Michael, David Robert (Bob)

Dartmouth, NS

January 19, 1957 - August 27, 2026

Bob passed away in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 27, 2026, following an extended illness, with his family by his side.

Born in Toronto to William-Frederick Michael of Swansea, Wales, and Marielle Vaillancourt of Montreal, Quebec, Bob was raised in Montreal, the eldest of three children. He is survived by his partner of 27 years, Michelle Meaney, originally of Corner Brook, NL; his sister, Louise Sharland of Plymouth, England; and his brother, Allan Michael of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Bob’s fascination with airplanes began early. He earned his pilot’s licence while still in his teens, and what began with Cadets as a youth grew into a distinguished 30-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces. He travelled the world as a military pilot, retiring a few years following his final deployment aboard the HMCS Montreal as its Sea King pilot.

Bob was an interested and interesting fellow. He played the bagpipes with the Shearwater Pipes and Drum Band and was a frequent participant in the Nova Scotia Tattoo. He was equally at home on the water and was a long-time member of the Shearwater Yacht Club. Bob loved sailing, the ocean and navigating the Halifax harbour and close by islands.

His creativity found another expression in the kitchen and the garden. Bob loved to cook, especially with vegetables he had grown himself. He often experimented with growing different varieties of tomatoes, and family and friends were the grateful recipients of his harvest. His garlic and scapes were renowned. His sourdough was sooo delicious and often decorated with floral bread art. We will miss his special Xmas dishes especially his tourtière, sticky toffee pudding and caramelized onion jam. It was a joy to watch both he and Michelle in the kitchen at Xmas - his passion for cooking was infectious.

Bob also enjoyed a little friendly competition and on Sunday afternoons, he and Michelle could often be found at The Hub Too in Dartmouth, where they ran a weekly pool tournament fundraiser in support of the local community. His pool community will remember him fondly.

Bob lived with curiosity, skill, creativity, and a generous spirit. He was truly a man of simple pleasures and found joy in simple things – crosswords, new spices, walks by the lake, his garden, music.

He will be dearly missed by Michelle, and his extended family and friends.

Sic itur ad astra

Thus one goes to the stars

Cremation has taken place. 

Michael, David Robert (Bob)