Michael Joseph Emberly

It is with broken hearts that we share the news of the death of our father, grandfather and friend, Michael (Mike) Joseph Emberly on July 5, 2026. Born on August 14, 1942, to Vincent and Agnes (Donovan) Emberly. He was raised in Timberlea and graduated from St. Pat’s High School in Halifax.

Mike started his career as a firefighter, but after the arrival of his children Mark and Steven, he and his wife Wendy decided on a different direction. He was a man of his word and valued hard work and persistence. He forged his own path in the office supply industry, building a highly successful company, Basin Stationary. Established with his partner, Donald King in 1979 the thriving business continued to grow with his son, Steven, until Mike’s retirement in 2015. He forged meaningful business relationships over the years, with members of the Basics Office Products Group.

Mike was a leader and steady presence in all areas of his life. Over the years, he was president of the Oakfield Golf and Country Club, the Harbourview Cottagers Association and the Atlantic Office Product Association. He was a successful minor hockey coach (affectionately known as “Beak” to his players) and contributed to the structure of minor hockey in the region. Mike was an active member of his community, in recreation, the Saint Rose of Lima congregation, participating in many boards and charities, including the Duke of Edinburgh awards.

He was an avid golfer, with a 58-year membership at Oakfield Golf and Country Club, marking over 100 rounds in each of the last number of years. He set off on the course with his dear friends at first light and all the club house knew his order of two fingers of the captain and diet coke. In the winter months he was an active curler at CFB Halifax. He had a group of friends who he met for breakfast on Saturdays to share stories and laughs. He enjoyed travelling, with many trips south with Wendy and with his children and grandchildren to Bermuda. He loved going to the Keg before Mooseheads games, to celebrate milestones from birthdays to graduations and special achievements like learning to ride a bike.

His love for his summer home in Harbourview was unmeasured. He knew how lucky he was when he and Wendy found this magical part of Nova Scotia in 1967, visiting many times before settling into their own cottage in 1978. He and Wendy made memories and developed deep friendships with all who called Harbourview home, especially their neighbours Jill and Cliff Langin. Friday night porch parties, termed “Harbourview Nights” and Saturday night fish fry’s were legendary. Each cottage season brought opportunities for family connection, whether through stories shared on the front porch, laughter with loved ones, or quiet moments watching hummingbirds, fireflies and one special sparrow (the squirrels and raccoons were not as popular.)

Their legacy was the promise of friendship and connection in this special place—a gift they passed on to their children, grandchildren, and future generations.

He loved his grandchildren, with their arrival bringing softness and joy to his life. He treasured his first-born Granddaughter, Marissa, following her drama and dance performances, academic achievements and successes with immense pride. They enjoyed clams and chips at Eds and burgers at Frank and Dora’s. Marissa’s brightness and energy brought him much happiness. He was proud of Thomas’ success especially in hockey, attending games and cheering him on. As a lifelong athlete, he loved hearing about Thomas’ other active endeavors like university rugby and they enjoyed golfing together. In recent years he shared stories from business and passed along knowledge to Thomas with his own special blend of care and wisdom.

He was Isabella’s biggest fan, attending her hockey games (with some commentary to the refs), musicals, school grandparents’ day, and was endlessly proud of her strong spirit and determination. He was best buddies with his youngest grandson, Gus, where most conversations started with, “Grandpa, can I tell you something?” He always said yes. Weekly family dinners are fondly remembered by Izzy and Gus with Grandpa bringing Werther’s in his pockets, chocolate bars, crème brulé, and Costco and Ikea necessities- endearingly called “Uber Grandpa” by his youngest grandchildren.

Michael is lovingly survived by his two sons and their families, Mark (Elaine), Marissa and Thomas, Steven (Debbie), Isabella and Gus; his sister Elizabeth (Biggs), his brother-in-law George Wooden and his many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his loving wife of 49 years Wendy (Wooden), his brother Val, his parents, his sisters-in-law, Sandra (Wooden) and Diane (Duguay).

Michael was a man of few words, but he was always there to lend a hand, offer advice (some you asked for, most you didn’t!) and crack a joke with a memorable twinkle in his eye. You always knew were you stood with Mike and if you were lucky enough it was on his good side!

We offer our heartfelt thank you to the team at Hospice Halifax for their dignified care, compassion and comfort in his final days.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Snow’s funeral Home. A Celebration of Life with drop in visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories and honour Michael’s remarkable life.

Donations can be made to Hospice Halifax in his memory. Family burial will occur at a later date in Smith- Sulis Cemetery, Smith’s Cove, NS.