Born in Halifax on March 9, 1953, Michael was the son of the late Beatrice and James Corkum.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joy Corkum. They met and fell in love, when only fifteen years old, in the Hydrostone neighbourhood of North End Halifax. Despite Michael "not doing dates", they were married and would raise three wonderful children together.
Michael is survived by his three children - his life’s pride and joy - sons William “Michael” (Tasha), Charles Douglas (Ashley) and daughter Lori-Anne (Jonah) Corkum Manns. He will be missed dearly by his 5 grandchildren, Jayden and Emma; Mack and Beatrice; and his newest grandson, and namesake, Michael “Dean” Manns. Michael is also survived and missed by his brother Eddie (Elaine); sister Margie Lewis; niece Michelle (Mark); nephew Ronnie Murray(Amanda); his mother-in-law, and daytime companion, Winnie Bidnock; ‘surrogate son’ Craig O’Leary (Courtney); his beloved cat Grizz (ly Bear), and many other nieces and nephews and extended family. Michael leaves behind many friends, particularly his “Saturday Night Crew”, he will be missed by forever friends Louisa and Paula.
Micheal is predeceased by his granddaughter Isabella Rose; brothers Charlie, Alec and Albert; sister Louise MacDonald; nephew Doug Casey; his niece Tammy Murray; and his dog Baby Girl.
Michael was a devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather. Possibly the inventor of the "dad joke", and the official dad moustache. He was an old fashioned guy who liked old cars, old movies and old pants. Michael spent his first 30 working years at the Halifax Dockyard, and would later work at the Dartmouth General, making many lifelong friends along the way. He was a fan of karaoke and couldn't wait to get to the new Lion's Head to belt out Sweet Caroline, and complain that having to smoke outside is "f***ing lunacy". He was a self appointed Neighborhood Watch representative, and always made sure that his birds were fed, even if that meant taking leftovers home when visiting family for dinner. He loved the Weather Network, and could always be counted on to give you the real forecast. He loved the country, old country songs and being around a campfire, especially if it meant getting some trees "out of the way".
Michael's favourite time was watching his children grow up. He would love to dress up and play monster with his boys and chase them to squeals, and would play Red Light Green Light with Lori when she was littler than her big brothers. Driven by an irrepressible sweet tooth, Halloween for his kids would often become a marathon of "just one more house", sometimes to the point of hilarious tears. Michael and Joy's home was always a gathering place for all friends, including their children’s. Mikey, Dougie and Lori each have many friends who will miss their dad as their own. Michael enjoyed his children like only the best fathers do, and his pride in them radiated from him.
Grampy, or Nanny - as he was tauntingly called by his granddaughter and mother's namesake, Beatrice - will be forever missed by his newest grandson Dean, who he was determined to meet. Mack will lovingly remember sleeping on grampy in his chair and Emma and Jayden will never forget having to laugh at his relentless corny jokes and puns.
Michael passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home after a big Thanksgiving feast with those he loved, as he would have (stubbornly) wanted. Micheal was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.
I hear her voice in the mornin' hour, she calls me
The radio reminds me of my home far away
Drivin' down the road, I get a feelin'
That I should've been home yesterday, yesterday
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
He was so loved and will be greatly missed. We hope you found the sweetest ride.
Memorial Service will be held October 21st from 2:00-3:00pm at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive in Halifax.
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