Michael McManus Simms

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Michael McManus Simms announces his passing in Halifax, on October 6, 2023, at the age of 77, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Pictou, Nova Scotia, on July 20, 1946, to Dr. G. Graham Simms and Nora G. Simms (nee McManus), the fourth of eight children.

Michael is survived by his children, Michael (Lee), Jonathan (Anna), and David (Tera), his grandchildren, Charlie, Elspeth, Henry, William, Connor, Aidan, Ethan, Jace, Jessica, Jorjia, Vivienne, and Ray; his siblings, Judith Sapp (John), George, Jeremy (Phyllis), Christohper, Felicity Martel, (Robert), and Jonathan (Elizabeth), and a large extended family.

Michael is pre-deceased by his parents, his beloved son, Andrew Raymond Simms, his brother, Peter (in infancy), and his daughter-in-law, Krista Simms.

Michael was driven by his faith, his optimism and his spirit of service, to devote his life to education. After attending St. Columban’s Preparatory Seminary, St. Patrick’s High School, Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University, he taught at a number of schools in Halifax, before becoming a school administrator in Alberta, British Columbia, Northern Ontario, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, often in remote and challenging locations. Michael saw the good in everyone and was always willing to take on difficult postings where he thought he could make a difference in the lives of young people. He retired to Halifax in 2017.

Michael loved spending time in the outdoors, whether on land or on water, and was passionate about providing opportunities for young people to get outdoors and to build their skills. He was an early proponent of outdoor education in schools and organized and led many outdoor trips for countless students. In his younger years, Michael was an avid swimmer, sailor, rower and paddler and he passed on his love of being on and in the water to all of his children.

A visitation will be held at Cruickshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, on Monday, October 16th , from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Agnes Church, 6903 Mumford Road, at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 17th, 2023.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the care and kindness of Dr. Ajantha Jayabarathan over the past several years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Cottage, 2435 Brunswick Street, (902) 429-7968.