Michael Rae Ells

Michael Rae Ells, age 41, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning, January 30, 2023 in his sleep at his home in Dartmouth. Born in Kentville, he was the son of Wilfred and Debbie (Reese) Ells, of Woodside.

Michael (Mike) was quiet and introverted but if he held you close he would share and show you his heart. He was a compassionate man, kind and loving to his family and close friends including Brad, Shane, Onsie, and Mike (his roommate). In his younger years he enjoyed celebrations with the family, time on the farm and computer games. His later life was unfortunately overshadowed by his mental health struggles; however, The Lord provided him with a new hope and purpose when he moved back home to be with his Mum and Dad. He was able to be present and support his parents in the way the prior years didn’t allow. He’d always be the first to help out with dishes, prepare meals, and the many chores around the property. He loved to spend time in the garden with his Mum and found a new interest in this hobby. He grew his own vegetables last year and helped his Mum effortlessly with all of hers. Something they bonded over and loved.  He was there to help his Dad after his accident, caring for him daily in the little ways that assured him he was needed. He also enjoyed caring for all the many chickens at his parent’s home and wanted to have his own flock this coming year. He cared about his family and often shared his affection through daily messages and checking in on each other. Christmas was a special time as it had been many years since he was to join in such celebrations. He loved more than anything seeing how much joy it brought his Mum and Dad to have him there and seeing his efforts to recover. They loved him dearly with all of their hearts and pray for a peaceful eternity until they meet again.

He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Hubert (Gabby) and Amy Ells, Canning; maternal grandparents, Chester and Dorothy Reese, Cottage Cove; Uncle John and Aunt Wanda Corey, New Minas; Uncle Terry Ells of Canning; and cousin Melissa Eaton, Canning. In addition to his parents, Michael is survived by his brother, Peter Ells, wife Jill Johnson, and nephews Wyatt and Benjamin Ells of Whitecourt, Alberta; his birth mother Janice Brown and half-sister Alexis Young, both of Hamilton, Ontario; his Aunt Sherry Hockey of New Minas, Aunt Patricia Ells of Canning, and several cousins: Alicia MacIntyre of Bedford; Jonathan Corey of New Minas; Sarah Stewart of Souris, PEI; Katrina Hockey Hendrick of Maine, USA; James Ells of Canning and Brett Ells of Kentville. And of course, we can’t forget his beloved kitten Loki who stole Mike’s heart from the moment he laid eyes on him. Unfortunately dear little Loki passed away in June, has been cremated and Mike and Loki will be buried together.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation, by request. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023 in the Jawbone Corner Cemetery, Canard. An informal reception will be held at his parents house following the funeral. Please come and join us for a piece of strawberry shortcake in Mike’s memory, one of his favourite desserts.  Donations in memory may be made to Direction 180, a local resource for those struggling with mental health and substance use issues, or the Canadian Mental Health Association. The family would like to express a thank you to those who sent prayers, flowers, food, cards, phone calls and condolences to help the family on this journey of grieving. A special thanks to Tara and Melissa for all their kindness. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.