Michael Vernon Merrigan

Merrigan, Michael Vernon II

Mike passed away peacefully on November 5th, 2022, surrounded by family. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Leonora (Musial). He is survived by children Michael (III), Christine, and Meghan (mother Shamim); grandson Kyle; siblings Myles, Leonora Thorpe (Charles), and Marlene DeBay; his aunts, Sister Marie Merrigan, Bertha MacDonald, Isabel Musial, and his loving partner, Michele Walsh. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dad was a proud North Ender, having grown up on Russell St. He was known for his athleticism, and played baseball and hockey throughout his youth. In later years, he also coached hockey.

Mike graduated from SMU and then worked at the Atlantic Institute for Education.

Dad taught special education at St. Joseph's School, St. Patrick's Alexandra School, Springvale Elementary School and Inglis St. Elementary School. It wasn't uncommon for Dad to bring his whole class home and fire up the bbq at lunch. His former students often popped by the old house on Albert Street, and continued to do so at Peak Audio until his retirement.

Dad was an audiophile who took his hobby to the next level in the early 80s, opening Miknor Audio, distributing from the family dining room. In the mid-80s, with the support of his parents, he opened Peak Audio. He was determined to keep the business in his neighborhood. He was endlessly proud of the hard work his son Mike III put into the business, growing it into Peak Audio Video today. Despite teaching and running a business, he attended Michael's hockey games, Meghan's softball games and took Chrissy to the library every Saturday morning. He encouraged us all to pursue education in meaningful ways.

Dad loved a great joke and pun - he would try to best anyone in wordplay. If you ever had a conversation with him, you were likely laughing by the end of it.

As is family tradition, he loved the North Shore and spending time in Wallace. In retirement he and Michele spent many days golfing at Northumberland Links and Wallace River. They also enjoyed traveling, and his last big trip to France was a highlight. He loved to cheer on the Blue Jays and Raptors.

He made the BEST hamburgers. We will miss him deeply.

Special thanks to our Wallace neighbours and friends Charles & Annick Kennedy. Special thanks also to Dr. Redden, Dr. Macfarlane, nursing staff Liette, Becky and the Palliative Care Community team - Mitch Deveau, RN and Dr. Robert Horton. We would also like to thank all the past and present customers of Peak Audio Video, you were a joy to Dad.

Family flowers only. Donations can be made to the Open Hamper Food Bank in Pugwash, N.S. Etransfers can be sent to [email protected] or cheques mailed to:

Open Hamper Food Bank

℅ The Treasurer

3291 Cape Cliff Road

Fox Harbour, N.S.

B0K 1L0

No visitation, as per Dad’s wishes. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkata Church (formerly St. Stephen's), Normandy Dr., Halifax on Tuesday, November 15th at 11:00 am. Reception to follow. Please consider wearing a mask to protect the vulnerable members of our family and greater community