R. Michael Rochford
Michael passed away, on June 21st, at home, in Hunts Point, Nova Scotia.
Born in Montreal, to the late Francis Michael Rochford and Bertha Niven.
He is survived by his loving wife “P.A.”, his two sons, Tyler (Nancy) & Ryan (Ioana), his four grandchildren, Gabrielle & Romy, and Alexandra & Matteo, his sister Lois Rodger, his many nieces and nephews, along with dear friends.
Michael was a kind and compassionate soul, a true gentleman, as well as, a gentle man, who was devoted to his family and loved ones.
Michael had boundless energy and vitality, along with his continuous amazement of the world’s smallest of wonders which reflected in his deep love of life. He loved books, sports, nature, and to travel the world, of which, he always considered himself so fortunate to see much of. He loved to learn, and considered himself, a lifelong learner. He had the curiosity and inquisitiveness of a youngster. Michael would say he lived a full life, with much passion. He was forever grateful for all the blessings he had in his life, and never took any of them for granted.
Michael had a very rewarding career at BMO Nesbitt Burns, that spanned over 51 years, of which, he was, so very proud.
He was also past President and long-time member of the Royal Montreal Curling Club.
We would like to express our gratitude to the entire Palliative Care Team. Special thanks to Nurse Natalie Brooks and Dr. Jamie MacKinnon, for their exceptional care and compassion, during this difficult time.
Thanks also goes to Queens County Transit and the VON.
If desired, donations may be made to Queens County Transit-qct.ruralrides.ca or Queens General Hospital Foundation-qghfoundaton.ca
A celebration of Michael’s life will take place, Saturday, September 3rd, from 2pm-4pm at The Quarterdeck Resort, ‘Ocean Room’, 7499 Lighthouse Rte # 3, Summerville Centre, NS B0T 1T0.
Please wear something colourful!
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal”.
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Dawn Hanley
So sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. Hugs to the family❤
Jewel and Dave Wilson
P.A.
A wonderful,sensitive,gentle man, has left us but will always be remembered by family and friends. He was so lucky to have you in his life. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow, He is at peace now. Hold onto the memories of the good times you shared
Sincerely
Dave and Jewel Wilson
Jennifer Conrad
To Michael’s family, my heart breaks for you all. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Michael when Liverpool hosted the Canadian Junior Nations (curling) in Liverpool. We hit it off immediately and I so enjoyed his stories of past curling events and all his time spent at his home club. He kindly gave me a pin from the Montreal Curling Club that I will cherish for all my life. I was lucky enough to become the Post Mistress for him 3 years ago and it was always a pleasure to see his smiling face and love for life, a good chat was always involved. Life will definitely not be the same without his visits. Sending you all love and light at this time.
Elizabeth Brown
PA and Family,
So sorry to hear Michael has passed. Jeff and I are so grateful we got the chance to meet and get to know him a little these last few years.
Sincere condolences to everyone. Thinking of you and fondly remembering Mike.
Liz and Jeff
Louise MacLellan
Dear P.A., our heart aches for your loss. Michael was a true gentleman and we have wonderful memories of our times together. Stay strong and we hope to see you before too long.
A big hug for you,
Louise and Michael
Andy and Grace Shatilla
PA,
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Michael. Our many experiences curling and enjoying life together over the past 26 years bring us memories that we will always cherish. He was a great mentor, willing to share his experiences and advice at The Royal Montreal Curling Club, where he was an Honorary Life member.
Andy and Grace Shatilla
Laurette Bustamante
To Pat and the family
I was saddened to hear about Michael’s passing. We worked side by for so many years. I learnt to appreciate his company, his sense of humor and his generosity. He was a real gentleman. Please receive my sincere condolences in these difficult moments and take care of yourselves. Bon courage!
Laurette
Robin Morton
Dear P.A and family.
I first met Mike on a Nesbitt hiking weekend in the White Mountains. It was an annual trip which Mike helped organize along with Derek Anderson.
Mike was always a presence in the room with his happy and engaging personality.
