Hines, Michael Laurie – Age 39, of Chaswood, passed away in Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Unit on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Born in IWK Hospital, Halifax – he was a son of Bayfield Hines and Wendy (Day) Hines, Chaswood.
Surviving are Mike’s parents; brother, Stephen Hines; and his nephew, Hayden Hines, both residents of Lloydminster, Sask. Mike had many aunts, uncles, cousins, great cousins – too many to mention. He is also survived by honorary sister, Bri Johnson.
Mike loved to remember and share stories of how as a child his family made every effort to be sure he had the opportunity to drive the family farm tractors and drive the horses on the wagon with his uncle, Donnie and grandfather, Don Day. As a child he enjoyed wrestling with his cousin, Don; brother, Steve; and his honorary brothers, Jeff and Glen Higgins of Middle Musquodoboit. During those wrestling matches he felt he was a superhero like Hulk Hogan who he admired.
Mike came into this world fighting to survive. With a diagnosis of Spina Bifida he was told he might only live a short time but Mike proved everyone wrong. He lived a full 39 years. He graduated high school at MRHS, later moving to Halifax where he lived in The Home of Independent Living known as HIL, and finally moved into his own apartment in Halifax, where he lived the last few years. Thanks to Lee-Anne and Glen Lafosse and the staff of HIL.
After turning 39 and facing the big milestone birthday of 40, Mike decided to make a bucket list. Number one on his list was to go hunting on the family farm. He also looked forward to having a beer with his uncle, Donnie Day and his cousin, Kyle Hines, but unfortunately these things didn’t happen as Mike’s health declined before this wish could come true.
His final wish was to come home to the Musquodoboit Valley, where he could be with his family and friends during his final days. We are thankful for the staff at MVMH for making this possible. Thank you to all who were able to make time to visit him and to those who sent their thoughts and prayers. Mike had tremendous respect for his care team at the QE2, especially Dr. Jack Rasmussen and nurse Elinor who spent many hours providing care to Mike.
Mike wasn’t afraid to die but he was definitely not ready to go. Mike faced many challenges throughout his life. He took on each and every one with determination and courage. He loved his family and friends so much that he asked for nothing other than to be with them during his final days.
Mike had many hobbies including gaming with his friends online, sitting to chat with his roommate, William and watching the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Although as siblings Mike and Stephen would squabble at times, his brother Steve was always his protector. Unfortunately, Steve couldn’t protect him from his final challenge.
Mike was always one to make the most of every challenge he faced. In his final days Mike spoke of how he looked forward to meeting his grandfather, Melvin Hines who he had never met, and to walk with him as well as his grandfather, Don Day and grandmothers, Helen Hines and Constance Day; aunt, Johanne; uncle, Larry; and cousins, Derek and Morgan. This seemed to give him great joy and peace of mind.
His family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Michael on Saturday, Aug 30, 2025 between 2 – 6 p.m. in the home of Bayfield and Wendy Hines, 40 Urquharts Lane, Chaswood.
All are welcome.
Memorial donations may be made to Spina Bifida Association of Canada or Easter Seals.
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