Obituary of Mike Chisholm

James Micheal Chisholm was born on May 2, 1952 in St. Martha's Hospital, Antigonish to Gertie and Jack Chisholm of Ohio, the eldest of 11 children. He learned to farm alongside his father raising dairy and beef cattle; leaving an indelible mark on his life that shaped the man that he became. When he was 17 years old, Mike's father died, the whole family had to pull together to carry on farming. During this period, Mike met Michelle DeCoste, who became the love of his life. Together they began a family of their own, raising five children and today, 16 grandchildren. His life experiences granted him a respect for nature and the outdoors that always piqued his curiosity through weather, wildlife, foliage and foraging. In addition to being a farmer, Mike also invested 44 years into public service with the Department of Transportation operating a road grader. Dad was an accomplished hunter that never missed a season nor a shot. Sunday trips to Tim's, landing lobster gear, and trips to the rink became routine pleasures in his life. He loved a game of crib, slapstick laughs, and a perfect potato patch. Papa's generosity was limitless and felt by all he knew, especially his family. He lived to get a laugh and smile from his grandchildren. Later in his life, Mike was diagnosed with FTD, a form of dementia that compromises the nervous system. Throughout this difficult time, he was always accompanied by his loving wife of 47 years, Michelle. He is survived by his wife, Michelle and children; Chris (Pauline) their children Anna, David and Norah; Aimee (Mike MacLean) their children Jack, Rachel, Natalie and Lachie; Gabe (Riley) their children Alexandra, Simon and Myra; Jeff (Shana) their children Sophie, Isaac and Leo; Josh (Megan) their children Rex, Will and Finley; his cat George the 3rd; sisters, Judy (Walter Cameron), Bonita (John Willie MacLean), Mary (Dave MacInnis), brothers, John (Beverly), Jim, Donald (Anne Marie), Lawrence and his many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by sisters Mary (in infancy), Joan and Gwen, brother Gabriel and his parents-in-law, Curtis and Helen DeCoste. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 5 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass Monday, January 6 at 2:00 pm in St. Joseph's Church, St. Joseph's with Rev. Lazarus Guria presiding. Cremation to follow. Family flowers only please. Donations may be made to the R.K.MacDonald Foundation. www.MacIsaacs.ca