After the hiking trips came to an end we continued to run into each other at our favorite grocery store in Montreal. Those quick encounters gave us time to catch up and reminisce.
Robin Morton
Louis J Landry
Louis J. Landry
June 23, 2022 at 11:32 am
To P.A. and family of Michael Rochford
On behalf of the Mersey Branch 38, Royal Canadian Legion, I would like to extend our condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and we will be lowering the National/Provincial flag at the Branch until Sunset on the day of his celebration of life.
In closing, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Louis J. Landry, CD
President
Mersey Branch 38
Royal Canadian Legion
Anne Conrad
Pat (P.A.)
I am so sorry to read this news! I am so glad I got to see him recently, if only for a short visit! He was such a sweet man and I feel honoured to have worked on numerous matters with him over the last 40 years!! Thinking of you!!!
Marsha & Mike Ringer
Very sorry to hear of your loss.
Alice Verge
Sorry for your loss. I met Mike many years ago when he lived in the house on Broad River. My office was his office where he sent many e-mails back and forth to his work in Montreal. All the beautiful rose bushes in my yard are from Mike. he brought me one and they keep multiplying. Always took the time to stop for a chat when he went past in his little yellow convertible.. You will be missed my friend..
Patricia Emenau
Patricia and Michael’s family
Sincere condolences on your loss.
Patricia Emenau
Sherrill Harrington( nee Anthony)
To Ryan, Tyler and all of the family,
So very sorry to learn of Mike’ s passing , he was a true gentleman. Sending heartfelt condolences to all of you at this very difficult time. Take care ❤️
Greg Anderson
As a dear friend to my father and our whole family, I can remember Mike’s good nature and laughter as almost far back as my memory goes. My condolences to the family, Mike you will be truly missed.
NELSON AND LIZ BOLAND
To PA and Michael’s family,
Our sincerest condolences upon Michael’s passing. He was a true friend. Michael was a kind gentlemen with an unsurpassed zest and passion for life and learning. He truly appreciated his life, family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him. Cherish your memories.
Helen & David Fox
Condolences to PA and Michael’s family,so sorry for your loss. A very kind hearted man with alot of passion for everyone he knew. RIP
John Murray
So sorry to hear of Mikes passing. He was a kind gentleman! Condolences to his family……
Karen Morrissette
Dear Pat and family,
My deepest condolences. Mike was one of the sweetest and most thoughtful and kind man I knew, a true gentleman.
Please know that my thoughts are with you.
Karen
Terry Jackson
I first met Mike when I joined Nesbitt Thomson in 1969 and had the privilege of working with him for 30 years.
What a great and kind man he was. He was always keen and upbeat and I enjoyed visiting with he and the other “Old-Timers” like Derek, Jerome Gendron, Alex Archambault and Michele Di Tomasso when I visited Montreal .I remember the great times at the ADN Awards. A real gentleman – Mike will be missed
Rick & Kathie Gilbert
Goodbye my old friend Mike! I will remember our many conversations and your smile and your laugh! I wish I had met you earlier in our lives! Our condolences to PA and to Mike’s family.
Phyllis C Tutty
Sorry to hear of Mike’s passing . Mike will be missed by the people who knew him.
Please accept my condolences.
Jill and Bill Rafuse
Sincere sympathy for your loss. A life well lived.
Sue & Jim Hunt
To P.A .and Michael’s family
So sorry for your loss. Mike was such a kind-hearted soul to everyone one he met, always with a smile. He will surely be missed by all who ever had contact with him.
Please accept our condolences and may your memories help you through this difficult time.
Bonnie Mitton
So sad to hear, my heart goes out to the entire family. Such a kind soul, he will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all.
Frits and Nelleke Beran
Patricia,
Michael’s passing has saddened us. He was a special friend, cheerful, kind and engaging. We fondly remember him during annual outings with a team from our curling club playing in the Brainerd Carlyle bonspiel in Toronto. And he was always very supportive and enthusiastic in his participation in the Interclub and Wednesday morning curling competitions.
