Fougere, Michael Joseph (Mike)

River Bourgeois, NS

September 18, 1952 - May 01, 2025

With heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of Michael Joseph Fougere of River Bourgeois, NS, on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at the Strait Richmond Hospital in Evanston at the age of 72.

Born September 18, 1952, in Montreal, Quebec, Mike was the beloved son of the late Helen (Lunn) and Joseph Fougere and brother to the late Cathy Aitken (Brian), Rick (Lynne) and Paul.  

Mike married the love of his life, Valerie (Sharpe), in May 1976 in Two Mountains, Quebec, and together they built a life filled with family, adventure, and community. With an entrepreneurial mindset, he purchased Thornicrofts (Montreal), an electronics repair shop, building upon a career that reflected his keen mind and knack for fixing things.

Mike and Val raised three daughters—Mary Dartmouth, Crystal Graham (Stephen), Judique, and Jennifer Stevens (Scott) Calgary. As a family, they cherished summers camping and traveling to River Bourgeois, where Mike’s parents had settled in the mid ‘70s. Inspired by his father’s path, Mike set his sights on purchasing the local convenience store, Howard’s Grocery, and when the opportunity arose years later, he and Val made that dream a reality. In 1990, they relocated to River Bourgeois, where they became proud owners of the store and settled into the close-knit community. Mike enjoyed chatting with customers and took on processing game meat for local hunters, adding another skill to his repertoire.

A dedicated volunteer, Mike devoted many years to the Tara Lynne Community Centre, serving as caretaker of the building and grounds, and calling bingo—a role that made him a familiar and welcome voice in the community.

Mike was an avid golfer, he found joy and camaraderie out on the course, spending cherished time with his brothers, brothers-in-law, daughter, and dear friends, making memories with every round. He had a passion for cards, playing 45s in St. Peter’s with friends and crib at the seniors’ hall. He also found joy in cooking, taking great pride in hosting meals for family and friends, especially his signature turkey dinner. No one carved a turkey quite like Mike! Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he instilled his love for the season in his family—decorating the house, watching Christmas movies, making Chex mix, and creating warm traditions that will live on.

In 1995, Mike began working with the Strait regional school board and later CSAP as a bus driver, a job he treasured. He became known as “Mr Mike” to the kids. He loved his time behind the wheel, taking care of the children in his community.

Mike and Val shared a love for travel, journeying together across Canada, US and Carribean and in more recent years, enjoying trips with family members Rose and Ron (Tatterton) to sunny destinations.

His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for gardening, spending hours tending to his greenhouse and garden boxes. He delighted in berry picking, especially the wild blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries that grew around the house.

In 2017, Mike’s dream of becoming a grandfather came true, a role he embraced wholeheartedly. He adored spending time with his grandchildren—Sam, Frankie, Ethan, and Ellie—taking them for rides on his four-wheeler, bringing them to the playground, and sharing the fruits of his garden with them.

Mike lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering generosity. He was a devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by siblings, wife and children, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren. 

Thank you to the palliative care team, the staff at the Strait Richmond Hospital, family that visited and neighbors that offered comfort and meals.

Cremation has taken place and notes of sympathy can be shared through Green’s Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Strait Richmond hospital palliative care unit or to the Victoria Order of Nurses.