Obituary
Guest Book
1936
2017
One of Nova Scotia's most generous and least known philanthropists died peacefully at his home in Bedford on Tuesday, October 24th at the age of 81. Michael was the eldest member of one of Nova Scotia's most prominent families --- the Coverts --- and had a great gift for friendship. At his eightieth birthday party in 2016, for example, he was honoured by more than 100 of these friends from all walks of life. Born in Halifax on May 18, 1936, Michael was the first son and eldest child of Mary Louise "Mollie" (Covert) Covert and the late Frank Manning Covert, CM, QC, DFC, LL.D. Because his father was a "Dollar-a-Year Man" in Ottawa during the first part of World War Two, and, was, subsequently, the navigator of RCAF bombers over Germany, Michael started school in the nation's capital. Later, after the war, he attended school in Dartmouth, Halifax and Windsor where he attended King's Collegiate from 1950 to 1955. Despite undiagnosed early learning disabilities, Michael worked tirelessly to learn, to become a successful business person and to be respected by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Michael was predeceased by his parents; by his first wife, Barbara Ellen Elizabeth (Redstone); by his second wife, Carole Rene (Chandler); and by his infant sister, Mary Jane. He is survived by his son, Frank Michael Covert; by grandsons, Andrew and James Covert; by sisters, Susan Patricia and Sally Louise; and by brother, Peter Archibald Blake Covert. His late grandparents were the Hon. Walter Covert, KC, Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, and Dr. Archibald Covert, MLA, of Canning.
Since 1978, Michael was a loyal Lector and Minister of the Holy Eucharist at Saint Mary's Basilica in Halifax. He was, in recent years, the proud donor of oak and glass doors at the Basilica. He was a Knight of Columbus and a member of Halifax Council 1097. Michael was a lifelong and enthusiastic member of the Liberal Party and was an executive member of both the provincial Bedford Liberal Association and the federal Halifax West Liberal Association. Michael was also a devoted donor to and a generous director of Bridgeway Academy in Dartmouth where he was determined to help those with the same learning disabilities he endured as a boy. In honour of his beloved late wife, Michael established the Carole Rene Covert Memorial Scholarship in the Nursing School at Dalhousie University. Over the years, Michael donated tens of thousands of dollars to the QEII Foundation in memory of deceased friends. He was strong supporter of the Walter Callow Wheelchair Veterans and Invalid Welfare League in Halifax and was on the board of the foundation that runs the wheelchair service. Michael had a varied and successful business career, having started it at Colwell Brothers Men's Wear after he left school. He then worked for Encyclopedia Britannica, Atlantic Building Materials, Twin City Sand and Gravel and Superline Fuels before becoming a longtime and valued employee of Sun Life of Canada. He published The Golden Guide and, later in life, always maintained an office in Sun Towers in Bedford. A Mass of Christian Burial for Michael will be celebrated on Saturday, October 28th, at Saint Mary's Basilica on Spring Garden Road at 10 a.m. with The Very Reverend John Williams officiating. A reception will follow the funeral in the church hall. Friends and admirers of Michael are welcome to honour him at J. A. Snow Funeral Home, Lacewood Drive, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 27th. Michael was extremely grateful in life for the care he was given by Heather and Adrian Pople and their children: Kelvin, Kirsty and Kayley. He was particularly happy with the wonderful care he was given by Heather Pople. He was also grateful for the friendship and advice of his Chartered Accountants: Dennis Touesnard and the late Randall Smith. Michael was also thankful for the years of service given by his executive assistant, Jacalyn Roy. Finally, he valued his lifetime friendship with Brian Flemming, CM, QC. Interment will take place at White Point Cemetery, Queen's County. Family flowers only. Donations in Michael's memory may be made to Bridgeway Academy, the QEII Health Sciences Foundation or to a charity of choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to J. A. Snow Funeral Home www.jasnowfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by JA Snow Funeral Home.
12 Entries
November 7, 2017
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Covert.
My family is from Canning, Nova Scotia and I articled to Mr. Frank Covert, who was raised a few doors down from my father. Mr. Covert was a wonderful mentor to me as I navigated my way in the law profession. I left Nova Scotia after my admission to the Nova Scotia Bar and Mr. Covert, despite urging me to stay, was very kind to arrange articles for me on the West Coast. Michael often visited the Stewart, McKeen offices and he was always charming and considerate.
My condolences to his family and friends.
William Archibald Rand
Vancouver, BC
[email protected]
November 3, 2017
Deepest sympathy from Ross McNeil and all at Duggers.
October 29, 2017
Jim Miller
We send our deepest sympathies to all of Michael's family. I have many fond memories of spending Sunday dinners with his family, teaching him to drive a stick shift Ford and our driving together to the Bedford Chicken Burger place on my motorcycle.
October 28, 2017
To Susan
My condolences to you in the loss of your brother.
Selma Vineberg
Halifax.Nova Scotia
October 27, 2017
Peter and family, my Mom and I were very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Brenda Grantham and Mona Hennessey
October 27, 2017
Amber Cox
My sincere sympathies to all of Michael's family. I have many fond memories of Carol and Mike who were a part of my life since I was a teenager. He always jokingly called my kids Phoenix and Charlie (Griffin and Chris) and whenever I think of that it puts a smile on my face. Michael did many good deeds in his life. I will remember him fondly, always. God bless. Amber, Griffin, Chris, Al and Emma
October 27, 2017
Robert Cameron
Deepest sympathy to all Michael`s family.I remember Mike in his early years in Halifax as friendly and just a great person. He sure overcame his disabilities in childhood and he went on to become an extraordinary successful and giving person.
October 27, 2017
I only met Mike a few times but I know his son Mike. I want to say how sorry I was to hear of your fathers passing Mike. All the best to you and your family. Rick Foster, Halifax.
October 26, 2017
Carol Stewart
Dear Peter & family,
I wish to send my deepest condolences to all on the passing of your beloved Michael. I met Michael and Carol several years ago while taking care of Carol. I remember Michael telling me many interesting stories and their furry family member Trider who was a wonderful companion to them both. May your faith, family, friends, and community bring you much needed comfort during this difficult time. I send love, warm hugs, and prayers to all. Take care and God bless.
October 26, 2017
I was at Michael's 5th birthday party and have know him a lifetime, he was a kind and loving person and will be missed,
Ken & Sheila Day, Arizona
October 26, 2017
Doris Robbins
On behalf of Halifax West Federal Liberal Association, I write to say that we are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and long-time mentor and colleague. We will miss Mike deeply and always treasure his support and long-time commitment to our Board and riding. May Mike's family and loved ones be comforted by the warm regard sent to you from so many who were touched by his kindness and generosity. May we all continue his legacy of love and giving.
October 26, 2017
Terry and Doris Robbins
With deepest sympathy to all Mike's loved ones. He was a rare gem, and a true gentle man. We will miss him dearly and consider ourselves lucky to have shared some of his life's journey. With love from Terry and Doris Robbins and family
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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