We will miss him.
Frits and Nelleke Beran
lornamacp@gmail.com
To Michael’s family,
I met Michael at the World Junior Curling event in 2019. I was immediately impressed by his warmth and genuine interest. I felt like I had known him forever. I was so sorry to hear that he was sick, and reading of his death has saddened me.
To his family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy.
Sincerely, Lorna MacPherson
Jeff Anderson
Dear Family,
I have many fond memories of Mike going all the way back to summer pool side BBQs at his place with our two families all the way to the kind advice he gave to me as a young adult just starting my career.
Mike was very much a one of a kind, and a truly wonderful soul.
Linda Lucier
This is such sad news, anyone who knew Mike knew how much he loved life and how much he seemed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.It always a pleasure to meet him , anywhere anyplace. You always left his company feeling happier. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful friend to all. Rest easy Mike . I will always miss your big smile. You always made me feel like you were glad to see me as I was to see you.. my sincere condolences to the whole family and to Mikes many friends. It’s a sad day.
Dagmar Egger
I am saddened to hear of Michael’s passing. I had the pleasure and privilege to work directly with Michael for several years at NB. I learned so much from him about the industry and had such great respect for his professionalism and dedication to his clients. He was a role model to many, generous with his time and never refused to help a rookie. His good humour and love of life was contagious, in particular on St. Patrick’s Day which I remember was always properly celebrated. Working with him I had the opportunity to witness what a loving family man he was proud and protective of his family and loved ones. He will forever remain in my thoughts as a true gentleman. My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Patricia and the whole Rochford family.
Catherine Laurin
Dear Pat,
Dear Tyler, Ryan and family,
My most sincere condolences for your loss. Michael is one of those gentleman that you meet which automatically generates a smile from the encounter from his general kindness and class. A true gentleman that you would always be happy to see, run by (as I sat near him for many years at BMO NB) , or simply have a warm chat with. He will be greatly missed by us all.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to you all.
Catherine
Deborah and Sebastian Spartinelli
So sorry for the loss of a good man. May you take comfort from a life well lived!
daniel limoges
It was an honor to work with Michael. Being the new kid on the block at Nesbitt back in 1988, Michael immediately offered his help and guidance. Working, hiking, curling, sharing Jamieson on St. Patrick’s day, all good memories. Even though his Irish temper would flare up once in awhile and not for long, I will remember Michael for his kindness, generosity and his big smile.
Rest in peace Michael.
my condolences to Patricia and family.
Tom and Rachel Claflin
Dear PA, Tyler, Ryan and your entire family,
I have so many great memories of Mike from our curling events over the years. But our visit to your home near Liverpool NS one summer was particularly memorable. We visited on our boat on a voyage from Cape Cod and had a glorious dinner outdoors together enjoying the ocean view. We took home with us a few large stones from the beach in front of your home. Today they are in a special place in our Concord MA home as cherished memories of our time together. While Mike is no longer with us in person, his spirit will be with us forever.
Tom and Rachel
Barry Rodger
My deepest condolences for you all. You will be missed Uncle Mike and please let me know about the wake. Wish we had more time to spend together.
Much love
Barry, Christine, Valerie and Kyle
Coco Wellington
Oh Michael was so special to us at the Country Club Curling community. Michael and we always had a laugh and fun time together. He is so missed
Love
Coco and Benj Wellington
Jo Anne Kelly Rudy
To Michael’s family and friends.
Just heard this past week that Michael passed.
My sympathy to all.
Jo Anne Kelly Rudy
Montreal
Michele Cherbaka
Dear Tyler and Nancy, Ryan and Ioana, grandchildren and Pat and family.
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for the loss of Mike.We enjoyed so many good times together.We have unforgettable memories of the good old days at Loyola, our first lobster feast, fun times in the Laurentians, neighbors in Montreal, Mike’s hearty laugh……We Will always hold a special place in our hearts for Mike.Our deepest sympathies to you all.We Will be with you in spirit this weekend, Love Norm and Michèle Cherbaka