchildren, Bretten Hannam, Brittlyn Black, Eryn and Keira Ford; step-daughters, Kristen Giesler and Melissa Hassell; great grandson, Xavier Gray and many nieces and nephews. Siblings, Marjorielee (Sooty) Dunton; brother, Garth, sisters, Nanci, Deborah Black. Predeceased by brother, Dick.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Donations to the Arthritis Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.