HANSEN, Michael Vetterstrom “Mike”
Age 79, Truro. It is with great sadness that we announce Mike’s passing on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late Edwin and Hazel (Macleod) Hansen. Mike grew up on a farm with his sister and parents, and it was there he discovered early on his love of nature, hunting, and fishing. Mike and his wife, Prue, met in high school where they soon fell in love and became soulmates. Mike joined the Navy while in high school, enrolling in the regular officer training plan (ROTP) to start his career and support his Bachelor of Science studies at Mount Allison University. Mike played junior varsity football and basketball at Mt. A and excelled in his studies. He then became a Sea King helicopter pilot with the Navy and continued as such for several years with sea-based platforms and naval air stations around the globe. Mike and Prue married in 1966 and had a beautiful loving marriage for 57 years. Once their children were born, Mike decided to become a teacher so he could work closer to home and family. He started as a chemistry teacher in Kennetcook while coaching students in basketball and offering drivers education as well. He also completed a master’s degree in education at Dalhousie at that time. After many years as teacher at Cobequid Educational Centre, Mike took on new positions as Vice Principal and then Principal at the high school. Once retired, Mike continued to enjoy spending time with his wife, his son, his daughter, his son-in-law, his daughter-in-law, and his grandchildren who meant the world to him. He also continued to enjoy riding his motorbike, hiking in nature, hunting, and fishing (especially with family and friends by his side), building a new home, and working steadily in his workshop in the construction of pieces of furniture, kayaks, sailboats, and leather stitched items, among all kinds of other practical yet precious items that he gave to family and friends for their use. Mike was truly the most kind, thoughtful and brilliant person imaginable, throughout his entire life. His unrelenting ove for others and the world around him alongside his beautiful and wise intentions, guided his decisions and path through life. Although his disease deteriorated his brain and all other functions, these qualities were still so lovingly evident in various ways until the end.
Mike is survived by his wife, Prudence “Prue” (Wilmhurst); children, Evan (Tiffany) Hansen, Patti (Wade) Hansen-ketchum; grandchildren, Isaac (Hawley), Emily (Alex); brother-in-law, Tom Labour; sister-in-law, Margie Mallory; nieces, Sherri Labour, Jillian Mallory, Amy Mallory; nephew, Greg Mallory; extended family. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Rae Labour; nephew, Edwin Labour. A Celebration of Life will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23rd at St. John’s Anglican Church, 25 Church St., Truro, The Rev. Lori Ramsey officiating. (Please use the link door between the church and hall to access the church.) Reception to follow in Kaulbach Hall. Spring interment will be held in Eaton Cemetery, Pugwash Junction. In lieu of flowers, we ask that in Mike’s memory you please donate to Nova Scotia Nature Trust, 81 Prince Albert Rd., Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1M1, (https://nsnt.ca/giving/donate/ memorial-gifts/), Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, 112-2719 Gladstone St., Halifax, NS B3K 4W6 (https://alzheimer.ca/ns/en) or St. John's Anglican Church, 23 Church Street, Truro, NS B2N 3Z5 (https://stjohnstruro.ca/giving.html). Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young St., Truro. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com