Obituary of Michael Brian Rhymes

Michael was born on August 17, 1978, in Halifax, the son of Valeria (Reynolds) and the late Frederick Rhymes of Cogmagun. He passed away in his sleep on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at home in Dartmouth.

Michael was the beloved big brother of his sister, Heather and from her birth, he appointed himself her guardian. Heather always got the first smiles of the day. Later when Heather's partner, Matthew, came along he happily welcomed him to the family. He was overjoyed when his nephews arrived, Michael Henry and Gregory Frederick and constantly was signing for baby.

Michael was a proud member of the St. Luke's Anglican Church, where people were greeted with a huge smile and an extended hand. Michael loved being in his community, handing out roses on the waterfront, selling poppies and acting in the Christmas pageant. 

Throughout his life Michael, who was otherly abled, broke down barriers for people with disabilities in all aspects of life from the public education system to housing and support systems. Every barrier that prevented those with disabilities from living a full life in community was chipped away at. 

Michael taught others what it means to care for another, to be truly present to the other, and how to take pleasure in the simple things of life. Like anyone, he enjoyed an adventure, getting away from everyday life but what sustained his joy and his spirit was simply being with others. He loved people and his pure joy and bright wide-eyed smile would brighten everyone's day. That smile would lift you up and would lessen whatever was heavy on your heart. He was intuitive to the emotions of others; he knew how you really felt even if your face was not showing it. He was openly empathetic, if you cried, he cried right along with you as he stroked your arm or hand.

Those of us who knew Michael know that Santa Claus was Mikey's ultimate superhero. Forget leaping tall buildings; bringing joy, kindness and giving to the world was Santa's most important strength. A strength Michael emulated. Every day was Christmas day for Michael. Not to be forgotten; the paramedics, the fire department and the police were high up on Mikey's role model list. They always came to help when he needed them and he really liked the lights and sirens. Thus, it should be no surprise that some of Mikey's favourite things were fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, motorcycles, along with trains, parades, dressing up, playing hide and seek and animals.

Michael faced many challenges over the years and overcame them with resilience and an unwavering happiness. His legacy is a continued inspiration for every person who had the pleasure to meet him: to love unconditionally and to always be hungry for one more treat. There is no doubt that Michael is with his biggest supporter in heaven, the man he looked up to and loved so much, his father.

Michael was predeceased by his father, Frederick Gordon Rhymes. He is survived by his mother, Valeria Pamela Rhymes, Cogmagun; sister, Heather (Matthew Estabrooks); nephews, Michael Henry and Gregory Frederick, Gagetown, NB.

Words cannot express the heartfelt love and appreciation Michael's family has for the love and care given to Michael by Suzanne, Christine, Rachel, Tammy, Jeff, Andrew, George, and all of the others at RRSS. You were Michael's guardian angels. 

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where a funeral service celebrating Michael’s life will be held on Friday, June 14 at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Matthew Sponagle officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the funeral home’s Elmcroft Reception Centre. Interment will be held in Sandy Land Cemetery, Cogmagun. Donations in memory of Michael may be made to Regional Residential Services Society (RRSS), 133A Ilsley Avenue, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1S9. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.