With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Michael William “Mike” Prince, of East La Have, on Feb 28, 2024, at his South Shore home. Son of the late Benjamin and Marjorie Prince, he was born in Digby but grew up in Halifax. There, he raised his children Jennifer and Andrew with his first wife and lifelong friend, Madonna. Mike’s children were the light of his life. He loved them deeply and his greatest joy was spending time with them. He was a devoted father, supporting them at every life stage. They in turn returned this love in every way possible. He left them with many cherished memories.
For many years, Mike operated the Green Thumb landscaping company with his brother John. With his gift for landscape design, he added beauty to many public and private spaces in Halifax. After retirement, Mike enjoyed some of his best years with his beloved second wife, Susan. Their home was full of love, laughter, and the happy mayhem of their combined family and many pets. Together, they purchased a Victorian house on the shore of the LaHave river, which Mike carefully restored and made his permanent home following Susan’s passing in 2011. It was a place of refuge and comfort for him. He spent his days walking and swimming at the beautiful beaches of the South Shore, boating on the river, working in his garden, creating paths through the woods behind the house, and listening to music with his cat Annabelle snuggled up beside him.
Mike was fortunate to have many supportive friends in his life. In his later years, Mike again found love and happiness with his partner Bonnie, and was welcomed into her family by Katherine, Martin and Théo. They supported one another through difficult times, and enjoyed many happy days of hiking, gardening, travelling and family gatherings.
Mike’s talents were many. He was a gifted carpenter, an avid motorcyclist, and an expert skier. He was a self-trained mechanic who rarely took his vehicles to shops, tackling even the most complicated repairs himself. Although Mike struggled with depression throughout his life, his greatest talent was spreading joy. Even during difficult days, he took time to greet people as he walked, to joke with his friends at the YMCA, and to banter happily with the staff in stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. He had the ability to bring laughter wherever he went.
Mike is survived by his children Jennifer and Andrew (Jessica Crowe) and their mother Madonna Stanfield, his brothers John (Marlene Dykeman) and Greg (Peggy Bonnell-Prince), his stepchildren Candice and Kevin Crosby, his niece and nephews Amy, Ben and Josh Prince, and his life partner Bonnie Salsman. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Susan, and by Charles Stanfield, his good friend and the stepfather of his children. A celebration of life will be held on April 7, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Boat Club in Halifax. Donations in memory of Mike can be made to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.
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